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
Madagascar could host the Gambia at home in October

Madagascar could host Gambia at home in October

Madagascar’s national football team, the Barea, is preparing for their third AFCON 2025 qualifiers match. The Barea Stadium is being renovated to meet international standards recommended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Presently bottom of Group A after a defeat to Tunisia and a draw against Comoros, back-to-back positive results against Gambia might boost their chances to Morocco AFCON2025.

The State Secretariat for New Cities and Housing (SENVH) is overseeing the work, including replacing the synthetic turf with natural grass. Fans are excited about the improvements as it means the team may finally host Gambia on their home turf.

The return to home turf could be crucial for the Barea’s performance in the qualifiers. They currently have one point from two matches and are winless in Group A. Hosting Gambia at the newly renovated stadium could provide a much-needed morale boost and potentially aid their quest for a first victory in the qualification campaign.

If all goes according to plan, Madagascar’s national team will play their next AFCON 2025 qualifier against Gambia at the refurbished Barea Stadium.

The home advantage, along with the support of passionate Malagasy fans, could be a key factor in changing the team’s trajectory in the tournament.

As the Barea prepare for their crucial match against Gambia, the Malagasy football community remains hopeful that the revamped stadium will mark the beginning of a successful chapter in their AFCON 2025 journey.

The 2022 World Cup Qualifiers–Africa, Madagascar Vs Benin, was the first match played at the Barea Stadium following its renovation in 2021.

Striker Abu Kamara makes debut in Hull City defeat

Striker Abu Kamara makes debut in Hull City defeat

Striker Abu Kamara made his debut in Hull City’s 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United. The Blades scored in each half with goals from Gustavo Hamer and Sam McCallum.

The Tigers’ head Coach Tim Walter made three changes to the starting XI, including the debut of Abu Kamara and deadline day signing Mohamed Belloumi.

In the game, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi had the first opportunity, but his low left-footed finish missed the target.

Meanwhile, Kamara’s low cross almost resulted in an own goal before he was subbed off.  

Sheffield United took the lead from the resulting corner, as Belloumi lost the ball – and Hamer scored with a low shot. Sam Benjamin McCallum doubled the visitor’s lead as they held on to a 2-0 win.

As a result, Hull City are third from bottom in the English Champions 2024/25 campaign after only five games into the season.

Kamara joined the Tigers from Norwich on deadline day for an undisclosed fee.

Hull City: Pandur, Coyle, Jones, McLoughlin, Giles (Drameh 45′), Burns (Slater 68′), Belloumi (Palmer 68′), Ömür, Mehlem, Kamara (Millar 45′), Bedia

Subs: Simons, Zambrano, Jacob, Racioppi, Burstow.

Sheffield Utd: Cooper, Gilchrist (Seriki 83′), Souttar, Ahmedhodzic, Burrows, Rak-Sakyi (Brooks 62′), Vinicius Souza, Arblaster, Hamer (McCallum 62′), O’Hare (Brewster 62′), Moore (Shackleton 88′)

Subs: Brewster, Davies, Campbell, Norrington-Davies, Peck.

Sudan’s Al Hilal SC earn positive result against San Pedro

Sudan’s Al Hilal SC earn positive result against San Pedro

Sudan’s Al Hilal SC had a crucial 2-2 away draw against FC San Pedro in the first leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

Managed by Florent Ibenge, the Al Hilal team fought back from a 2-1 deficit to level the match, giving them a better chance of advancing to the group stage.

The Ivorian team took the lead through Guy Bedi in the 32nd minute, but Mohamed Abdel Raman equalized for Al Hilal after 42 minutes.

San Pedro’s Goudouss Bamba then restored their lead in the 65th minute, but Raman scored his second goal with six minutes left, ensuring Al Hilal’s hopes of progressing to the group stage.

Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC suffered a 3-0 defeat to Egypt’s Al Ahly at Nyayo Stadium. Rami Rabia and Percy Tau scored for Al Ahly in the first 15 minutes, with Tau adding another goal after 74 minutes.

Additionally, Somalia’s Dekedeha FC lost 4-1 to Esperance de Tunis with Yan Sasse and Adepoji Oluwasen scoring for their respective teams.

Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20

Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20

On Sunday, Sierra Leone’s under-20 team held Guinea to a goalless draw in their Group A clash in their WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifier at the SKD Stadium.

The Shooting Stars dominated the first half, creating several promising opportunities, but could not take the lead. Despite their efforts, Guinea’s resilient team held firm.

In the second half, Guinea stepped up their game, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and tenacity.

Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara praised his team’s performance in the post-match press conference, acknowledging their challenge in their next match against Liberia.

The Shooting Stars skipper, Momoh I. Kamara, was awarded the Man of the Match for outstanding performance.

Sierra Leone’s next game is against Liberia, who secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau earlier, placing them at the top of the group.

Meanwhile, Guinea Bissau will face Guinea in their upcoming match – with both matches scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th.

A win for Sierra Leone on Wednesday would significantly boost their chances of advancing in the tournament.

WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024
WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024
Nigeria's Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada

Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada

Enugu Rangers defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is optimistic about the upcoming CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round first leg match against G.D. Sagrada Esperanca of Angola.

Onyebuchi acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, considering Sagrada Esperanca’s 4-0 win against St Louis Suns United of Seychelles in the first round.

He expresses confidence in the team’s preparation and their ability to secure victory. The team, under coach Godwin Nosike’s guidance, is intensifying preparations for the encounter.

The players are focused on defending the club’s honour and representing their country effectively. The team fully focussed on the task at hand, aiming for a strong performance that will hopefully secure them a spot in the group stage of the competition.

Rangers have a history of successful encounters with Angolan teams, and they are looking to continue this trend in their upcoming matches.

Young Africans ready for Commercial Bank of Ethiopia challenge

Young Africans ready for CB of Ethiopia challenge

The Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions, Young Africans SC, are in Addis Ababa for their CAF Champions League match against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).

The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, with the return leg set for next week at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Young Africans’ squad is buoyed by their impressive 10-0 aggregate victory over Vital’O FC in the previous round, which has bolstered their growing confidence as they prepare to face CBE.

Despite challenges, including the absence of Farid Mussa due to injury, the team is in good spirits.

Manager Walter Harrison confirmed that all players, including those returning from international duty, have rejoined the squad, ensuring a strong lineup for the upcoming match.

They are aiming for positive results away from home and are determined to carry their domestic success onto the continental stage.

Free agent Victor Moses pens LutonTown deal

Free agent Victor Moses pens Luton Town deal

Victor Moses, a former Nigeria international, has officially joined Luton Town in the English Championship as a free agent.

Moses, 33 years old, most recently played for Spartak Moscow in Russia, following a successful loan spell from Chelsea in the 2020/21 season.

His previous clubs include Chelsea FC, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Stoke City, and Liverpool FC.

Manager Rob Edwards provided the following statement: “Victor is a player we have been in discussions with for a significant period. Having observed his performance during training sessions and a recent appearance in a closed-doors match, we are confident in his ability to contribute to our team.

His versatility, tactical awareness, and extensive experience in various playing styles make him a valuable addition, providing increased depth and healthy competition within the squad.”

Luton Town officially signed Victor Moses pending international clearance. Moses, born in Kaduna, Nigeria, initially played for England’s youth teams before joining Nigeria.

He made 38 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Super Eagles before retiring from international matches in 2018.

Moses played a key role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and participated in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

AFCON Qualifiers wrap-up: Ivory Coast maintain lead in Group

AFCON Qualifiers wrap-up: Ivory Coast maintain lead in Group G

The second round of matches for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers concluded on Tuesday night with significant wins for the title holders Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Benin, and Cape Verde.

Here is a summary of the some matches played on Tuesday night:

Chad 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire extended their strong start in Group G with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chad. Following their win against Zambia in the opening match, the Elephants demonstrated their prowess once again at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.

A standout performance from Jean-Philippe Krasso and Oumar Diakité secured the win, propelling Côte d’Ivoire to the top of the group.

Burkina Faso 3-1 Malawi

After drawing 1-1 against Senegal, Burkina Faso achieved a convincing 3-1 victory over Malawi in Bamako, Mali.

Despite early pressure from Malawi, Lassina Traoré broke the deadlock with a low header in the 35th minute. The Shakhtar Donetsk striker doubled the lead just minutes later by dribbling past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Hassane Bandé added a third from the penalty spot before Malawi’s Zeliat Nkhoma pulled one back late. Burkina Faso now leads Group L, edging ahead of Senegal on goal difference.

Cape Verde 2-0 Mauritania

Cape Verde rebounded from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Egypt by defeating Mauritania 2-0 in Group C.

Ryan Mendes scored from a penalty after Benchimol was fouled by Houeibib, giving the Blue Sharks the lead.

In the second half, Mendes scored again in the 75th minute, securing Cape Verde’s three points and moving them into second place in the group.

DR Congo ease past Ethiopia to maintain Group H lead

DR Congo ease past Ethiopia to maintain lead in Group H

DR Congo won 2-0 against Ethiopia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group H match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Monday night.

The Leopards now lead Group H after winning their first two matches. Walia Ibex are third in the table with one point from their first two games.

The Leopards had the first real chance of the game in the seventh minute, but Samuel Essende’s attempt was saved by the goalkeeper.

The score was 0-0 at half-time. Congo scored the first 17 minutes into the second half with a goal from Theo Bongonda.

Fiston Mayele added another goal in the 76th minute, sealing Congo’s 2-0 victory over Ethiopia.

Ethiopia 0 – DR Congo 2 (Bongonda 62′, Mayele 76′)

Ethiopia: Habtamu, Kasa, Hamid (Biniam 77′), Baye, Moges, Panom, Waza (Demissie 64′), Berhane, Dagnachew (Wondimu 83′), Gugsa (Belay 64′), Markneh

DR Congo: Bertaud, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Inonga, Ditu, Moutoussamy, Pickel (Sadiki 80′), Akolo (Bongonda 33′), Wissa (Elia 69′), Essende (Mayele 69), Kakuta (Kakuta 46′).

Ethiopia face tough DR Congo Group H qualifying contest

Ethiopia face tough DR Congo Group H qualifying contest

Ethiopia face a cracking test against DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Monday at 9:00 pm CAT.

The match will take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Ethiopia drew 0-0 with Tanzania in their Group H opener maintaining their unbeaten run of four matches.

One of their players, Abinet Demise, missed training due to illness, while Gezahegn returned to light training.

DR Congo won 1-0 against Guinea in their first Group H match. The Leopards extended their unbeaten run to four games, with two wins and two draws, including one against South Africa.

Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre mentioned the need to improve the link between midfield and attack and expressed satisfaction with the team’s control during the match.

In total, Ethiopia and Congo have met six times, with the Leopards winning four matches, the Walia Ibex winning one, and one game ending in a draw.

The last time Ethiopia and DR Congo played, DR Congo won 3-0.