Author: Alusine Rehme Wilson

Ex-Leone Stars Assistant Coach Kpaka Reflects on "Proud and Resilient" National Team Journey
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Paul Kpaka Reflects on “Proud and Resilient” National Team Journey

Former Leone Stars Assistant Coach Paul Augustine Kpaka has expressed pride in the achievements of the outgoing Sierra Leone national team technical staff, describing their tenure as a journey marked by passion, resilience, and a renewed belief in the country’s football potential.

In remarks issued on Saturday, June 6, following the recent changes to the Leone Stars coaching setup, the former Sierra Leone international said serving on the national team’s technical bench had been “a profound honour”. It highlighted the progress made during the past year under former head coach Mohamed Kallon.

Kpaka said the coaching team had worked tirelessly to build a competitive and cohesive squad, establish a clear football identity, and create a foundation capable of delivering sustained success for Sierra Leone on the continental stage. “Together, we became beacons of hope, restoring belief and showcasing Sierra Leonean football’s true potential to a global audience,” Kpaka said.

According to him, the technical team sought not only to improve results on the pitch but also to raise professional standards, strengthen player commitment, and position the Leone Stars for qualification and success at future editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

While expressing disappointment over what he described as the abrupt and unfair end to their tenure, Kpaka said the circumstances would not overshadow the accomplishments achieved during their time in charge.

“Football teaches us that every setback is just preparation for the next comeback,” he noted, adding that the coaching staff leaves its role “stronger, wiser, and ready for the next challenge.” 

The former striker also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation, insisting that temporary setbacks should not diminish confidence in Sierra Leonean football’s future.

Kpaka reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Leone Stars, describing the national team as a symbol of national pride and the aspirations of millions of Sierra Leoneans. “Our loyalty remains unwavering. The Leone Stars must embody the spirit of the nation, with the aspirations of millions reflected in every match,” he said.

He concluded by pledging continued support for the national team from wherever he may be, declaring, “Long live the Leone Stars. Long live Sierra Leone.”

Kpaka’s statement comes amid significant changes within the national team setup, bringing an end to a coaching era that many supporters believe helped restore optimism and competitiveness to Sierra Leone’s football landscape.

Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia

Sierra Leone has on Monday, June 1, 2026, named a 25-man squad for next month’s international friendlies against regional rivals Liberia, with caretaker coach John Keister set to lead the Leone Stars in the two-match series.

The squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talent as Sierra Leone continues preparations for future continental and global competitions.

Key attacking names include experienced Sullay KaiKai, Mustapha Bundu, Mohamed Buya Turay and Amadou Bakayoko, while highly rated Manchester City defender Abdulai Juma Bah and forward Daniel Kanu are among the younger players selected.

The Leone Stars will host Liberia at the Southern Arena in Bo City on June 6 before travelling to Monrovia for the return fixture at the SKD Sports Complex on June 9.

Amidst coaching uncertainty, the scheduled matches will offer Keister an opportunity to assess his squad, strengthen team chemistry, and evaluate new options as Sierra Leone seeks to build momentum on the international stage.

The Mano River Union neighbours share a longstanding football rivalry, and the two friendlies are expected to provide a competitive test for both sides despite their non-competitive status.

With a mix of established performers and rising prospects, Sierra Leone’s latest squad signals a continued focus on squad development and long-term team building ahead of upcoming international assignments.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/2061675032665850219

Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
Sierra Leone turn to John Keister as Leone Stars caretaker coach
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

John Keister returns to lead Sierra Leone as interim coach

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has appointed Technical Director John Edward Keister as caretaker head coach of the Leone Stars for the upcoming double-header international friendlies against Liberia, as uncertainty continues to surround the team’s long-term leadership ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Keister, a former FC Johansen, Bo Rangers FC and Leone Stars coach, returns to the dugout alongside assistants Alhaji Foray of Bo Rangers and Mohamed Lamin Kamara of East End Lions, forming an interim technical team tasked with restoring stability and sharpening competitive performance solely for the warm-up home and away games against Liberia on June 6 and June 9.

His return comes after his previous spell ended following Sierra Leone’s failure to reach the 2023 AFCON, which led to his dismissal amid a poor run of results. Despite that setback, Keister remains a defining figure in modern Leone Stars history. 

The former Bo Rangers boss previously guided Sierra Leone to the 2021 AFCON finals, ending a 25-year absence from the continental tournament. That period was widely credited for rebuilding the squad’s identity through youth integration and experienced core selection, even though consistency in competitive qualifiers remained a recurring challenge.

According to the SLFA, Keister is now back as interim charge for just two games and would face a transitional window with pressure to assess squad depth, restore tactical structure, and set a clearer competitive direction as attention turns toward AFCON 2027 qualification.

However, reaction among supporters remains divided. One fan in Freetown summed up the sentiment: “He brought us back to AFCON after so many years, but we can not keep going in cycles; we need a clear direction now.”

Kamara Nets Haul as Bamoi Queens Crush Future Queens 8-0 in Playoff Opener
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Kamara Nets Haul as Bamoi Queens Crush Future Queens 8-0 in Playoff Opener

Bamoi Queens Football Club announced themselves as serious contenders for promotion with a ruthless 8-0 win over Future Queens in the opening match of the North West Region Football Association (NWRFA) Women’s First Division Playoffs at the Port Loko Mini Stadium.

The standout performer was prolific forward Kadiatu M. Kamara, who delivered a masterclass in finishing by scoring four goals and earning the Player of the Match award in a dominant display that left Future Queens with no answer to her attacking brilliance.

Kamara’s four-goal haul spearheaded a commanding team performance as Bamoi Queens overwhelmed their opponents from the first whistle, combining clinical finishing with disciplined defending to secure one of the biggest victories in recent regional women’s football competition.

Buoyed by a passionate home crowd, Bamoi Queens controlled possession, dictated the tempo and repeatedly breached the Future Queens defence, underlining their determination to reach the nationwide playoffs and secure promotion to the 2026/27 Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League.

Future Queens endured a difficult afternoon as they struggled to contain the relentless attacking waves from their opponents, conceding eight goals in a one-sided contest that showcased the gulf between the two sides on the day.

The ongoing NWRFA Women’s First Division Playoffs serve as the regional qualifying tournament for the national promotion playoffs, where clubs will compete for coveted places in Sierra Leone’s top-tier women’s football league.

For Bamoi Queens, the emphatic victory not only earned three valuable points but also sent a powerful message to rival teams that they possess both the quality and ambition to challenge for promotion.

With the playoffs continuing in the coming days, Bamoi Queens have already laid down an early marker, while Kadiatu M. Kamara’s remarkable four-goal performance has established her as one of the tournament’s players to watch.

Sierra Leone’s U-17 Girls Crash Out of World Cup Qualifiers After Benin Seal Double Victory
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone’s U-17 Girls Crash Out of World Cup Qualifiers After Benin Seal Double Victory

Sierra Leone’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco ended in disappointment on Friday evening after the country’s U-17 female side suffered a second straight defeat to Benin in the African qualifiers.

The young Sierra Queens, coached by Fatmata “Taribo” Turay, lost 2-1 to Benin in the return leg played on Friday evening at the Kegue Stadium in Togo, following a heavy 3-0 defeat in the first leg on Monday, May 25. The result sealed a crushing 5-1 aggregate victory for Benin and confirmed Sierra Leone’s elimination from the race to Morocco.

During the crucial encounter, Benin opened the scoring in the return leg through Doris Ogoubi in the first half before Sierra Leone responded with an equalizer from Mariama Kamara, briefly raising hopes of a comeback for the West African side.

However, Benin restored their advantage after the break when captain Emmanuella Tchibozo found the net to secure another victory for her team. Despite a more spirited performance in the second encounter, the young Sierra Queens were unable to overturn the first-leg deficit as Benin maintained composure to advance to the next stage of the continental qualifiers.

The back-to-back defeats represent a significant setback for Sierra Leone’s growing women’s football program, which has been striving for greater competitiveness on the African stage.

Nonetheless, the campaign underscored the determination and potential of the country’s young female players amid ongoing challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and player development.

Sierra Leone’s U-17 Head Coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay and her squad are expected to return home for a review of the campaign as football authorities begin preparations for future regional and international competitions.

The qualification series for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 continues across Africa, with countries battling for one of the eight available slots in the ongoing second round to progress to the Africa continent’s limited places at the global tournament.

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Sierra Leone’s Under-17 female team faces a daunting challenge in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Benin in Monday’s first-leg clash in Lome, Togo.

The young Sierra Queens were punished by a clinical Benin side at the Kegue Stadium, with Romaine Gandonou striking in the 16th and 67th minutes while Diane Dogbe added a second-half goal in the 57th minute to hand the Young Amazons a commanding advantage.

Head Coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay’s side struggled to contain Benin’s attacking pressure despite moments of resilience, leaving Sierra Leone with a mountain to climb ahead of Thursday’s crucial return-leg underway at the Kegue Stadium.

The defeat puts West African teams on the brink of elimination, meaning the Sierra Queens must produce an extraordinary comeback to keep their hopes of reaching the next stage of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup alive.

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Eye Historic World Cup Spot
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Eye Historic World Cup Spot

Sierra Leone’s U-17 girls are now just one step away from securing a historic place in the final qualifying phase of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after edging past Cote D’Ivoire in a tense first-round encounter last month.

The young Sierra Queens advanced with grit and determination, keeping alive the nation’s dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, to be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7 this year.

With the first hurdle cleared in April, Sierra Leone is in good sharp ready to handle Benin in the second round of the African qualifiers, a tie that could move them within touching distance of the last eight and closer to an unprecedented World Cup appearance.

The first leg will be played on Monday, May 25, at the Kegue stadium in Lome, before the return leg on May 29, 2026, at the same venue, where Sierra Leone will seek to finish the job and continue their remarkable campaign.

Across the continent, 16 nations, including Sierra Leone, remain in contention, as Africa’s rising stars battle for qualification to the global showpiece. While traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and South Africa once again dominate the headlines, Sierra Leone’s emergence has become one of the competition’s most compelling stories.

The West African football-loving nation’s U-17 Women’s team, led by Fatmata “Taribo” Turay as head coach, has so far shown resilience and tactical discipline in the qualifiers, qualities that proved decisive against their Ivorian counterparts last month and could again be crucial against Benin in the coming days.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers second round will begin on Friday, May 22, with an East African derby between Uganda and Kenya in Kampala, while Senegal hosts Cameroon in another crucial tie.

The following day, continental giants Nigeria will travel to Abidjan to face Guinea, while Ghana will welcome Liberia in Accra, and Tanzania hosts South Africa in Zanzibar in another highly anticipated clash. 

For Sierra Leone, however, the spotlight will firmly remain on their showdown with Benin, a contest carrying the weight of national expectation and the possibility of another landmark achievement for women’s football in the country.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers – Full Second Round Fixtures:

First Legs

  • ● Uganda vs. Kenya — 22 May, Kampala
  • ● Senegal vs. Cameroon — 22 May, Dakar
  • ● Tanzania vs. South Africa — 23 May, Zanzibar City
  • ● Zambia vs. DR Congo — 23 May, Ndola
  • ● Ghana vs. Liberia — 23 May, Accra
  • ● Guinea vs. Nigeria — 23 May, Abidjan
  • ● Ethiopia vs Burundi — 24 May, Addis Ababa
  • ● Benin vs. Sierra Leone — 25 May, Lome

Second Legs

  • ●Sierra Leone vs. Benin — 29 May, Lome
  • ●Kenya vs. Uganda — 30 May, Nairobi
  • ● Burundi vs. Ethiopia — 30 May, Bujumbura
  • ● Cameroon vs. Senegal — 30 May, Yaounde
  • ● Liberia vs. Ghana — 30 May, Paynesville
  • ● DR Congo vs. Zambia — 31 May, Lubumbashi
  • ● South Africa vs. Tanzania — 31 May, Tshwane
  • ● Nigeria vs. Guinea — 31 May, Ikenne
Mighty Blackpool and East End Lions Storm Into Sierra Leone FA Cup Final
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Mighty Blackpool and East End Lions Storm Into Sierra Leone FA Cup Final

Sierra Leone’s football season is set for a dramatic climax after traditional giants Mighty Blackpool and East End Lions advanced to the final of the 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup following a thrilling semifinal weekend in Freetown.

Mighty Blackpool FC sealed their place in the final on Saturday evening after overcoming ambitious newcomers Abacha City FC 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the SLFA Academy Playing Field following a tense goalless draw in regulation time.

The victory kept Blackpool’s hopes alive for another major domestic honour and underlined the club’s resilience in one of the most unpredictable FA-Cup campaigns in recent years.

Twenty-four hours later, East End Lions FC joined their long-time rivals in the grand finale after edging FC Kallon 1-0 at the Approved School Playing Field.

The decisive moment came just before halftime when forward Innocent Emmanuel Uduk struck in the 43rd minute, sending the “Killers” into celebration and crushing FC Kallon’s hopes of reaching the final.

FC Kallon’s exit added another dramatic twist to this year’s tournament since they had emerged as one of the favourites after eliminating defending champions Bo Rangers FC in the quarterfinals, a result that shocked many followers of Sierra Leonean football.

Instead, the competition will now culminate in a blockbuster clash between two of the country’s most successful and passionately supported clubs.

The final is expected to rekindle one of Sierra Leone’s fiercest football rivalries, with Mighty Blackpool nicknamed as the “Tis-Tas Boys” and East End Lions alias “The Killers,” preparing to battle for national supremacy and the right to be crowned 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA-Cup champions.

As football enthusiasts across the country anticipate a charged atmosphere for the showdown, which promises a fresh chapter in the historic rivalry between the two Freetown-based clubs, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has confirmed to Football Sierra Leone that an official date for the 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA-Cup final is yet to be announced, noting that details will be communicated in due course.

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

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.