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
Sierra Leone's Abdulai Juma Bah joins Real Valladolid on loan
by FSL News

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah joins Real Valladolid on loan

Real Valladolid has officially announced the acquisition of young Sierra Leonean talent Abdulai Juma Bah.

“The promising 18-year-old centre-back, who previously received a call-up to the Sierra Leone senior team, will be joining Real Valladolid’s reserve team on loan from AIK Freetong,” the Spanish side noted.

This move comes after Real Valladolid and AIK Freetown successfully negotiated the transfer of Bah’s rights from Freetown, Sierra Leone.

“Standing at an impressive height of 195 centimetres, Bah’s signing is expected to fortify Real Valladolid Promesas’ defence as he embarks on a crucial stage in his career,” Real Valladolid on their new defender.

Before this, Bah underwent training at the esteemed Freetown Giant Academy and commenced his professional journey with AIK Freetown in the 2021/22 season.

Additionally, he gained valuable experience by being loaned to Freetonians SLIFA, a prominent team in the Sierra Leone Premier League his homeland, for the following two seasons.

This development signifies a significant milestone for Bah’s career trajectory.

Ivorian side San Pedro edge Bo Rangers to progress
by FSL News

Ivorian side San Pedro edge out Bo Rangers to progress

Ivorian team San Pedro advanced with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Bo Rangers FC in the first-round preliminary of the CAF Champions League on Sunday Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.

In a nail-biting match, San Pedro secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bo Rangers FC of Sierra Leone.

A disappointing first leg 1-1 home draw for Bo Rangers at the Southern Arena last Saturday was crucial for the Ivorians.

Sunday’s decisive goal in the first round of the second leg was scored by Mouhamadou Karamoko in the 80th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Bo Rangers.

Neither team was clinical in the first hour until Mouhamed Karamoko’s only goal for the home side. Bo Rangers, under Head Coach John Keister, rued missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome in their favour.

Keister recognized similarities between this match and their previous encounter, acknowledging their failure to convert scoring chances had proven costly.

Rangers’ key moment was when Suffian Kalokoh missed a prime opportunity to alter the result.

Sunday's CAF Champions League Result at the Laurent Pokou Stadium
Sunday's CAF Champions League Result at the Laurent Pokou Stadium
Ghana's Thomas Partey scores Arsenal's winner at Villa Park
by FSL News

Ghana’s Thomas Partey scores in Arsenal’s win at Villa Park

On Saturday, Ghanaian International Thomas Partey scored in  Arsenal’s win in the Premier League tie against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Arsenal overcame a tough challenge from Aston Villa to claim a statement victory at Villa Park. The match featured standout performances from both goalkeepers.

Arsenal’s David Raya made a miraculous save in the second half – while Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez made a costly mistake, allowing Thomas Partey to score and give Arsenal a two-goal lead.

Despite a missed opportunity by Ollie Watkins in the first half, the game’s turning point came when Raya made an incredible save to deny Watkins, leading to a goal by substitute Leandro Trossard.

Partey later scored another goal to secure Arsenal’s victory. He guided his side to a brilliant win after his goal to double the Gunners’ lead.

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi nets winner for Fulham over Leicester
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi nets Fulham’s winner over Leicester

Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal as Fulham secured their first three points of the 2024/25 season with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.

Fulham got off to a great start with Emile Smith Rowe scoring in the 18th minute, but Leicester managed to equalize before half-time through Wout Faes.

With twenty minutes left, Alex Iwobi scored, putting Fulham back in the lead and ultimately securing the crucial goal for the win.

Manager Marco Silva stuck with the same starting XI as the previous match, a narrow loss at Old Trafford last week. Ryan Sessegnon, a fan favourite, replaced Josh King on the bench.

The Nigeria International joined Fulham On 1st September 2023 from Everton for an undisclosed fee, on a contract until the summer of 2028.

Jordan Ayew ready for Leicester's Premier League challenge
by FSL News

Jordan Ayew ready for Leicester’s Premier League challenge

Leicester City’s new acquisition from Crystal Palace, Jordan Ayew, has signed a two-year deal and is eager to take on a fresh challenge. (Photo Credit LCFC)

He brings with him a wealth of experience from his time in the Premier League and Ligue 1, as well as from playing internationally for Ghana.

“I’m very happy and pleased to be here – I’m proud,” the 32-year-old stated in his first interview at LCFC. “It happened quickly, but the most important thing for me is that I’m here and ready to start.

“In life, you always need a change and new energy. I decided to come to Leicester because I think it’s a big club, first of all. I want to thank the Club, the Manager, the CEO, the Chairman, and everyone because they fought hard to bring me to this Football Club.

“I think it’s a big opportunity for me to show what I can do. I want to demonstrate that I can help everyone and add my experience and quality to make the team better – hopefully, it will work.”

Edo Queens secure CAF Women's Champions League spot
by FSL News

Edo Queens secure CAF Women’s Champions League spot

The Nigerian demonstrated their dominance as they clinched the championship title in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a remarkable 3-0 victory over Benin’s Ainonvi FC in the final match held on Friday.

The Nigerian champions exhibited exceptional skills as they secured their spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League with three remarkable goals in the first half at the Stade de La Paix de Bouaké.

Suliat Abideen’s superb goal just before halftime showcased their early midfield control and breakthrough against Benin’s defence.

Edo Queens further solidified their lead in the 59th minute with an outstanding goal by Emem Essien, who has undoubtedly been one of the standout players throughout the tournament.

Essien’s impressive solo effort demonstrated her remarkable skill and composure as she easily outmanoeuvred Benin’s goalkeeper from close range.

In the 76th minute, Ainonvi FC’s Elizabeth Ukandu accidentally redirected the ball into her team’s net, sealing the victory for Edo Queens.

Despite opportunities, Ainonvi FC couldn’t breach Edo Queens’ defence, resulting in a clean sheet for Edo Queens.

Edo Queens is the new WAFU B champion, taking over from Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies. They will now be representing the region in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League.

Enugu Rangers progress to second round CAF Champions League
by FSL News

Enugu Rangers progress to CAF Champions League second round

Enugu Rangers, a Nigerian soccer team, had a tough match in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Uyo.

They played against Comoros team US Zilimadjou and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This result led Enugu Rangers to advance to the next round with a 2-1 scoreline over US Zilimadjou.

The match highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian clubs in CAF inter-club competitions.

Enugu Rangers struggled to contain their opponents but scored in the 79th minute through Augustine Kenechukwu. However, US Zilimadjou equalized just six minutes later.

Despite the draw, Enugu Rangers progressed to the next round. They will now prepare to face the winner of the match between Saint Louis Suns United of the Seychelles and Sagrada Esperança of Angola in the next round.

Liberia's Watanga face an uphill CAF Champions League task
by FSL News

Watanga face an uphill CAF Champions League task

Liberia’s Watanga FC is facing a tough challenge in the CAF Champions League as they prepare to take on their Algerian counterparts in the second leg of the competition on Thursday.

Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to MC Algiers in the first leg at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Watanga FC must display courage and begin the second leg with determination to score an early goal and make up for the deficit.

Although it will be a difficult task, it is not impossible. However, it will be tough given that the Algerian team will be more confident with a two-goal lead and will likely aim to score early at home to alleviate the pressure.

The return match will be held at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, Algeria, but it will take place without any audience in attendance.

Defender Abdul Jarjue Kabia has signed with Belarusian top-flight team Dynamo Brest until the end of 2025.
by FSL News

Sierra Leone defender Abdul Jarju Kabia moves to Belarus

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia has signed with Belarusian top-flight team Dynamo Brest until the end of 2025.

“Dynamo Brest Football Club proudly announces the signing of Abdul Kabia, the talented central defender of the Sierra Leone national team. Kabia, 23, contract runs until the end of 2025,” the club confirmed on their web space.

Born on January 27, 2001, Kabia honed his skills at the Superstars Academy before joining the Israeli second-division teams Hapoel Ironi Nir and Hapoel Kfar Sava.

With 97 matches and two goals for the former and twenty-five games for the latter, Kabia has been a pivotal defender before his move.

Making his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in late 2023, he has played in three official matches, impressing against Ethiopia, Egypt, and Burkina Faso as part of the African qualification for the World Cup.

Already in training, Kabia set to grace the field in the blue and white uniform, donning the number 30.

The Dynamo Brest newcomer was born on January 27, 2001 (23 years old). He is a product of the Superstars Academy,
The Dynamo Brest newcomer was born on January 27, 2001 (23 years old). He is a product of the Superstars Academy,
Swedish Superettan side Sandvikens sing Jay Tee Kamara
by FSL News

Swedish Superettan side Sandvikens sign Jay Tee Kamara

Sierra Leonean attacker Jay Tee Kamara has signed for the Swedish Superettan side Sandvikens IF. “The 22-year-old came from Ljungskile and has joined us after a week of trials,” Sanvikens IF announced.

Kamara, who is the latest addition to Sanvikens IF, expressed his excitement about joining the club.

Previously, he played for Ljungskile SK in Ettan Södra for a season and a half. He has also played professional soccer in the United States and represented Sierra Leone at the youth level.

“Following a successful trial period, Jay Tee has signed an agreement with the club that extends over the rest of the season, with an option for further extension.”

Jay Tee feels at home in the club and comfortable with the team due to the presence of several African players who speak the same language.

He is impressed by Sandvikens IF’s playing style and describes it as reminiscent of Barcelona’s style of play in 2011-2012.

The former Columbus Crew 2 excels in dribbling, goal-scoring, and overall performance. Coach Eldar Abdulic praised Jay Tee’s abilities, emphasizing his proficiency in one-on-one situations, his strong left foot, and his contribution to the team’s dynamics from an advanced position on the right side of the field.