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
Patson Daka nets in Leicester's impressive victory over West Ham
by FSL News

Patson Daka nets in Leicester’s impressive victory over West Ham

Zambia International Patson Daka scored as Ruud van Nistelrooy won his first game as Leicester City manager, leading the team to a 3-1 victory over West Ham at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday.

Jamie Vardy scored a goal just 98 seconds into Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game before Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka also scored, securing the win for Leicester City.

With this victory, Leicester moved up to 15th place in the Premier League, two points behind West Ham.

They did face some pressure during the game and relied on goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who made several excellent saves to keep the other team from scoring.

Daka came on in the second half to replace veteran striker Jamie Vardy, who started strong for Leicester with an early goal, and El Khannous added a second goal.

Daka finished the match with a goal similar to van Nistelrooy’s style. This was Daka’s first goal of the season. He has played three times since returning from injury.

Before Tuesday’s win, Leicester City had only two league wins this season.

Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko announced Baba Yara's return.
by FSL News

Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko announced Baba Yara’s return

Asante Kotoko, a prominent football club in Ghana, has officially announced its return to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the remainder of the season.

The team, recognized as the 24-time champions of the Ghana Premier League, had been utilizing the Len Clay Sports Stadium while Baba Yara underwent renovation.

Asante Kotoko has a distinguished history, having claimed the CAF Champions League title on two occasions and being honoured as the African Club of the Century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

In a recent statement, the club expressed, “We are pleased to announce our return to Baba Yara Stadium for our remaining home matches of the season.

This decision follows an official communication from the National Sports Authority confirming the completion of maintenance work at our historic venue.”

Currently, Asante Kotoko occupies the seventh position in the Ghana Premier League standings, trailing the leaders, Bibiani Gold Stars, by five points, with 22 matches left in the season.

Zamalek off to a strong start in Confederation Cup group stage
by FSL News

Zamalek off to a strong start in Confederation Cup group stage

Match Day 01 of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stages featured three notable matchups in northern Africa. Defending champions Zamalek SC from Egypt, USM Alger from Algeria, and RS Berkane from Morocco each hosted their opening matches.

Zamalek SC, a two-time champion, secured a solid 2-0 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls FC, with goals from Ahmed Abdelhamid and Nabil Emad.  

In Group B, RS Berkane triumphed 2-0 against Angola’s Club Desportivo de Lunda Sul, with Issoufou Dayo scoring both goals.

The final match saw USM Alger deliver a dominating 6-0 win against Orapa United from Botswana, featuring two goals from Ismail Belkacemi and contributions from Saadi Raouani, Wale Alli, Nabil Lamara, and Islam Mrili.  

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will continue with Match Day 02 on Sunday, December 8th.

Barbra Banda is the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
by FSL News

Zambia’s Barbra Banda wins BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

Zambia and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, emerging as the top vote-getter from BBC Sport readers following a five-player shortlist.

The shortlist was selected by a panel of global football experts based on performances from September 2023 to August 2024. Banda expressed her surprise and gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank everyone who voted and those who have supported me—my family, my national team, and the Pride team.”

At the Paris Olympics, Banda scored four goals for Zambia, including a hat-trick against Australia, making her the leading African goalscorer in Olympic history with 10. She also netted 13 goals for the Pride in the 2024 NWSL season, despite joining in March.

Aitana Bonmati from Spain and Barcelona came second in the voting, while Sophia Smith of the USA and Portland Thorns finished third. Banda became the second-most expensive women’s football signing in history when she transferred to the Pride for $740,000 (£581,000).

Banda, who ranked 12th in the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or, is a former professional boxer. She highlighted the challenges young girls face in pursuing sports in Zambia but noted that her mother eventually supported her passion for football.

Pride head coach Seb Hines praised Banda’s contributions to the team and African football, emphasizing her humility and team-first mentality.

Malawi thrash Burkina Faso as they finish bottom of Group L
by FSL News

Malawi thrash Burkina Faso as they finish bottom of Group L

Malawi won their final Group L match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, beating Burkina Faso 3-0 at the Bingu National Stadium on Monday.

Despite this victory, Senegal and Burkina Faso still advance to Morocco. Before this match, Malawi had not won any of their last 10 qualifiers. Gabadinho Mhango opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a long-range shot, leading 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Richard Mbulu scored with a header in the 57th minute, and Lloyd Aaron sealed the win in the 62nd minute with a close-range goal.

Although this win was uplifting, Malawi finished last in the group due to a lower goal difference compared to Burundi. Burkina Faso, already qualified, struggled in the match and ended the group stage with 10 points, finishing second behind Senegal.

Senegal remains unbeaten and aims to keep that record in their final match against Burundi on Tuesday. They have 13 points, with eight goals scored and only one conceded.

Final Group L Standings:

  1. Senegal – 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses)
  2. Burkina Faso – 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)
  3. Burundi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses)
  4. Malawi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses)
Namibia secure first point in qualifiers after a draw against Cameroon
by FSL News

Namibia secure first qualifying point after a draw against Cameroon

Namibia earned their first point in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign by drawing 0-0 with Cameroon at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa, on Wednesday.

This result does not keep Namibia in the running for a finals spot as they were already eliminated before the match. However, it gives coach Collin Benjamin a positive outcome to build on against a top team.

Cameroon has qualified for the tournament in Morocco, leading their group with 10 points. Namibia will play their final qualifier against Kenya in Polokwane, South Africa, hoping to improve their standing.

In the recent match, Namibia had a few chances but failed to score, despite having opportunities saved by Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

Coach Benjamin made three substitutions to seek a goal, but the match ended without one. Namibia maintains a balanced record against Cameroon, with one win for each team and two draws in their last four meetings.

A comeback win for AS FAR over TP Mazembe in Champions League tie
by FSL News

A comeback win for AS FAR over TP Mazembe in Champions League tie

AS FAR staged a strong comeback to defeat TP Mazembe 3-1 in the CAF Women’s Champions League at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida on Tuesday.

Mazembe took the lead in the 11th minute when Elena Nkuandum scored after a VAR review. Despite this early pressure, FAR Rabat regrouped after halftime.

They equalized in the 50th minute with a header from Doha El Madani and quickly took the lead when Sanaâ Mssoudy scored in the 52nd minute.

Mssoudy added another goal in the 58th minute, putting AS FAR ahead 3-1. Mazembe tried to respond but missed a penalty in the 83rd minute and couldn’t break through FAR’s defense.

This victory places FAR Rabat at the top of Group A, while TP Mazembe is tied on three points with the University of the Western Cape Ladies.

All four teams will play again on Friday evening to determine who advances to the semi-finals. Aigles De La Medina will face Mazembe, while UWC Ladies will take on AS FAR. Both matches kick off at 19:00 Local Time.

Jonathan Morsay nets brace as Kalamata edge Arteras Tripoli
by FSL News

Jonathan Morsay nets brace as Kalamata edge Arteras Tripoli

On Sunday, Sierra Leone international Jonathan Morsay scored two goals for FC Kalamata in the Greek Super League 2 during their 3-1 away victory over Arteras Tripolis.

His brace marked his fourth season goal in the last seven matches. Morsay, 27, joined the club on a year deal in September after spells with Dinamo București Panetolikos and AEL Limassol, respectively.

The victory allowed Kalamata to move up to second place in the Group B standings, trailing leaders A.E. Kifisia only on goal difference.

The Super League 2 is the second division of professional football in Greece. It serves as a feeder league to the top-tier Super League. Comprising 20 teams divided into two groups, the league typically runs from September to May.

Morsay was born in Sweden to a Sierra Leonean father and a Swedish mother. He has represented Sweden at the youth international level. Since making his debut for Sierra Leone on March 24, 2022, the winger has become a regular member of the national team.

He made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a friendly match, which ended in a 3–0 loss to Togo.

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener
by FSL News

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener

On Sunday, the Edo Queens of Nigeria delivered an impressive performance, defeating Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC with a score of 3-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

This match marked the Nigerian team’s debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The victory featured goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ljamilusi, and Chukwuamaka Osigwe.

The Queens began strongly, with Ljamilusi’s early run and cross setting up Essien for the first goal in the fifth minute. Despite CBE’s efforts to respond, the high pressure from the Nigerians kept them in control.

In the 54th minute, Ljamilusi scored again after a combination with Esther Moses, extending their lead.

Osigwe sealed the win with a left-footed strike in the 80th minute, following an assist from Moses. This impressive win placed Edo Queens at the top of Group B, with FC Masar in second after their 1-0 victory against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

El Madani shines as AS FAR thrash Aigles De La Médina
by FSL News

El Madani shines as AS FAR thrash Aigles De La Médina

Doha El Madani was the star of the show as she helped AS FAR win 3-0 against Aigles De La Médina in the CAF Women’s Champions League in El Jadida on Saturday.

The 19-year-old scored two goals, and veteran captain Aziz Rabbah added a penalty goal. This win is important for the Moroccan team, which wants to reclaim the title. AS FAR took control right from the beginning. Coach Mohamed Amine Alioua went with an attacking formation.

It didn’t take long for AS FAR to score. Doha El Madani found herself in the right spot to finish off a rebound and open the scoring. Feeling confident, El Madani scored her second goal in the 29th minute with a great pass from Sanaa Mssoudy.

Despite being ahead by two goals, AS FAR kept pressing forward. They caused Aigles De La Médina to commit a foul in the box, leading to a penalty. Aziz Rabbah converted it easily.

In the second half, Aigles played more organized and made fewer mistakes but struggled to get their offence going. Hajar Said almost scored a fourth goal for AS FAR after a defensive scramble, but her shot hit the post.

With the win secure, AS FAR maintained possession of the ball. Aigles faced more trouble when Adama Sane received a red card for a foul on Mssoudy in the box, but Rabbah’s penalty kick was saved by the goalie.

The match ended with AS FAR taking all three points and moving to the top of Group A ahead of TP Mazembe. Earlier, TP Mazembe won against the University of the Western Cape in the first match, making way for the hosts and newcomers to take the spotlight in the second match of Group A.