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
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.

Kei, Alhaji Kamara Return for CHAD and Zambia qualifiers
by FSL News

Kei, Alhaji Kamara Return for CHAD and Zambia qualifiers

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu has selected striker Kei Kamara and Alhaji Kamara, who plays in Portugal, as they prepare for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is preparing for a crucial double header this month as they aim to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025. Currently, third in Group G, Sierra Leone must win both matches against Chad and Zambia to improve their qualification chances.

The first match against Chad is set for Wednesday, November 13. A victory would bring them closer to securing a spot in the tournament and boost their confidence for the following game against Zambia. With determination and strong teamwork, Sierra Leone is ready to make a push for qualification.

Sierra Leone and Chad previously played to a goalless draw in their first encounter at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in September.

Meanwhile, veteran striker Kei Kamara scored the only goal in a qualifying match against Benin, securing Sierra Leone’s spot in the 2021 African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1996.

He has made 36 appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and serving as the team captain. In Major League Soccer (MLS), Kamara is the top active goalscorer, with 147 goals in 445 appearances across multiple clubs.

Another key player in the team is Alhaji Kamara, who scored against Ivory Coast in a 2-2 draw during the 2021 AFCON held at the Stade de Japoma in Douala, Cameroon.

CAF on Assistant referee Peter Kabugo Sudden death
by FSL News

CAF mourns assistant referee Peter Kabugo Sudden death

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is mourning the loss of assistant referee Peter Kabugo, who tragically passed away after collapsing during a Ugandan Premier League match between SC Villa and UPDF FC on Friday evening.

The incident overshadowed the game, which concluded with SC Villa securing a 5-0 victory at the Betway Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala. Kabugo collapsed in the 73rd minute of the match.

A few minutes later, officials confirmed that he died while being transported to the hospital. The Ugandan football community is mourning the loss of the 32-year-old referee.

CAF released a statement regarding the incident:

“CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Peter Kabugo, who collapsed during a football match at Wankulukuku Stadium in Uganda. Dr. Motsepe extends his heartfelt condolences to Peter Kabugo’s family, the Federation of Ugandan Football (FUFA), its President Moses Magogo, and the people of Uganda. May Peter Kabugo’s soul rest in peace.”

At the time of his passing, Kabugo, aged 27, was serving as a linesman during SC Villa’s game when he suffered an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest.

Remembering Kabugo’s Legacy

Peter Kabugo’s life was defined by passion, dedication, and versatility. As a referee, he was committed to upholding the integrity of the game, while as a journalist, he was actively engaged in the social issues affecting Uganda.

His passing is a profound loss to Ugandan football and serves as a poignant reminder of the lives and passions that sports connect.

Malawi sacked head coach Patrick Mabedi after a poor run
by FSL News

Malawi sacked head coach Patrick Mabedi after poor qualifying results

Patrick Mabedi has been removed from his position as coach of the Malawi national team. This decision was reached after failing to win any of his last four Afcon qualifying matches.

The final straw was a recent 0-1 loss at home to Senegal, which ended the Flames’ chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced Mabedi’s departure following five straight losses in all competitions. They made this decision based on recommendations from the Technical Committee due to the poor performance of the Flames team and their failure to qualify for the Afcon 2025.

FAM had hired Mabedi as the Flames coach last October on a two-year contract. He had performed well in a caretaker role, with three wins, two draws, and two losses after taking over from Mario Marinica, whose contract was not renewed in April 2023.

Under Mabedi’s leadership, the team struggled, recording two wins, one draw, and eight losses in 11 matches.

He lost support after dropping experienced players and left the Flames at the bottom of Group L in the AFCON qualifiers, having earned no points in four matches. Senegal has already secured a spot in the upcoming AFCON finals after defeating the Flames.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed Kalisto Pasuwa as the Malawi national football team’s interim head coach with immediate effect.

Ghana's Antoine Semenyo helps Bournemouth stun City
by FSL News

Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo helps Bournemouth stun City

Ghana International Bournemouth Antoine Semenyo scored against Manchester City as Bournemouth registered its fourth Premier League win. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson gave the club their first victory over the Premier League champions.

Manchester City’s unbeaten streak of 32 games in the competition, which started on December 6, 2023, ended with this result.

This defeat was also City’s second in four days, following their loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. Bournemouth played well, picking up four points from their last two games against Aston Villa and Arsenal. They began the match quickly and positively.

Goalkeeper Ederson made a double save within just two minutes, stopping shots from Semenyo and Justin Kluivert.

Bournemouth kept pressing and scored in the ninth minute when Milos Kerkez cut the ball back from the byline and Semenyo scored.

City struggled to create chances and did not have a single shot on target in the first half.

Bournemouth returned for the second half with confidence and doubled their lead through Evanilson before City pulled a goal back through Joško Gvardiol in the 82nd minute. However, the home held onto their fourth win of the season.

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi set for a long spell on the sideline
by FSL News

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi set for long spell on the sideline

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi injured his hamstring during the second half of West Bromwich Albion’s match against Cardiff City last weekend. Manager Carlos Corberán announced that Ajayi will be sidelined for a long time.

Ajayi will have surgery in the coming days. Corberán said, “Unfortunately, Semi has a serious injury. He has torn his muscles in two places. The club has said Semi will require surgery and is expected to be missing for around 16 weeks, while Paddy will be out for approximately eight weeks.”

He added, “The best way to treat this injury is through surgery, which will lower the risk of it happening again. Some injuries affect the tendon, and surgery is necessary. While surgery may delay recovery by about two weeks, it will also reduce the chances of re-injury.”

Players can return in around 16 weeks after this kind of surgery. Because of this injury, Ajayi will miss Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in November.

Guinea Bissau beat Sierra Leone to reach WAFU U17 Semis
by FSL News

Guinea Bissau beat Sierra Leone to reach WAFU U17 semis

On Tuesday, Sierra Leone’s U17 team faced a challenging match in the WAFU African Cup of Nations qualifiers, suffering their second defeat with a narrow 1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, Senegal.

This match marked a significant turning point for Sierra Leone, as it led to their elimination from the tournament.

The defeat also had implications for Group B standings. Guinea Bissau advanced to the next round, finishing the group stage behind Mali, who delivered a dominant performance by thrashing Mauritania 4-0 in a concurrent match at the same stadium. This win solidified Mali’s position at the top of the group.

Guinea-Bissau’s decisive moment came from a well-executed goal by Jose Henrique, who found the back of the net in the 45th minute, just before halftime. Edeny Vename Bampoque earned the Player of the Match title with his outstanding performance, helping Guinea-Bissau reach the semi-finals.

In the upcoming matches, host nation Senegal will face Guinea-Bissau, while Mali takes on Gambia. Both games are expected to be highly competitive as teams compete for a spot in the next U17 African Cup of Nations tournament.

Gambia book spot in WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semifinals
by FSL News

Gambia book spot in WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semifinals

On Monday, The Gambia U17 team secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Liberia during match day two of the WAFU U17 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, held at Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. This win propelled them to the semi-finals of the tournament.

Francis Gomez scored two goals (a brace), while Bubacarr Susso netted his first goal of the tournament, leading the Baby Scorpions to their semi-final spot. Francis Gomez was named Man of the Match.

Senegal, the host nation, and Mali were the first two teams to advance to the knockout stages. Senegal reached the semi-finals following back-to-back victories over Liberia and The Gambia on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Malian Eaglets proved their strength by overcoming Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus with a late goal to secure their place in the next round.

The final day of Group B will take place on Tuesday, October 29, starting at 4 p.m. Mali will face Mauritania at the Lat Dior Stadium, while Guinea Bissau will play against Sierra Leone at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Francis Gomez was named Man of the Match.
Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers
by FSL News

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers

On Friday, Senegal won their second match in the African Cup of Nations U17 qualifiers, beating The Gambia 3-1 at the Stade Lat-Dior. With this win, Senegal’s U17 team is now the favourite to finish first in Group A. They have played two matches so far.

Senegal started the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now includes three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and The Gambia, after Guinea was disqualified.

Just like in their match against Liberia, Senegal scored quickly, with Mohamed Dabo finding the net right after kick-off. This early goal surprised The Gambia, who had not played in the first round.

Senegal took control of the match and made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute with a penalty from Elhadji Cissé. Two minutes before halftime, The Gambia scored with a goal from Francis Gomez in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, The Gambia tried to fight back but struggled against Senegal’s strong defence. Senegal sealed the win with a third goal from Youssouf Manel in the 88th minute, finishing the match 3-1.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Liberia and The Gambia will play for second place in Group A, as both teams are at the bottom of the standings.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.