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
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.

Samal Bangura joins Tottenham Hotspur U18 scholars
by FSL News

Samal Bangura joins Tottenham Hotspur U18 scholars

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur has officially announced that Samal Bangura a Sierra Leonean native is one of the new academy scholars for the 2024-2025 season.

The club introduced 13 young players who have joined their Under-18s as full-time, first-year scholars.

Stuart Lewis, the Under-18s Coach, expressed excitement about working with the new scholarship intake and called it a proud moment for the players and their families.

He emphasized that becoming a full-time scholar at Tottenham Hotspur is an incredible achievement.

The staff team looks forward to developing the players individually and collectively as they support their scholarship years at the club.

Left winger Osman Kamara on signing a pro contract with Arsenal
by FSL News

Left winger Osman Kamara on signing a pro contract with Arsenal

Arsenal left winger Osman has expressed his delight after he penned a professional contract at the club.

Kamara had his best goal-scoring season in 2023/24. He scored nine goals in 14 appearances in the U18 Premier League and provided two assists.

He also scored in the Premier League 2 for our under-21s team and played in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League.

“I’m thrilled to have my family watch me sign my first professional contract,” said a proud Osman. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’m happy that they can see that it’s paid off.

“It gives me a sense that if you work hard, things will be given to you. I’m going to keep doing the same in the future.

“It was an easy decision. The coaches and staff around here are very welcoming and bring out the best in me, so I’ll keep improving as a player and a person.”

“I feel really delighted to have my family watch me sign my first professional contract," a proud Osman revealed. "It’s been a lot of hard work throughout the years, but I’m happy that they can see that it’s paid off.
“I feel really delighted to have my family watch me sign my first professional contract," a proud Osman revealed. "It’s been a lot of hard work throughout the years, but I’m happy that they can see that it’s paid off.
Sierra Leone's native signs Arsenal professional contract
by FSL News

Sierra Leone’s native Kabia signs Arsenal professional contract

Arsenal has confirmed that Ismeal Kabia, a right winger, has signed a professional contract at the club.

Kabia made the step up to Arsenal’s under-21s team last season and played in several competitions.

He expressed his happiness after signing his contract and discussed the positive influence the club has had on him.

Despite some injuries, he finished the last season with eight appearances and scored his first goal for Arsenal U18s against Southampton.

Kabia, who was born in the Netherlands but is also eligible to play for Sierra Leone, aims to make a significant impact on the Arsenal team.

SWASAL is set to launch its Golden Jubilee logo and celebrate Sports Journalist Day.
by FSL News

SWASAL to Launch Golden Jubilee logo, celebrate Sports Journalist

The Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) will launch its 50-year Golden Jubilee logo on Friday and celebrate this year’s World Sports Journalists Day.

The association’s President, Sahr Morris Jr, (In Photo) expressed pride in the achievements of the association and its sports journalists.

Sahr Morris Jr, the President of SWASAL, expressed that the recent event is a significant milestone and a great achievement for the Association. SWASAL has produced numerous outstanding sports journalists who have gone on to become leaders of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and have also made significant contributions to sports administrations.

He stated: “As an Association and an executive, we take pride in our accomplishments thus far and are committed to further improving and achieving success in all aspects of sports journalism and sports administration in Sierra Leone.”

The launch will kick off various activities, including sponsored walks, sports tournaments, conferences, and other events. In commemoration of World Sports Journalists Day, the President extended gratitude to sports journalists in Sierra Leone and worldwide for their efforts in reporting sports news and events.

Despite challenges, he highlighted the dedication of Sierra Leone’s sports journalists in reporting on their athletes and promoting the value of sports to both local and international audiences.

He also encouraged everyone to take advantage of the newly introduced Diploma in Sports Journalism course offered by SWASAL and LICCSAL Business. College.

Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye pleased to join Everton from Marseille
by FSL News

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye pleased to join Everton

Everton has signed Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, confirmed the Premier League side.

Ndiaye, 24, scored four goals in 46 games for Marseille last season, helping the club reach the Europa League semi-finals.” I am so pleased to be an Everton player,” he told Everton TV. “The main reasons I wanted to join were the club’s size, its history, and the part I can play in helping the team move forward. I’m so excited and can’t wait to get going.”

Everton manager Sean Dyche expressed confidence in Ndiaye, praising his experience at the European and international levels.

Ndiaye becomes Everton’s third summer signing after winger Jack Harrison and midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. Director of football Kevin Thelwell believes Ndiaye will bring excitement and a new dimension to Everton’s attack.

Ndiaye, born in France to a Senegalese father and a French mother, made his debut for the Senegal national team in a 3–1 win over Benin during a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match.

He was later selected for Senegal’s squad in the postponed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in the Ivory Coast.

Musa Tombo makes history after third Golden Boots Award
by FSL News

Musa Tombo makes history by winning third Golden Boot Award

Musa Noah ‘Tombo’ Kamara, a well-known striker in the Sierra Leone Premier League, has achieved a significant milestone in the competition’s history, Mohamed Fajah Barrie reports.

He has clinched the highest goal scorer award an impressive three times, making him the only player to achieve this feat since the inception of the national top-flight league in 1980.

In the recently concluded 2023/2024 season, Musa Tombo secured the coveted Golden Boot by scoring an outstanding 15 goals, including two hat-tricks for Ports Authority, despite joining the team midway through the season.

What sets Musa apart is his remarkable goal-scoring abilities and his consistency in achieving this feat with different clubs. He initially claimed the top goal scorer title with East End Lions in 2019, contributing 15 goals to the team’s unbeaten league victory.

Subsequently, in the 2021/2022 season, he achieved the same feat with Bo Rangers, scoring 19 goals and guiding the team to their first premier league title. Now, with Ports Authority FC, Musa Kamara has once again displayed his exceptional talent.

In another success story, Bo Rangers were officially crowned champions of the 2023/2024 Sierra Leone Premier League after a 5-1 victory over Lamboi FC of Lungi, securing their third consecutive league title and their third championship in the club’s history.

The grand celebration at the Southern Arena was a fitting conclusion to their exceptional season, having clinched the title with three games to spare.

On the other hand, newcomer Kahunla Rangers of Kenema bid farewell to their debut season in the Premier League after being relegated before their final game over the weekend.

Shifting the focus to the women’s category, Mogbwemo Queens of Rutile mirrored Bo Rangers’ success by retaining their women’s premier league title, maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the season.

A standout individual achievement in the women’s league was witnessed with FC Kallon’s Kumba Zainab Brima securing the league’s best player award and claiming the Golden Boot for the second season in a row with an impressive 39 goals, setting a new record for the highest goal tally by an individual in a single season across all categories, 13 more goals than last season.