Author: FSL News

* Established in 2014 © 2021 FSL MediaFootball Sierra Leone - all you need to know about the game in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean footballers at home and abroad.Founded by Alie Ahmed Bittar in 2014, Bittar is one of the leading journalists from Sierra Leone with over 25 years covering football.The award-winning website also covers football from across the continent.We aim to continue pursuing up-to-date reports for our readers in Sierra Leone and across the globe.FSL Media is always informative, accurate and consistent. Make Football Sierra Leone Your daily news feed.Follow our social media pages on Twitter @football_sierra, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook. Permission to use our content is granted subject to crediting our website as the source.Contact: Managing Editor Alie Ahmed Bittar - Email: bittar@footballsierraleone.net - Tel: +44 (0) 7861141119
Kaizer Chiefs narrowly beat Zesco United in Zambia

Kaizer Chiefs narrowly beat Zesco United in Zambia

Thanks to an early goal from Pule Mmodi that turned out to be critical, Kaizer Chiefs claimed a slim but important 1–0 triumph over Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Chiefs got a dream beginning when Pule Mmodi reacted fastest within the box to score from close range after a corner, therefore giving them a strike in only the second minute. Moments before, Flávio Silva’s hit post from another corner signalled the Chiefs’ early control.

United reacted by driving forward and setting up several opportunities—especially through Amine Hiver, Leonard Mulenga, and Emmanuel Manda—but tough defending and a remarkable performance by goalie Brandon Petersen repeatedly denied their efforts.

As they sought an equaliser, ZESCO heightened the pressure in the second half, earning several free kicks and corners.

Chiefs stayed tough and earned a hard-fought shutout despite several injuries that caused delays.

Result: Zesco United 0 – 1 Kaizer Chiefs
Tanzania's side Azam edge Nairobi United in CAF Confederation Cup

Tanzanian outfit Azam edge Nairobi United in CAF Confederation Cup

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup action continued on Sunday, with Azam FC keeping their quarter-final hopes alive by defeating Nairobi United 2-1.

Nairobi took an early lead in the 13th minute through Dancan Omala, but Azam quickly equalised with a goal from Jephté Kitambala in the 17th minute.

The match remained intense, with both teams creating chances. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when an own goal by Nairobi’s Ernest Mohammed gave Azam a 2-1 lead.

Despite Nairobi’s efforts to equalise in the final minutes, Azam’s defence held strong, securing their victory amid pressure and six minutes of added time.

"St Éloi Lupopo overcomes MC Alger with a stoppage-time penalty

St Éloi Lupopo overcomes MC Alger with a stoppage-time penalty

St Éloi Lupopo rejuvenated their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign with a thrilling 1–0 victory over MC Alger on Sunday, netting the decisive goal deep into stoppage time in Lubumbashi.

The match’s turning point came in the fifth minute of added time when substitute Enock Molia was fouled in the box by defender Ghezala. Michael Kimputu converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Both teams struggled to create clear chances throughout the match. While Lupopo had a slight edge in possession, MC Alger maintained a solid defensive setup, appearing set to earn a draw.

With this win, Lupopo moves to four points from three matches, sitting third in Group C, while MC Alger remains at the bottom with one point, complicating their path to qualification.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal Omdurman lead the group with five points each, indicating a competitive race for the quarter-finals.

Mamelodi Sundowns share spoils with Al-Hilal in Champions League thriller

Mamelodi Sundowns share spoils with Al-Hilal in Champions League thriller

Mamelodi Sundowns and Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman ended their match in a 2-2 draw in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Friday night.

This result kept both teams in the running for qualification. Sundowns started strong but fell behind in the 15th minute when Omer Abdelrazig scored from close range after getting free at the near post.

The South Africans responded quickly, with Arthur Sales scoring just five minutes later, finishing calmly after Nuno Santos set up the play.

The game then turned tactical, with Sundowns holding more possession but struggling to find space against a solid Al-Hilal defence. Al-Hilal had to make an early substitution when Ousmane Diouf left the game due to injury.

Sundowns took the lead midway through the second half with a well-executed short corner. Teboho Mokoena hit a powerful shot into the near corner from outside the box.

However, just six minutes later, Abdelrazig scored again, converting a low cross to equalise.

Al-Hilal went down to ten men late in the game when Emmanuel Flommo received a red card. Despite this, Sundowns could not score again, and both teams ended up with one point.

Djoliba, Wydad and Kaizer Chiefs in CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend

Djoliba, Wydad and Kaizer Chiefs in CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend

The CAF Confederation Inter-club 2025/26 resumes this Friday, January 23, with Matchday 3 of the group stages starting across Africa.

After the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025, focus returns to club football this weekend, where Africa’s top teams continue their continental journeys.

With the first two rounds of group matches completed before the break, Matchday 3 is crucial for teams aiming to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The CAF Confederation Cup also picks up steam, featuring former champions, experienced teams, and excited newcomers all striving for success.

As qualification spots remain tight in several groups, Matchday 3 gives clubs a chance to improve their standings or get back in the race before the final rounds.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Fixtures (All times GMT)

Group A – Saturday, 24 January

19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs Djoliba AC (MLI)

Sunday, 25 January

16:00 — OCS Safi (MAR) vs  FC San Pedro (CIV)

Group B -Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — Nairobi United FC (KEN) vs Azam FC (TAN)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — Wydad AC (MAR) vs AS Maniema Union (DRC)

Group C – Sunday, 25 January
16:00 — Singida Black Stars (TAN) vs AS Otoho (CGO)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs Stellenbosch FC (RSA)

Group D- Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — ZESCO United FC (ZAM) vs Kaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — Zamalek SC (EGY) vs Al Masry SC (EGY)

Sullay Kaikai's stunning first-half helps Cambridge win over Fleetwood

Sullay Kaikai’s first-half stunner helps Cambridge win over Fleetwood

Sullay Kaikai scored as Cambridge maintained their League Two play-off pursuit with an away win as Fleetwood's search for a first victory of the new year continued.

Kaikai scored a great goal in the first half, but Ethan Ennis equalized with a penalty in the second half. James Gibbons then secured the win for Cambridge at Highbury, making it 11 league games without a loss.

Louis Appere missed the first chance of the match, heading the ball over the crossbar for the visitors.

Kaikai, from Sierra Leone, scored his seventh goal of the season for Cambridge with a fantastic free-kick after James Brophy was fouled near the box.

Kaikai almost assisted another goal when he set up Appere, but Appere shot wide.

In the 60th minute, Ched Evans of the Cod Army saw his volley go over the bar. Jay Lynch prevented Kaikai from scoring again by rushing off his line.

Fifteen minutes from the end, Evans earned a penalty, and Ennis scored to make it 1-1.

But Gibbons scored the winning goal with a strong shot through a crowded goal area eight minutes later.

Amad Diallo on target as Côte d'Ivoire cruise past Burkina Faso

Amad Diallo on target as Côte d’Ivoire cruise past Burkina Faso

In-form Manchester United winger, Amad Diallo scored the Côte d'Ivoire opener as they secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday night in Marrakesh, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The defending champions continue their quest for back-to-back titles, with Amad Diallo playing a crucial role by scoring the opening goal and assisting the second.

The Ivorians dominated from the start, with Diallo and Yan Diomandé posing constant threats to the Burkinabè defence. Diallo capitalised on a defensive error to chip in the first goal in the 20th minute, followed by Diomandé’s accurate finish from Diallo’s cross twelve minutes later.

Burkina Faso nearly scored before halftime when Dango Ouattara hit the post. The Stallions started the second half strongly but could not break through a disciplined Ivorian defence. Ousmane Diomandé sealed the victory with a goal in the 87th minute.

Amad Diallo was named Man of the Match, praising the team’s chemistry and collective effort. Burkina Faso’s coach Brama Traoré expressed disappointment over missing key players, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Emerse Faé highlighted the team’s quick reactions when losing possession and the strength of the collective performance.

10-man Mali knock-out Tunisia in penalty shootout

10-man Mali advance after penalty shootout win over Tunisia

Mali defeated Tunisia in a penalty shootout 3-2 after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 16 match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite being reduced to ten men within the first thirty minutes.

The thrilling clash took place on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, with El Bilal Touré stepping up to convert the decisive penalty, securing a hard-fought victory for Les Aigles.

Both sides approached the match with caution, resulting in limited scoring opportunities. Early on, Mali’s chances took a hit when right back Woyo Coulibaly was shown a red card for a late challenge on Hannibal Mejbri, leaving his team in a precarious position.

Tunisia struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Malian side, lacking the attacking flair to capitalise on its opportunities. Despite their physical play, Tunisia missed several set pieces, while Mali threatened on the counter-attack.

In the 89th minute, Tunisia found inspiration when Elias Saad crossed to substitute Firas Chaouat, who scored with a flicked header, seemingly securing a quarterfinal spot. However, a late penalty for Mali, converted by Sinayoko, levelled the score and sent the match into extra time.

The deadlock continued through extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Tunisia initially took the lead, but missed penalties from Bissouma and Abdi proved costly. Diarra’s save against Ben Romdhane opened the door for Touré, who scored the winning penalty for Mali.

Mali advances to face Senegal in the quarterfinals on January 9 in Tangier, following Senegal’s earlier win over Sudan.

Bradford City eye a loan move for Crystal Palace attacker Hindolo Mustapha

Bradford City eye a loan move for Crystal Palace attacker Hindolo Mustapha

Bradford City, currently in pursuit of promotion from League One, is one of several clubs vying for the services of the 19-year-old player following the recent termination of his loan at FC Nürnberg at the start of December.

The player received multiple offers for his first senior loan but chose to join German side FC Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga, seeking higher competition. However, after not meeting the expectations of manager Miroslav Klose, he made only two appearances for their reserve team.

Crystal Palace is open to loaning him again for more senior experience, preferably within England, for his development. Walsall in League Two has expressed ongoing interest, and Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has scouted him during several matches.

The player is contracted with Crystal Palace until 2028, having made 29 appearances for the Under-21 team last season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.

The youngster is a versatile forward and was named Palace’s Under-21 Player of the Season, nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award.

Internationally, he has represented Sierra Leone three times and trained with Crystal Palace’s first team during their mid-season camp in Marbella last year.

Tunisia progress as Nigeria wrap-up Group D with a comfortable win

Tunisia progress as Nigeria wrap up Group C with a comfortable win

At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tunisia progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations round of sixteen after their 1–1 draw with Tanzania on Tuesday.

Tunisia started strong, keeping possession early, but failed to increase their pace. They threatened the goal with Ismael Gharbi, whose powerful shot hit the post.

Just before halftime, Tunisia scored. Hazem Mastouri was fouled in the box by Bakari Mwamnyeto, and after a long VAR review, Tunisia was given a penalty. Gharbi converted the penalty, putting Tunisia ahead 1–0.

The first half was low in energy, but Tunisia managed their lead comfortably. After halftime, Tunisia chose to defend their lead instead of attacking further. This cautious strategy allowed Tanzania to gain confidence and push forward.

Tanzania found their chance in the 54th minute when Feisal Salum made a great shot from the edge of the area. The ball surprised goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and went into the netlevellingng the score.

In the final minutes, both teams made substitutions and appeared satisfied with a 1–1 draw. This result secured Tunisia’s place in the Round of 16 as the group’s second-placed team, while Tanzania kept hopes alive for qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Tunisia’s Coach Sami Trabelsi emphasised the importance of qualifying, stating, “We haven’t performed well in recent years, so this matters. We need to improve for the stronger teams ahead.” Tanzania’s Coach, Miguel Gamond, expressed pride in his team’s effort, noting the significance of this qualification for Tanzanian football.

Nigeria topped the group with a 3-1 victory over Uganda, effectively ending Uganda’s campaign. Nigeria’s Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute, while Raphael Onyedika scored twice after Uganda’s Salim Magoola received a red card in the 56th minute. Uganda managed to score in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato.

Nigeria finished with three wins, and Onyedika, named Man of the Match, reflected on his happiness and the need for focus in both practice and games.