Month: May 2026

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has asked his team to show their character against AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday.

This is Sundowns’ last chance to win a trophy this season after losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy, which hurt their hopes of defending their Premiership title.

They finished the league three points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who still have two games left. Sundowns have struggled in continental competitions, winning only two of their six group matches and losing to Stade Malien in the quarter-finals. They beat ES Tunis 1-0 at home and away to reach the final again.

“The season still has two matches left. It’s time to gather our energy,” said Cardoso. “The players will show their strength for the Champions League final.”

Al-Zaeem are in the final for the second time, having won it in 1985. They surprised many by drawing with Al Ahly and beating Pyramids in the quarter-finals.

Santos’ team lost just their second game in 14 when they were beaten 1-0 by RS Berkane in the semi-finals, but they secured their final spot with a 2-0 win in the first leg.

“Pressure can motivate us. We focus on keeping players calm while respecting the opponent,” said Santos. “Reaching the final means we deserve to be there, and we will aim for a good result.”

Four Clubs Battle for Sierra Leone FA Cup Title as Continental Race Intensifies
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Four cubs battle for Sierra Leone FA Cup title as Continental race intensifies

The race to the 2026 Sierra Leone Orange FA Cup reaches a decisive stage this weekend as four of the country’s top football clubs battle for places in the grand final and a coveted ticket to continental football.

Historic sides and emerging contenders, namely East End Lions, FC Kallon, Mighty Blackpool, and Abacha City, will clash in two high-stakes semifinal encounters as the competition enters its final stretch.

The first contest is against Mighty Blackpool and Abacha City on Saturday, May 16, at the SLFA Academy Field in Freetown, with a kickoff scheduled for 4:15 p.m. The second semifinal will follow on Sunday at the Approved School Playing Field, where FC Kallon will take on East End Lions at the same time.

All four clubs have navigated difficult paths to reach the last four of Sierra Leone’s premier knockout football competition.

Abacha City booked their semifinal place after overcoming SLIFA FC, Kabala City and Old Edwardians in a spirited cup run that has established them as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

East End Lions, which stands taller as one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated football clubs, advanced by defeating Chico Meyers, Diamond Stars and Star Sports Academy, continuing their pursuit of another major domestic title.

Mighty Blackpool, another traditional powerhouse from Sierra Leone with a richer football history, secured victories over Yamabatu Stars, Marampa Stars and Freetown City to keep their cup ambitions alive. FC Kallon, meanwhile, produced one of the tournament’s standout moments by eliminating defending champions Bo Rangers FC after earlier wins against AI-Kallon and Ram Kamara FC.

Beyond a place in the final, this year’s semifinals carry enormous significance as the eventual 2026 Sierra Leone Orange FA-Cup winners will claim Sierra Leone’s sole qualification spot for the next edition of the CAF Confederation Cup, which is dubbed as Africa’s prestigious secondary club competition.

With domestic glory and continental qualification at stake, expectations are building for an intense weekend of football as Sierra Leone’s surviving contenders fight to keep their silverware dreams alive.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/2055548061632368820

Tunisia named squad for FIFA 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia coach Lamouchi names squad for the FIFA 2026 World Cup

Tunisia announced its team for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday. This will be their seventh appearance at the tournament.

The team will compete against the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden in the group stage. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri is the most notable player on the squad.

Captain Ferjani Sassi, who has played 101 times for Tunisia, and defender Yassine Meriah, who is close to his 100th cap, were both left out of the team.

Tunisia qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row by finishing first in its group during the CAF qualifiers. The team earned 28 points from 10 games and impressively did not concede any goals.

TUNISIA FULL SQUAD FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen, Sabri Ben Hassen, Abdelmouhib Chamakh

Defenders: Yan Valery, Moutaz Neffati, Dylan Bronn, Raed Chikhaoui, Montassar Talbi, Adem Arous, Omar Rekik, Ali Abdi, Mohamed Ben Hmida

Midfielders: Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Rani Khedira, Mortadha Ben Ouanes, Ismaël Gharbi, Mohamed Hadj-Mahmoud, Hannibal

Forwards: Elias Saad, Khalil Ayari, Elias Achouri, Sebastian Tounekti, Hazem Mastouri, Firas Chawat, Rayan Elloumi

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali

South Africa overcame Senegal 2-1 in their opening match on Thursday. Senegal started strong, scoring first in the 44th minute with a goal from Cheickh Thior.

In the second half, Inganathi Simama equalised for South Africa just three minutes in. South Africa took the lead in the 55th minute after an own goal by Thior, and then held firm to secure the win.

  • Senegal 1-2 South Africa – Scorers: Cheickh Thior (44’) / Inganathi Simama (48’), Cheickh Thior (55’ OG)

Tanzania won 3-0 against Mozambique, dominating the match from the start. Dismas Athanasi scored the first goal in the 27th minute. An own goal by Pascoal Miambo in the 35th minute made it 2-0. In the 63rd minute, Razaki Mbegelendi sealed the victory with another goal.

Angola and Mali played to a goalless draw in their Group C opener at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Mali created more chances, but Angola’s goalkeeper Gelson Dala made several key saves to secure a point for his team.

Algeria drew 2-2 with Ghana in a thrilling match. Ghana scored early with goals from Isaac Barfo and Eric Gyamfi. Algeria fought back in the second half, with Ilyes Grini and Melwane Zaidi scoring to level the match after being two goals down.

A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
Fines levied as Lions awarded FA Cup victory after crowd violence halts crunch tie
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Fines levied as East End Lions awarded victory after crowd violence halts crunch tie

 The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has awarded East End Lions FC a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Orange FA Cup after crowd violence and disorder forced the abandonment of their controversial quarter-final clash against Star Sport Academy.

In a disciplinary ruling issued on Wednesday, May 13, the local football federation confirmed that the match, played at its Academy Field on May 3, was abandoned in the 86th minute following violent scenes that included a pitch invasion and clashes involving individuals linked to both clubs.

After reviewing match officials’ reports, witness accounts and video evidence, the FA Cup Disciplinary Committee ruled that Star Sport Academy forfeited the fixture, allowing the 2-1 scoreline in favour of East End Lions to stand.

The decision sends East End Lions into the semi-finals while triggering a series of sanctions against officials and players of both clubs over their roles in the disturbances.

A fine of NLe 5,000 equals USD 218, has been levied on Star Sport Academy, while their Chief Executive Officer, Samba Kanu, received a six-match suspension plus a fine of NLe 8,000 equals USD 348, for allegedly inciting the unrest. Players Abdul Budu Kamara and Abu Bakarr A. Kamara have each been handed three-match bans and fined NLe 2,000, which equals USD 87, for violent conduct during the incident.

The disciplinary committee also sanctioned East End Lions FC, imposing a fine of NLe 5,000 equals USD 218, on the club for failing to control supporters found to have participated in the disorder.

The local football federation further warned clubs, officials and supporters that future incidents of misconduct could attract stiffer punishments, including possible exclusion from competitions, and stressed that all fines must be settled before the next official fixtures of the respective clubs.

While the incident has reignited concerns over crowd management and matchday security in Sierra Leonean football as domestic competitions continue to gain wider regional and international attention, and the ruling underlines the FA’s increasingly hardline approach against violence and indiscipline in the game, they should, however, double up on their violence prevention mechanisms on match days without delay.

However, with the semi-final dates yet to be confirmed,  East End Lions are expected to face FC Kallon while Abacha City takes on Mighty Blackpool in the other last-four encounter as the race for the 2026 Sierra Leone Orange FA Cup intensifies.

Morocco held to draw in U-17 opener as Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda impress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco held to draw in U-17 opener as Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda impress

Morocco and Tunisia played to a 1-1 draw in a competitive North African derby at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Wednesday evening.

The match took place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, where Morocco had strong support from their fans. The defending champions controlled the game for much of the time but struggled against a well-organised Tunisian team.

Tunisia scored first in the 27th minute through Yahya Jlidi, whose calm finish shocked the home crowd and gave Tunisia a valuable lead at halftime.

After the break, Morocco increased their urgency, pushing for an equaliser while Tunisia stayed solid defensively and posed a threat on counterattacks.  

Morocco finally equalised in the 76th minute when Ilian Hadidi scored, sparking celebrations in the stadium. Despite Morocco’s late pressure, Tunisia held on for a crucial point in a closely fought Group A match.

In another match, Egypt and Ethiopia played to a 0-0 draw. This result leaves Group A open, as both teams had their chances but were unable to score. Egypt had more possession, while Ethiopia looked to attack quickly with player Dawit Kassaw Yirdaw.

Egypt’s Mohamed Attia and Ahmed Safwat showed some creativity, but Ethiopia’s strong defence kept them from finding the net.

Uganda started their campaign strongly in Group B with a 3-0 win over DR Congo. This victory puts Uganda on level points with Côte d’Ivoire, which won against Cameroon earlier in the day.

Uganda dominated the match against DR Congo, scoring first in the 37th minute through Owen Mukisa and adding a second goal by Nicholas Kawooya just before halftime.

In the second half, despite DR Congo’s efforts, Uganda remained strong in defence and secured the win with a third goal from Abdulshakur Babi in the 82nd minute. This victory gives Uganda a strong start in their bid for the knockout stages and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire also started well in Group B, beating Cameroon 2-0. Ange Nomane scored the first goal in the 52nd minute, and Hubert Yao added a second goal later. This win positions Côte d’Ivoire favourably in the competitive group with Uganda and DR Congo.

Kallon reapplies for Leone Stars job amid global race for top coaching role
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Mohamed Kallon seeks a return as Sierra Leone national head coach

Former Leone Stars head coach Mohamed Kallon has officially confirmed that he has reapplied for the position of head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior national men’s football team following the close of applications announced by the Sierra Leone Football Association.

His confirmation comes a few hours after the SLFA disclosed on Wednesday, May 12, 2026, that it received a total of 79 applications for the coveted Leone Stars coaching position, including submissions from three local coaches and 76 international applicants.

Kallon, a former Sierra Leonean International and Leone Stars skipper, who was previously relieved of his duties as Leone Stars head coach, said his decision to reapply was guided by professionalism and adherence to established procedures.

“The Sierra Leone Football Association received my application through the General Secretary and official email for the senior national men’s team head coach position,” Kallon stated.

He described the public advertisement of the vacancy as a normal administrative process, stressing that his application was part of complying with professional coaching standards.

“The advertisement of the Head Coach vacancy for the Senior National men’s team is an administrative procedure. For the record, as a licensed coach, it’s a professional standard and compliance to submit my application and credentials through the official process. This is about following procedures,” he added.

Despite his previous dismissal on April 2, 2026, and the uncertainty surrounding the selection process, the former Leone Stars striker reaffirmed his commitment to serving Sierra Leone football. “Fingers crossed. Put me in your prayers. Despite all the ramifications and challenges, I will always put Mama Salone first,” Kallon said.

Meanwhile, the announcement has already generated widespread debate among football fans and stakeholders, with many closely watching whether the former national team coach will be handed a second spell in charge as Sierra Leone seeks to rebuild and strengthen its national football ambitions.

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after 62 years in the top flight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after over 60 years in the top flight

Egyptian top-tier outfit Ismaily, and three-time champion, has been relegated to the second division for the first time in over 60 years after Tuesday’s defeat

They lost their match against Wadi Degla 2-1 on May 12, which confirmed their drop to the lower league. Ismaily ended the season stuck at the bottom of the table with just 19 points, falling 11 points behind Kahrabaa Ismailia, the first team outside the relegation zone.

This season, four teams will be relegated. Ismaily last faced relegation in the 1957-1958 season and quickly returned to the top league in 1962-1963.

Nicknamed “The Dervishes,” it has struggled with a financial crisis for several years, which has hindered its ability to compete with wealthier clubs.

Ismaily was founded in 1924 and won its first league title in 1967. In 1969, it became the first Egyptian club to win an African championship by defeating TP Mazembe. The club also reached the final of the African Champions League in 2002 but lost to Enyimba.

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco

The CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 begins on Wednesday, featuring 16 teams vying for continental glory and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

The tournament runs from May 13 to June 2, following a festival-style format that combines matches, training, and team activities in one location.

Most matches will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, while the opening match, semi-finals, and final will be held at an alternative venue. The eight quarter-finalists will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while the four third-placed teams will compete in playoffs for the last two spots.

Defending champions Morocco lead Group A, facing Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, Morocco aims to defend their title, relying on players like Adam Bougazir and Rami Loukmani. Their first match against Tunisia will be crucial. Tunisia’s coach, Nadjeh Toumi, will focus on strong defence and quick counterattacks.

In the other Group A game, Egypt takes on Ethiopia. Egypt, a former champion, seeks to reclaim its status, while Ethiopia returns to the tournament for the first time since 2003, having qualified with a 3-0 win over Kenya.

Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo. Côte d’Ivoire, recent WAFU B champions, rely on technical skills and key players like Bema Doumbia. Cameroon, led by Alioum Saidou, boasts physical strength and solid defence.

With a mix of past champions and newcomers, the opening day will set the stage for a tournament showcasing Africa’s rising football talents. Each team aims to reach the knockout stage and compete for the title of African champions.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule 

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone's Kamil Conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh returns to Bristol Rovers after the end of his loan deal

Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh, who joined Lincoln City on loan from Bristol Rovers until the end of the season, is set to return to his parent club after his loan spell.

The former Grimsby player could not join the high-flying City Imps squad next season after their promotion to the English Championship. Lincoln City secured promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after a 2-1 win over Reading in early April.

Conteh, 23, has played almost 150 competitive career matches after starting at Premier League side Watford. He has also played for EFL clubs Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town, and Bristol Rovers.

Conteh’s arrival completed City’s transfers for the January window, but he only managed a couple of appearances for the Lincoln-based team.