Day: June 11, 2024

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier
by FSL News

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier

The Benin Republic made history on Monday by defeating the Super Eagles for the first time with a 2-1 win.

As a result, The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification is now in jeopardy. With only three points from four World Cup qualification matches, Nigeria risks missing out on the next football tournament.

The Super Eagles were aiming for a victory after drawing with South Africa a few days earlier, and although the game started well for the Nigerians, they had to wait 25 minutes to take the lead.

Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge gave the Super Eagles the advantage by calmly slotting the ball home inside the box.

The Cheetahs of Benin, led by former Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr, scored to tie the game in the 37th minute through Jodei Dossou after a defensive mistake from the Super Eagles. They then extended Nigeria’s troubles with a goal from Steve Mounie just before halftime.

In the second half, Nigeria made some changes to try to find an equalizer, but the Cheetahs defended well to secure one of the biggest wins in football. After Monday’s result, Nigeria is currently in 5th place in the Group C qualification standings for the 2026 World Cup.

Josh Koroma makes Sierra Leone's debut in World Cup qualifier
by FSL News

Josh Koroma makes Sierra Leone debut in World Cup qualifier

Josh Koroma, a striker for Huddersfield Town, made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso in match day four of the FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

At 25 years old, Koroma was a late addition to coach Amidu Karim’s squad and was substituted into the match in the 78th minute, replacing Augustus Kargbo.

A fantastic goal by striker Amadou Bakayoko secured a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. Bakayoko came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place, while Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Next up, Burkina Faso will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while Sierra Leone will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea
by FSL News

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea

The Black Stars have been performing well in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They had a thrilling comeback win against Mali in Bamako, followed by a 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on Monday, 10 June.

Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta both scored hat-tricks as Ghana secured the win. This victory came after their previous 2-1 triumph over Mali in Bamako.

Meanwhile, the Stallions of Burkina Faso were disappointed to drop points in a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali.

In Group G, Mozambique surprised Guinea with a 1-0 win, earning maximum points on the road.

Ghana 4 – 3 Central African Republic

In a dramatic match, Ghana emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in Kumasi.

Burkina Faso 2 – 2 Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso missed an opportunity to close the gap with a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako.

Guinea 0 – 1 Mozambique

Mozambique secured a 1-0 win over Guinea with a late goal by Geny Catamo.

10 June

Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone (Group A)

Guinea Bissau 1-1 Egypt (Group A)

Benin 2-1 Nigeria (Group C)

Guinea 0-1 Mozambique (Group G)

Uganda 1-2 Algeria (Group G)

Somalia 1-3 Botswana (Group G)

Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Malawi (Group H)

Ghana 4-3 Central African Republic (Group I)

Striker Amadou Bakayoko rescues against Burkina Faso in Bamako
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko rescues Sierra Leone against Burkina Faso

Striker Amadou Bakayoko’s fantastic goal saved a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. He came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

Burkina Faso had a strong start, with Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, making a couple of good saves. The Stallions also hit the post through their top striker, Lassina Traoré.

But a strong show from the Leone Stars saw Burkina Faso lose a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali on Monday.

The Leone Stars were under pressure from the start and conceded in the 42nd minute when Dango Ouattara beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara to make it 1-0 to Burkina Faso after being set up by Stephane Aziz Ki.

The Stallions maintained their momentum after scoring the opening goal and extended their lead through Lassina Traore in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a penalty. Burkina Faso led 2-0 at the break.

Despite this, the visitors managed to score against the run of play in the 58th minute when Augustus Kargbo found the net, narrowing the score to 2-1.

The Comeback

In a strategic move, Coach Amidu Karim introduced Amadou Bakayoko with four minutes left, and the 28-year-old proved to be an inspired substitute by scoring in the 88th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place as Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Looking ahead, the Stallions will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while the Leone Stars will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Burkina Faso (2) 2 (Ouattara 41′, L. Traore 45’+2)

Sierra Leone (0) 2 (Kargbo 58′, Bakayoko 88′)

Burkina Faso: Nikiema, Tapsoba, Nagalo, Yago, Ouedraogo, Banse, Ki (Sampore 69′), Badolo (Toure 89′), Bande (H. Traore 80′), Ouattara (Bouda 88′), L. Traore (Konate 69′).

Sierra Leone: M. N Kamara, Kakay, Samadia (R Michael 86′), Kabia, Davies, Dumbuya (Conteh 69′), Alhassa Koroma, Alh Koroma, Kanu (Bakayoko 86′), Kaikai (Bundu 69′), Kargbo (J. Koroma 78′).