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
Zambia's Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie
by FSL News

Zambia’s Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie

In the Group A other game, Power Dynamos claimed their first victory of the CAF Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Rivers United, condemning the Nigerian side to another frustrating night.

The decisive moment came five minutes after the restart when Kundwani Chiboni struck to secure all three points for the Zambian champions. The midfielder timed his run perfectly to meet a well-weighted pass from Prince Mumba before calmly slotting the ball into the net to silence the home crowd.

Rivers United sought their first win but struggled to turn possession into clear chances in the first half, while Power Dynamos maintained a disciplined defence.

After going behind, Rivers pushed for an equaliser in the second half, launching several attacks but failing to break through the strong Dynamos ‘ defence and composed goalkeeping.

Despite late efforts, Rivers managed few clear opportunities, and Power Dynamos secured a vital away win, rising to four points in Group A.

Rivers remain bottom with one point from four matches, putting their hopes of progression in jeopardy.

Rivers United 0–1 Power Dynamos
Ivory Coast set friendly date with Scotland at Everton's stadium
by FSL News

Ivory Coast set friendly date with Scotland at Everton’s stadium

Scotland's national football team, led by Steve Clarke, will play against the Ivory Coast for the first time on 31 March.

The match will take place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium as part of their preparations for the World Cup. It will start at 19:30 BST, just three days after Scotland hosts Japan at Hampden.

Côte d’Ivoire, three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years after an impressive unbeaten qualifying campaign. Scotland dramatically secured their place, ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup finals appearance with a decisive victory over Denmark.

Scotland earned their spot at the World Cup this summer by topping their qualifying group. They will also face Curacao in Glasgow on 30 May.

Scotland’s first World Cup match is against Haiti in Boston on 14 June, followed by games against Morocco and Brazil.

The Ivory Coast, which reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, is also competing in this year’s World Cup. They will play against Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao.

Clarke said, “We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer, and I’m sure Cote d’Ivoire will give us a real stern test. It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The supporters will enjoy visiting the new stadium.”

Kaizer Chiefs narrowly beat Zesco United in Zambia
by FSL News

Kaizer Chiefs narrowly beat Zesco United in Zambia

Thanks to an early goal from Pule Mmodi that turned out to be critical, Kaizer Chiefs claimed a slim but important 1–0 triumph over Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Chiefs got a dream beginning when Pule Mmodi reacted fastest within the box to score from close range after a corner, therefore giving them a strike in only the second minute. Moments before, Flávio Silva’s hit post from another corner signalled the Chiefs’ early control.

United reacted by driving forward and setting up several opportunities—especially through Amine Hiver, Leonard Mulenga, and Emmanuel Manda—but tough defending and a remarkable performance by goalie Brandon Petersen repeatedly denied their efforts.

As they sought an equaliser, ZESCO heightened the pressure in the second half, earning several free kicks and corners.

Chiefs stayed tough and earned a hard-fought shutout despite several injuries that caused delays.

Result: Zesco United 0 – 1 Kaizer Chiefs
Tanzania's side Azam edge Nairobi United in CAF Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Tanzanian outfit Azam edge Nairobi United in CAF Confederation Cup

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup action continued on Sunday, with Azam FC keeping their quarter-final hopes alive by defeating Nairobi United 2-1.

Nairobi took an early lead in the 13th minute through Dancan Omala, but Azam quickly equalised with a goal from Jephté Kitambala in the 17th minute.

The match remained intense, with both teams creating chances. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when an own goal by Nairobi’s Ernest Mohammed gave Azam a 2-1 lead.

Despite Nairobi’s efforts to equalise in the final minutes, Azam’s defence held strong, securing their victory amid pressure and six minutes of added time.

"St Éloi Lupopo overcomes MC Alger with a stoppage-time penalty
by FSL News

St Éloi Lupopo overcomes MC Alger with a stoppage-time penalty

St Éloi Lupopo rejuvenated their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign with a thrilling 1–0 victory over MC Alger on Sunday, netting the decisive goal deep into stoppage time in Lubumbashi.

The match’s turning point came in the fifth minute of added time when substitute Enock Molia was fouled in the box by defender Ghezala. Michael Kimputu converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Both teams struggled to create clear chances throughout the match. While Lupopo had a slight edge in possession, MC Alger maintained a solid defensive setup, appearing set to earn a draw.

With this win, Lupopo moves to four points from three matches, sitting third in Group C, while MC Alger remains at the bottom with one point, complicating their path to qualification.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal Omdurman lead the group with five points each, indicating a competitive race for the quarter-finals.

Mamelodi Sundowns share spoils with Al-Hilal in Champions League thriller
by FSL News

Mamelodi Sundowns share spoils with Al-Hilal in Champions League thriller

Mamelodi Sundowns and Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman ended their match in a 2-2 draw in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Friday night.

This result kept both teams in the running for qualification. Sundowns started strong but fell behind in the 15th minute when Omer Abdelrazig scored from close range after getting free at the near post.

The South Africans responded quickly, with Arthur Sales scoring just five minutes later, finishing calmly after Nuno Santos set up the play.

The game then turned tactical, with Sundowns holding more possession but struggling to find space against a solid Al-Hilal defence. Al-Hilal had to make an early substitution when Ousmane Diouf left the game due to injury.

Sundowns took the lead midway through the second half with a well-executed short corner. Teboho Mokoena hit a powerful shot into the near corner from outside the box.

However, just six minutes later, Abdelrazig scored again, converting a low cross to equalise.

Al-Hilal went down to ten men late in the game when Emmanuel Flommo received a red card. Despite this, Sundowns could not score again, and both teams ended up with one point.

Djoliba, Wydad and Kaizer Chiefs in CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend
by FSL News

Djoliba, Wydad and Kaizer Chiefs in CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend

The CAF Confederation Inter-club 2025/26 resumes this Friday, January 23, with Matchday 3 of the group stages starting across Africa.

After the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025, focus returns to club football this weekend, where Africa’s top teams continue their continental journeys.

With the first two rounds of group matches completed before the break, Matchday 3 is crucial for teams aiming to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The CAF Confederation Cup also picks up steam, featuring former champions, experienced teams, and excited newcomers all striving for success.

As qualification spots remain tight in several groups, Matchday 3 gives clubs a chance to improve their standings or get back in the race before the final rounds.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Fixtures (All times GMT)

Group A – Saturday, 24 January

19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs Djoliba AC (MLI)

Sunday, 25 January

16:00 — OCS Safi (MAR) vs  FC San Pedro (CIV)

Group B -Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — Nairobi United FC (KEN) vs Azam FC (TAN)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — Wydad AC (MAR) vs AS Maniema Union (DRC)

Group C – Sunday, 25 January
16:00 — Singida Black Stars (TAN) vs AS Otoho (CGO)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs Stellenbosch FC (RSA)

Group D- Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — ZESCO United FC (ZAM) vs Kaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — Zamalek SC (EGY) vs Al Masry SC (EGY)

Sullay Kaikai's stunning first-half helps Cambridge win over Fleetwood
by FSL News

Sullay Kaikai’s first-half stunner helps Cambridge win over Fleetwood

Sullay Kaikai scored as Cambridge maintained their League Two play-off pursuit with an away win as Fleetwood's search for a first victory of the new year continued.

Kaikai scored a great goal in the first half, but Ethan Ennis equalized with a penalty in the second half. James Gibbons then secured the win for Cambridge at Highbury, making it 11 league games without a loss.

Louis Appere missed the first chance of the match, heading the ball over the crossbar for the visitors.

Kaikai, from Sierra Leone, scored his seventh goal of the season for Cambridge with a fantastic free-kick after James Brophy was fouled near the box.

Kaikai almost assisted another goal when he set up Appere, but Appere shot wide.

In the 60th minute, Ched Evans of the Cod Army saw his volley go over the bar. Jay Lynch prevented Kaikai from scoring again by rushing off his line.

Fifteen minutes from the end, Evans earned a penalty, and Ennis scored to make it 1-1.

But Gibbons scored the winning goal with a strong shot through a crowded goal area eight minutes later.

Amad Diallo on target as Côte d'Ivoire cruise past Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Amad Diallo on target as Côte d’Ivoire cruise past Burkina Faso

In-form Manchester United winger, Amad Diallo scored the Côte d'Ivoire opener as they secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday night in Marrakesh, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The defending champions continue their quest for back-to-back titles, with Amad Diallo playing a crucial role by scoring the opening goal and assisting the second.

The Ivorians dominated from the start, with Diallo and Yan Diomandé posing constant threats to the Burkinabè defence. Diallo capitalised on a defensive error to chip in the first goal in the 20th minute, followed by Diomandé’s accurate finish from Diallo’s cross twelve minutes later.

Burkina Faso nearly scored before halftime when Dango Ouattara hit the post. The Stallions started the second half strongly but could not break through a disciplined Ivorian defence. Ousmane Diomandé sealed the victory with a goal in the 87th minute.

Amad Diallo was named Man of the Match, praising the team’s chemistry and collective effort. Burkina Faso’s coach Brama Traoré expressed disappointment over missing key players, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Emerse Faé highlighted the team’s quick reactions when losing possession and the strength of the collective performance.

10-man Mali knock-out Tunisia in penalty shootout
by FSL News

10-man Mali advance after penalty shootout win over Tunisia

Mali defeated Tunisia in a penalty shootout 3-2 after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 16 match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite being reduced to ten men within the first thirty minutes.

The thrilling clash took place on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, with El Bilal Touré stepping up to convert the decisive penalty, securing a hard-fought victory for Les Aigles.

Both sides approached the match with caution, resulting in limited scoring opportunities. Early on, Mali’s chances took a hit when right back Woyo Coulibaly was shown a red card for a late challenge on Hannibal Mejbri, leaving his team in a precarious position.

Tunisia struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Malian side, lacking the attacking flair to capitalise on its opportunities. Despite their physical play, Tunisia missed several set pieces, while Mali threatened on the counter-attack.

In the 89th minute, Tunisia found inspiration when Elias Saad crossed to substitute Firas Chaouat, who scored with a flicked header, seemingly securing a quarterfinal spot. However, a late penalty for Mali, converted by Sinayoko, levelled the score and sent the match into extra time.

The deadlock continued through extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Tunisia initially took the lead, but missed penalties from Bissouma and Abdi proved costly. Diarra’s save against Ben Romdhane opened the door for Touré, who scored the winning penalty for Mali.

Mali advances to face Senegal in the quarterfinals on January 9 in Tangier, following Senegal’s earlier win over Sudan.