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
Freetown City's relegation confirmed after the Disciplinary Committee's decision
by FSL News

Freetown City relegated after Disciplinary Committee’s decision

On July 19th, 2024, Freetown City suffered relegation from the Sierra Leone Premier League. This decision came after the league’s Disciplinary Committee awarded three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers.

On the second-to-last day of the league, a controversial penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute while FCFC was leading 1-0. As a result of this decision, the match was halted and subsequently abandoned by the referee.

FCFC has forfeited the match. As a result, 3 points and 2 goals have been awarded to Wilberforce Strikers FC by Rule 24.2 paragraphs b, c, and d, reports the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest Committee.

Several fines and suspensions were imposed on FCFC players, coaches, and management due to the incident. Additionally, FCFC has been fined 10 million Leones for the collective misconduct of its players, officials, and supporters.

The Secretary General of FCFC expressed disappointment with the decision and stated that the club will challenge it through established mechanisms to ensure justice.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1814606173993144383

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach
by FSL News

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach

The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) has officially announced that Nibombe Dare is the new head coach of the national team, known as the Sparrowhawks.

During a press briefing at the FTF headquarters in Kégué, it was announced that Daré, a former Togolese international player with a UEFA Pro license, will be leading the team in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.

“Nibombé Daré, a former international defender for the Hawks, was chosen from a group of Togolese candidates. After a rigorous evaluation, it was finally Daré who was selected to lead the Hawks.

The new coach inherits a team in search of stability and performance. With important deadlines in perspective, including the qualifications for the African Cup of Nations, CAN 2025 and the World Cup 2026, Daré will have the arduous task of forming a solid and coherent group,” FTF noted.

This announcement ends weeks of speculation about who would succeed Paulo Duarte. His first match in charge will be a home game against Liberia in early September.

FTF Secretary General Herve Agbodan told reporters, “This is the official announcement of his appointment. Nibombé Daré will soon be in Lomé to discuss the terms of his contract before his official presentation.”

Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking
by FSL News

Equatorial Guinea, Angola and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking

In July’s Fifa ranking, Sierra Leone stayed at 122nd place and 34th in the continent but the focus is on Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The impact on the rankings of certain African teams was due to their limited participation during the concurrent UEFA EURO and Copa América events.

Equatorial Guinea moved up by two places, while Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo each moved up by one place.

Morocco, a top team in African football, didn’t do as well but still did well against tough teams. They dropped from 12th to 14th place in the world, but they are still a strong force in international football.

Senegal’s national team, the Lions of Teranga, also dropped to 19th place in the rankings.

Overall, these changes show the bright and competitive spirit of African football. They also show that African football is getting better and becoming more important globally.

Click the link to see the FIFA ranking of African teams.

Abdul Fatawu has signed a five-year deal to permanently stay at Leicester City for £14m. His impressive performance during a loan from Sporting Lisbon made him a fan favourite.
by FSL News

Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu makes Leicester City’s permanent switch

Abdul Fatawu has signed a five-year deal to permanently stay at Leicester City for £14m. His impressive performance during a loan from Sporting Lisbon made him a fan favourite.

Fatawu made 43 appearances and scored seven goals for the Foxes last season, including a hat-trick against Southampton.

The 20-year-old Ghanaian international impressed during his loan spell at King Power Stadium, helping Leicester City to win the Sky Bet Championship title and secure promotion to the Premier League.

After receiving league and international clearance, Abdul Fatawu is all set for the upcoming season.

Abdul Fatawu expressed his excitement about returning, stating, “I feel amazing. It’s so good to be back and I’m just ready to focus again for next season.”

He will rejoin his Leicester City teammates as they prepare for the Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, August 19th.

Burkina Faso International Bertrand Traoré joins Ajax
by FSL News

Burkina Faso International Bertrand Traoré joins Ajax

Ajax have signed Bertrand Traoré from Burkina Faso on a two-year contract. Traoré joined as a free agent after his contract with Villarreal CF ended.

Born on September 6, 1995, in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Traoré played for Ajax on loan in the 2016/17 season and reached the UEFA Europa League final.

He played 39 matches and scored thirteen goals that season. After leaving Ajax, Traoré played for Olympique Lyon, Aston Villa, and Istanbul Başakşehir before joining Spanish club Villarreal CF last winter.

Ajax’s Technical Director, Alex Kroes, expressed his excitement about Traoré’s arrival and highlighted the player’s eagerness to succeed and versatility in forward positions.

Kroes also emphasized Traoré’s goal-oriented approach, speed, and valuable experience, making him a significant addition to the squad.

Traoré played for Ajax on loan in the 2016/17 season and reached the UEFA Europa League final.
Traoré played for Ajax on loan in the 2016/17 season and reached the UEFA Europa League final.
Brighton move delights for Malian midfielder Malick Yalcouye
by FSL News

Brighton move delights Malian midfielder Malick Yalcouye

Malian midfielder Malick Yalcouye is happy to have joined Brighton from IFK Goteborg on a contract until June 2029.

The 18-year-old player, hailing from Mali and Ivory Coast, joined Goteborg after honing his skills at the Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas. He showcased his talent by making his professional debut in the African Champions League.

Malick’s debut game for Goteborg was in February during the Swedish Cup, and he started his first league match against Djurgardens IF in April.

Demonstrating his prowess, he scored his first league goal for the club later that month against IF Brommapojkarna.

Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, “We are happy to have Malick at the club. He is a talented midfielder with great potential to become a top player.

He is excited about this next career stage, and we look forward to helping him progress.”

Augustine Williams' Indy Eleven meet Sporting KC in US Cup semis
by FSL News

Williams’ Indy Eleven to meet Sporting KC in US Cup semis

Augustine Williams’ Indy Eleven is set to face Major League side Sporting KC in the US Cup semis in August.

Tuesday night, Indy Eleven made history by winning 2-1 against Atlanta United, advancing to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinals for the first time since starting in the tournament in 2014.

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams scored the first goal of the match, marking his third consecutive goal in the Cup. This was also the first goal that Atlanta had conceded after keeping two clean sheets at the start of the tournament.

This victory was Indy’s first win against an MLS opponent in four attempts. Williams opened the scoring in the 31st minute with an assist from Douglas Martinez, who provided his second assist of the tournament.

The second goal which turned out to be the match-winner for Indy, was an own goal caused by a dangerous cross into the Atlanta box intended for Elliot Collier, but inadvertently deflected into the net.

Atlanta’s only goal came from Nick Firmino in the 83rd minute. Inoffensive action, Josh O’Brien had three shots on goal for Indy, while Sebastian Guenzatti had two shots on target.

Los Angeles FC face Seattle in the semifinals, while Sporting KC meet USL Championship side Augustine Williams Indy Eleven after their upset of Atlanta United.

Defender Okoli is excited to begin after joining Leicester
by FSL News

Defender Okoli is excited to begin after joining Leicester

Highly-rated young defender Caleb Okoli has expressed his delight in joining Leicester City from Serie A side Atalanta on a permanent deal, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who played for Italy at the EURO U21 Championships in 2023, has signed a five-year deal with the Foxes as they get ready for the 2024/25 Premier League season.

In an interview with Foxes Hub, Okoli, who is a Okoli is Igbo and Yoruba by descent stated, “I believe the time is right for me to take a major step forward.

I’m thrilled about my decision and eager to begin playing in the Premier League. I feel prepared to start with my new team here in Leicester.”

Okoli, who was born in Vicenza, Italy, joined Atalanta in 2015. He had a successful loan spell at SPAL during the 2020/21 season, making 16 appearances and scoring once in a 2-1 victory over Lecce.

https://twitter.com/LCFC/status/1810699683087671437

 Togolese descent Lilian Brassier joins Marseille
by FSL News

 Togolese descent Lilian Brassier joins Marseille

Togolese descent Lilian Brassier has joined Olympique de Marseille on loan from Stade Brestois. The 24-year-old defender has signed with an option to buy after passing a medical examination.

 The centre-back began his professional career at Stade Rennais and made his debut in Ligue 2 in the 2019-2020 season. He was then loaned to Valenciennes FC, where he played 27 matches.

He was spotted by Stade Brestois 29 and joined them in the following season in Finistère. His skills in duels and heading were noticeable from the start in Ligue 1.

Lilian Brassier is a versatile and adaptable defender known for his quality recovery with his left foot. He played 30 matches, scored 3 goals, and helped Stade Brestois 29 finish on the podium and secure a place in the Champions League during the 2023-24 season.

With over 100 matches and 5 goals in Ligue 1, he has become a reliable central defender at the age of 24.

Tyrese Fornah joins Derby's pre-season ahead of Real Valladolid friendly
by FSL News

Tyrese Fornah joins Derby’s pre-season ahead of Real Valladolid friendly

Sierra Leone International Tyrese Fornah has joined Championship team Derby County for pre-season training in preparation for their friendly match against Real Valladolid.

Tyrese Fornah, 24, is looking to make a good impression on his new boss before the upcoming Championship campaign.

Derby County is set to host Real Valladolid in their final pre-season friendly before the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship campaign next month.

The match will take place at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, with a kick-off time of 3 pm.

Real Valladolid, who is 82% owned by former Brazil international striker Ronaldo, will be competing in La Liga for the 2024/25 season after finishing second in the Segunda Division last season.

They secured automatic promotion by winning 21 of their 42 league matches and finished just two points behind champions Leganes.

In November 2023, Fornah made his international debut for Sierra Leone in the World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and then went on to start in a 2-0 defeat to Egypt.