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
Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon
by FSL News

Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon

Sierra Leone International Rodney Michael scored his first goal for the Lebanese Pro side Safa SC in their 4-1 victory over Racing Beirut on Saturday.

It was an impressive start for the midfielder, who was awarded the Man of the Match on his debut after a goal and assist.

In the previous season, he played for PO Xylotymbou in Cyprus. On March 22, 2022, Michael moved from Tormenta to the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

He later left Indy Eleven after the 2022 season. In February 2023, Michael signed with FK Mornar of the Montenegrin First League.

Three more teams progress to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage
by FSL News

Three more teams progress to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage

On Saturday, three additional teams advanced to the group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup. Angolan top-tier side Lunda Sul, Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, and Algeria’s CS Constantine secured their spots after winning their second-round, second-leg qualifying matches.

In Angola, Lunda Sul lost 2-1 against South African team Sekhukhune United in Polokwane. However, Guilherme’s 36th-minute goal helped Lunda Sul advance on the away goal rule.

In Tunisia, CS Sfaxien defeated Rukinzo from Burundi with a 1-0 victory, securing a 2-0 aggregate win. Firas Sekkouhi scored the only goal in the second half.

Meanwhile, CS Constantine of Algeria also won 1-0 at home against Nsoatreman of Ghana, securing a 3-0 aggregate triumph. Ben Shaa scored an early goal for CS Constantine.

The Confederation Cup continues today, Sunday, September 22, with 10 matches scheduled across the continent. Notable teams in action include Enyimba, ASEC Mimosas, AS Vita, Simba SC, and USM Alger.

CAF Confederation Cup results, Saturday 21 September

Sekhukhune United 2-1 CD Lunda Sul – 2-2on aggregate, Lunda Sul won on away goals

CS Constantine 1-0 Nsoatreman – Constantine won 3-0 on aggregate

CS Sfaxien 1-0 Rukinzo – Sfaxien won 2-0 on aggregate

Confederation Cup: Stade Malien, Zamalek and Berkane progress
by FSL News

Confederation Cup: Stade Malien, Zamalek and Berkane progress

On Friday, three clubs – Stade Malien, Zamalek, and RS Berkane – became the first trio of clubs to advance into the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after winning their second-round qualifying ties.

Stade Malien won 3-1 against Paynesville in Bamako, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit with goals from Moctar Cisse, Soumaila Magassouba, and Souleymane Drame.

Despite a goal from Mark Paye for the visitors, Stade Malien advanced 3-2 on aggregate. Zamalek beat Police FC 2-1 in Cairo, adding to their 1-0 first-leg advantage.

Goals from Zizo and Nasser Maher secured a 3-1 aggregate victory for Zamalek, with Jesse Was scoring a consolation goal for Police FC. RS Berkane secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Dadje, adding to their 2-0 first-leg triumph.

Haytam Manaout, Mateus Criciuma, Ayoub Khairi, and Issoufou Dayo all scored for RS Berkane, who won 7-0 on aggregate.

The Confederation Cup continues today with three matches: Sekhukhune United v CD Lunda Sul, CS Constantine v Nsoatreman, and CS Afaxien v Rukinzo.

CAF Confederation Cup results from Friday’s 20 September:

Stade Malien 3-1 Paynesville – Stade Malien won 3-2 on aggregate

Zamalek 2-1 Police FC – Zamalek won 3-1 on aggregate

RS Berkane 5-0 Dadje – RS Berkane won 7-0 on aggregate

Trevoh Chalobah doubtful for Manchester United clash this weekend
by FSL News

Trevoh Chalobah doubtful for Manchester United clash this weekend

Crystal Palace’s new loan signing from Chelsea, Trevoh Chalobah, will have to wait for his debut due to an injury. This means he won’t be able to play in the upcoming Premier League game against Manchester United.

The team made some new signings on deadline day, including Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Chelsea’s Chalobah on loan without an option to buy.

Unfortunately, Chalobah got injured during one of his first training sessions, so he won’t be able to make his debut. Chalobah injured his abdominal muscle during his first training session with the team, and it’s an unusual injury.

He won’t be available for the next game, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll be able to play against Everton the following weekend .

Crystal Palace advanced to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Tuesday.

Madagascar could host the Gambia at home in October
by FSL News

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
by FSL News

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
by FSL News

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
by FSL News

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
by FSL News

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
by FSL News

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.