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
Burundi beat Malawi in AFCON qualifier Group L opener
by FSL News

Burundi beat Malawi in AFCON qualifier Group L opener

The Intamba of Burundi were impressive against host Malawi’s Flames as they defeated the home team 3-2 at the Bingu National Stadium on Thursday.

Burundi’s opening goal came from Chimwemwe Idana’s own goal in the 22nd minute, which was then equalized by Chawanangwa Kaonga’s 31st-minute goal for Malawi.

Burundi took the lead again, through Jean Claude Girumugisha two minutes later, but Malawi fought back with a goal in the second half when Lanjesi Nkhoma capitalized on Kaonga’s assist, sending the fans into ecstasy.

In a competitive battle, Burundi sealed the win with a goal by Mokono Elie Eldhino in the 87th minute – making the score 3-2.

The game ended with no further goals during the additional four minutes of play. With this win, Burundi is currently at the top of Group L as Senegal prepares to host Burkina Faso on Friday.

The Flames will travel to Bamako, Mali for their second Group L match against Burkina Faso next week. Malawi will face Senegal back-to-back in October. On the other hand, Burundi will host Senegal at BNS.

Zambia's Chipolopolo jet off to Ivory Coast for opener
by FSL News

Zambia’s Chipolopolo jet off to Ivory Coast for opener

Zambia’s Chipolopolo has left for Abidjan, where they will prepare for their upcoming Group G qualifier match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The team, comprising both local players and others, flew to Abidjan early on Monday via Ethiopian Airlines.

Zambia is scheduled to play against Ivory Coast on Friday in Bouake and will then host Sierra Leone on September 10 in Ndola.

According to the report, the foreign-based players will travel directly to Ivory Coast, and the team is expected to be fully assembled by Tuesday.

Kelvin Kampamba, who plays for Al Nasr Benghazi in Libya, will not be able to participate in Friday’s game as he has lost his mother in Kitwe.

Kampamba was originally scheduled to join the team in Lusaka, but his plans were interrupted by the passing of his mother.

Striker Serhou Guirassy to miss Guinea's AFCON qualifiers
by FSL News

Striker Serhou Guirassy to miss Guinea’s AFCON qualifiers  

Serhou Guirassy is set to miss Guinea’s African Cup of Nations opening qualifying matches due to injury.

Borussia Dortmund striker was selected by Guinea’s technical team but will be unable to play due to an injury, which is a disappointment for Syli National opening campaign this month.

They are now looking for a replacement for Guirassy ahead of ties against the Leopards of DRC and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

Paquille will also have to fill in for central defender Saïdou Sow and left-back Issiaga Sylla.

Sow got injured during a match for Strasbourg and won’t be able to play. Ibrahima Sory Conté will take his place. Sylla got hurt during a Montpellier match and is also out. They’re working on finding a replacement.

Coach Charles Paquille is under pressure to keep the team competitive.

Guinea’s fans hope the remaining squad members will step up despite the injuries as they aim to start their AFCON 2025 campaign positively.

Nigeria make Bruno Labbadia U-turn over tax issues
by FSL News

Nigeria make Bruno Labbadia U-turn over tax issues

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that the deal with Bruno Labbadia to become the new head coach of the Super Eagles has fallen through.

The NFF stated that the appointment could not proceed due to “tax details.” The NFF president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, explained that the tax issue was not discussed during the initial negotiations, and Labbadia had agreed to all terms before the tax matter came up.

The NFF expressed disappointment that Labbadia insisted on the full tax amount being paid by the federation, which they deemed unfeasible.

As a result, NFF’s technical director Augustine Eguavoen will take charge of the 2025 Nations Cup qualifiers, starting with a home game against Benin on 7 September and an away game in Rwanda on 10 September.

This will be Eguavoen’s fourth stint as the temporary head coach of the Super Eagles. Following the departure of the previous coach, Jose Peseiro, and Finidi George, fans are eager for the team to find stability once again.

Ghanaian defender Derrick Köhn pleased to join Werder Bremen
by FSL News

Defender Derrick Köhn pleased to join Werder Bremen

German team Werder Bremen has signed defender Derrick Köhn on loan from Turkish club Galatasaray Istanbul for a year. Both clubs agreed on an option to buy him permanently after the loan deal.

Born in Germany, Köhn is of Ghanaian descent and said he is excited to join Werder Bremen, a club he admires, and looks forward to playing for them. He described himself as a fast and athletic player who enjoys defending – as well as making offensive moves such as scoring goals and providing assists.

Werder Bremen’s head coach, Ole Werner, is pleased with the signing and believes Köhn will bring valuable qualities to the team. The 25-year-old defender has previously played for Hamburger SV, FC Bayern’s youth team, and Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Before joining Galatasaray, Köhn played for Hannover 96 in the German 2nd division, where he made 56 competitive appearances and – scored 8 goals. Since moving to the Turkish Süper Lig in February 2024, he has played 14 games and scored 1 goal for Galatasaray.

Cape Verde lineup 24-man squad for Egypt & Mauritania
by FSL News

Cape Verde lineup 24-man squad for Egypt & Mauritania

Cape Verde’s coach, Pedro Bubista, has revealed the 24 players who will compete in the AFCON Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

The team is set for vital Afcon qualification ties against Egypt on September 6 in Cairo before engaging Mauritania on September 10 at the National Stadium of Praia.

The experienced squad includes familiar players like goalkeeper Josimar Dias (Vozinha) and forward Ryan Mendes, both known for their pivotal roles in Cape Verde’s recent performances.

Preparations for the matches will start in Cairo on September 1. Cape Verde aims for strong performances in Group C.

The team faces a tough challenge in their first match against Egypt, a strong team in African football, on September 6 at Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt’s talented roster, including Premier League stars, makes the qualification process challenging.

Coach Pedro Bubista has chosen a balanced squad, combining experienced veterans with emerging talents, for these important fixtures.

Goalkeeper Vozinha, from GD Chaves in Portugal, is expected to provide stability in defence, while Ryan Mendes, currently with Kocaelispor in Turkey, will bolster the team’s attacking abilities.

Listed below is the Cape Verdian sqaud for AFCON qualifiers in September.

Goalkeepers:

  • Josimar Dias ‘Vozinha’ (GD Chaves/Portugal)
  • Bruno Varela (Vitória SC/Portugal)
  • Dylan Silva (FC Sportist/Bulgaria)

Defenders:

  • Roberto Lopes ‘Pico’ (Shamrock Rovers/Ireland)
  • Edilson Borges ‘Diney’ (Al Bataeh/UAE)
  • Logan Costa (Villarreal/Spain)
  • Dylan Tavares (Bastia/France)
  • Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew/USA)
  • Kelvin Pires ‘Djack’ (SJK/Finland)
  • Wagner Pina (Estoril Praia/Portugal)

Midfielders:

  • Patrick Andrade (Qarabag/Azerbaijan)
  • João Paulo Fernandes (Sheriff/Moldova)
  • Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets/Bulgaria)
  • Kevin Pina (FK Krasnodar/Russia)
  • Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia FC/Hungary)
  • David Tavares (Gloria Buzau/Romania)
  • Diogo Mendes (Rapid Bucuresti/Romania)

Forwards:

  • Ryan Mendes (Kocaelispor/Turkey)
  • Willy Semedo (Omonia/Cyprus)
  • Gilson Benchimol (Akron Togliatti/Russia)
  • Helio Varela (Gent/Belgium)
  • Dailon Livramento (Hellas Verona/Italy)
  • Patrick Fernandes (Marítimo/Portugal)
  • Fabricio Garcia (Estoril Praia/Portugal)
Ghana Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers revealed
by FSL News

Ghana Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers revealed

Otto Addo, the Head Coach of the Black Stars, has revealed the 23-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Following their successful performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with wins over Mali and the Central African Republic, the Black Stars are gearing up for the AFCON qualifiers.

Kingsley Schindler, Inaki Williams, and Majeed Ashimeru return to the team. Captain Andre Ayew and Daniel Amartey are excluded.

The West Africans are to start their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign with a match against Angola on September 5 at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a match against Niger on September 10.

The players are required to report by Monday, September 2, 2024, to commence their preparations for the AFCON qualifiers. 

Coach Otto Addo has mainly maintained the core group of players, with familiar faces such as Thomas Partey, Kudus Mohammed, Jordan Ayew, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku continuing to be part of the squad.

Kamboi Eagles and Star Sport Academy have been promoted to the Sierra Leone Premier League.
by FSL News

Kamboi Eagles and Star Sport promoted to the Premier League

Kamboi Eagles and Star Sports Academy have been promoted to the Sierra Leone Premier League for the 2024/25 season.

A year after their relegation, Kamboi Eagles secured their top-tier league spot with a convincing 3-1 victory over Masoya FC at Wusum Field in Makeni City.

On the other hand, Star Sport Academy is set to mark its debut in the elite Sierra Leone men’s league with a notable 1-0 win over Abacha FC.

At the Wusum ground, Masoya FC and Abacha FC are battling for third place, with both teams still having a chance to compete for the final spot on Saturday.

This upcoming match holds significant importance for both teams as they look to conclude their season positively and potentially secure a spot in the prestigious elite league for the first time.

The performances of Kamboi Eagles and Star Sports Academy highlight their talent and determination in securing their promotions, laying the groundwork for an action-packed upcoming season in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

A year after their relegation, Kamboi Eagles secured their top-tier league spot with a convincing 3-1 victory over Masoya FC at Wusum Field in Makeni City.
A year after their relegation, Kamboi Eagles secured their top-tier league spot with a convincing 3-1 victory over Masoya FC at Wusum Field in Makeni City.
Salernitana midfielder Yayah Kallon sent off after a second yellow
by FSL News

Salernitana midfielder Yayah Kallon sent off after second yellow

Yayah Kallon, a midfielder for Salernitana, received two yellow cards during their 3-2 victory over Sampdoria in Serie B.  At the Arechi Stadium, Salernitana defeated Sampdoria in an intense match.

The Sierra Leone-born was sent off at the 95th minute for diving. Kallon pretended to be touched by a Sampdoria defender while leading a Salernitana attack. The referee quickly showed him the second yellow card.

The goals were scored as follows: Salernitana took the lead with a goal from Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo before Sampdoria equalized. Sampdoria then took the lead with a goal from Massimo Coda in the 21st minute, assisted by Tutino.

Salernitana managed to equalize and eventually scored the winning goal. Their next league match is against Mantova on Sunday, September 4th.

Josh Koroma scores as Huddersfield bow out of Carabao Cup
by FSL News

Josh Koroma scores as Huddersfield bow out of Carabao Cup

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma scored the opening goal. In a surprising Carabao Cup upset, League Two Walsall came from two goals down to defeat 10-man League One high-flyers Huddersfield Town 3-2.

Koroma scored for the visitors with a low shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box in the 16th minute. Huddersfield’s Matty Pearson was sent off just before halftime for a last-man foul on Jack Earing.

Walsall were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute for Jaheim Headley’s push on Ronan Maher, but Huddersfield’s keeper, Chris Maxwell, made a save to deny Nathan Lowe.

However, Lowe redeemed himself by scoring just minutes later from a half-cleared free-kick. He, then equalized by reacting quickly to a loose ball and blasting it past Maxwell, off Josh Gordon’s flick-on from an Albert Adomah cross.

The comeback was completed in the 77th minute when Huddersfield substitute Michal Helik deflected the ball into his own goal while attempting to cut out Liam Gordon’s cross to deflected into his own goal trying to cut out Liam Gordon’s cross.