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
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.

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.