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
Morocco beat Zambia as South Africa & Nigeria draw in Uyo
by FSL News

Morocco defeat Zambia as Nigeria & South Africa draw in Uyo

Morocco defeated Zambia 2-1 with an early penalty by Hakim Ziyech and a goal by Eliesse Ben Seghir, while Zambia managed a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya.

Nigeria and South Africa played to a 1-1 draw, with Themba Zwane scoring for South Africa and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalizing for Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday.

Cote d’Ivoire secured a 1-0 victory over Gabon with a goal from Seko Fofana, maintaining their lead in Group F.

Morocco 2 – 1 Zambia

In the match between Morocco and Zambia, an early penalty scored by Hakim Ziyech gave the Atlas Lions the lead. Eliesse Ben Seghir extended their lead after the break, but a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya in the 80th minute reduced Zambia’s deficit. This result propelled Morocco ahead of Zambia in Group E. 

Cote d’Ivoire 1 – 0 Gabon

Seko Fofana’s goal helped the Elephants secure a narrow victory over Gabon, maintaining the reigning African champions’ winning streak in Group F and their position at the top.

Nigeria 1 – 1 South Africa

In Uyo, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced South Africa, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Themba Zwane scored for Bafana Bafana in the 29th minute, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized for Nigeria shortly after the break.

Lesotho top Group C after win over Zimbabwe as Mozambique edge Somalia
by FSL News

Lesotho top Group C as Mozambique edge Somalia

Lesotho secured a significant 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon to lead Group C of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Rethabile Rasethuntsa opened the scoring for Lesotho in the 21st minute, while Jane Thaba Ntso doubled their advantage just ten minutes later, securing the win.

With this impressive win, Lesotho now sits atop Group C with five points from three matches, while Zimbabwe is at the bottom with just two points.

In another match, Mozambique secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Somalia, with goals from Alfons Amade and Stanley Ratifo, moving them level on points with the group leaders.

Elsewhere, Kenya and Burundi played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested match.

These results will have a significant impact on the standings and the hopes of each nation to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

How qualifying works

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Nine goals were scored as African teams resumed their CAF FIFA World Cup African qualifiers on Wednesday,
by FSL News

Recap of Wednesday’s Africa World Cup qualifiers

On Wednesday, June 5th, African teams returned to the CAF FIFA World Cup 2026 African qualifiers to secure a spot at the global event. A total of nine goals were scored in the intense matches.

Togo and South Sudan shared the spoils in Lome, while the Central African Republic defeated Chad 1-0 in Morocco. Namibia played a 1-1 draw against Liberia in Johannesburg, while Tunisia narrowly defeated Equatorial Guinea 1-0 and Sierra Leone rallied to a 2-1 victory over Djobouti’s Sharks.

Sierra Leone 2-1 Djibouti

Goals: C. Davies 12’, Augustus. Kargbo 51’ / G. Dadzie (penalty) 35’

Sierra Leone faced a tough match against Djibouti, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. The game saw goals from Curtis Davies and Augustus Kargbo for Sierra Leone and a penalty goal by Guirehanta Dadzie for Djibouti.

Togo 1-1 South Sudan

Goals: K. Narey 61’ / R. Aholou (own goal) 68’

Togo was held to a 1-1 draw at home by South Sudan. Khaled Narey gave Togo the lead in the 61st minute, but Roger Aholou’s own goal in the 68th minute levelled the score, earning South Sudan a point. With this result, Togo is fourth in Group B, with South Sudan in fifth.

Central African Republic 1-0 Chad

Goal: V. Baboula 29’

Geoffrey Kondogbia’s goal in the 29th minute secured a 1-0 victory for the Central African Republic over Chad, moving them to third place in the group, while Chad remains at the bottom.

Namibia 1-1 Liberia

Goals: T. Karuuombe 8’ / T. Sackor 65’

Namibia’s early lead, courtesy of Tijpe Karuuombe’s goal in the 8th minute, was cancelled out by Tonia Tisdell Sackor’s goal in the 65th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw between Namibia and Liberia.

Tunisia 1-0 Equatorial Guinea

On Wednesday, Tunisia continued their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in Tunis

In a closely contested Group H match at the Hammadi Al-Aqrabi Stadium, Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan’s 82nd-minute penalty made the difference as the Carthage Eagles secured their third consecutive win.

Otto Addo’s face the Eagles of Mali test in Group I
by FSL News

Otto Addo’s Ghana face tricky Eagles of Mali test

In November 2023, Ghana Black Stars kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Madagascar. However, their unexpected loss to Comoros has increased the pressure on them as they prepare to face Mali in Bamako.

The Black Stars currently hold the fourth spot in World Cup 2026 qualifying Group I, which includes Mali, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

On Thursday, Otto Addo’s team will face Mali in what is expected to be a challenging match. Four days later – they’ll host the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Key players to watch include Tariq Lamptey in defence, Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey in midfield and Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in the attack.

Kudus is expected to play a crucial role. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has provided six assists and scored eight goals for West Ham in the league this season.

The team will introduce two new players: Thomas-Asante from West Brom and Sulemana from Cagliari. Both players have yet to make an appearance for the national team.

Comoros led Group I with six points, followed by Mali with four, Madagascar and Ghana with three each, and Central African Republic and Chad at the bottom with two points after playing two matches.

Ghana’s Black Stars Scheduled matches

  • Mali v Ghana (Group I) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
Defender Leon Balogun pens Rangers contract extension
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Leon Balogun pens Rangers contract extension

Nigerian defender Leon Balogun has committed to another year with Rangers, extending his contract until the 2024/25 season ahead of his second stint with the Scottish club.

Balogun first joined Rangers in 2020 and played a pivotal role in their title-winning season in 2020/21 and their Scottish Cup triumph in 2021/22.

After leaving for English club Queen’s Park Rangers in 2022, he returned to Rangers last summer.

He expressed his happiness and privilege to extend his contract with Rangers, stating his desire to win more trophies and titles with the club.

“In my time here so far, I have witnessed first-hand the impact he has not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well, with his valuable experience. He is a talented defender who brings a lot of qualities to the group, and I look forward to continuing to work with him next season.”

The Director of Football Recruitment, Nils Koppen, commented, “Leon has been an important player for this club and knows what it is like to represent Rangers. At a time of change within the squad, a player with Leon’s experience is vital, and it is fantastic we have been able to secure him.” him for another season.”

With 46 caps for Nigeria, Balogun scored his only goal for the national team against Central African Republic in October 2021.

Gambian players must be active to be eligible - Mckinstry
by FSL News

Gambian players must be active to be eligible – Mckinstry

The newly appointed head coach of The Gambia senior national team, Johnathan McKinstry, has outlined the criteria for player selection, emphasizing the importance of players being actively involved with their clubs before naming his squad.

The Northern Irishman has announced his squad for important games against Seychelles and Gabon this month. The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.

He underlined the significance of fitness and regular game time for the players as the Scorpions are getting ready for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Seychelles and Gabon on the horizon.

He expressed his vision of progressing the team and enhancing their performance in upcoming matches, highlighting his willingness to integrate young players and expecting them to deliver their best on the field.

He arrived in Gambia on May 25, just one week after securing Gor Mahia the Kenyan Premier League title with three league games remaining. In his two years in charge of Gor Mahia, he won both KPL League titles and the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield.

The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.
The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.
Moroccan forward Ayoub El Kaabi shines in Europa Conference final
by FSL News

Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi shines in Europa Conference final

El Kaabi scored eleven goals in the Europa Conference League, setting a new record in the UEFA knockout stage and helping the Greek club side win a European trophy.

The Olympiacos striker scored the winning goal against Fiorentina, securing a 1-0 victory at the AEK Arena with just four minutes remaining in extra time.

El Kaabi’s achievement surpasses the records of Falcao, Ronaldo, and Benzema, who have each scored 10 goals in a single UEFA campaign.

He is the first non-European player to score 14 goals in a major European competition in a single season since Lionel Messi in 2011-12.

Olympiakos is the first Greek side to win a major European competition, with El Kaabi playing a crucial role in their success. Fiorentina’s loss adds to their history of failures in this tournament, losing five of their last six European finals.

The defeat also ended Fiorentina’s longest unbeaten run in Europe, abruptly halting a 13-match undefeated streak.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh back in Sierra Leone squad
by FSL News

Bristol Rovers’ Kamil Conteh named in Sierra Leone squad

Kamil Conteh has been selected for the Sierra Leone national team for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

He will be representing his country for the first time since March last year. Sierra Leone is currently fourth in Group A with one point from two matches.

The squad includes former Liverpool defender Steven Caulker, recently released Cheltenham Town centre-back Curtis Davies, and Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu.

Conteh has been performing well since joining Rovers from Grimsby Town in January, quickly adapting to life in League One after playing in League Two and the National League for the previous year and a half.

On March 17, 2022, Conteh was called up to the Sierra Leone squad for their friendly matches against Togo, Liberia, and Congo. Conteh earned his first cap during their 3-0 loss to Togo, playing the full 90 minutes.

Samuel Gandi’s hat-trick helps Edwards to a comeback victory
by FSL News

Samuel Gandi’s brace helps Edwards to comeback victory

Old Edwardians staged a remarkable comeback to defeat FC Kallon 4-3 on Wednesday at the SLFA academy playing field.

Despite Kallon taking an early three-goal lead in the first 30 minutes, the May Park Boys put on an impressive performance, scoring four goals to secure the win.

Abu Bakarr Jallon opened the scoring for Kallon in the 2nd minute, and Sam Komba Sylla added two more goals in the 25th and 30th minutes, seemingly securing the home side’s bright start.

In spite of everything, the Edwardians demonstrated resilience and character during the last hour of the game. Alusine Kamara, who was named Man of the Match, initiated the comeback for the May Park Boys in the 31st minute when he capitalized on a loose ball to beat the Kallon keeper.

Samuel Gandhi Impressively scored a brace. The best of his goals came in the 70th minute when he outpaced his marker and unleashed a fine strike to beat the Kallon keeper.

This victory moved Old Edwardians to fourth place, leaving Kallon trailing by seventeen points behind the league leaders, Bo Rangers.

The Edwardians’ next match is against the runaway leaders Bo Rangers, who could clinch the title with maximum points at the South Arena on Saturday, 1st June 2024.

View the Sierra Leone Premier League standings 

Africa World Cup 2026 Qualifying Dates confirmed
by FSL News

Africa World Cup 2026 Qualifying Dates & Venues Confirmed

The African nations will continue their journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 next week. Match Day Three and Match Day four of the qualifiers will take place between June 5th and June 11th, 2024.

Nine African teams are guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, while another team will participate in the Play-off Tournament, as the tournament will now feature 48 teams for the first time.

The winners of each group will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The top four runners-up from the groups will compete in a CAF Play-Off tournament.

The winner of the CAF Play-Off Tournament will then advance to the FIFA Play-off Tournament. Here are the fixtures for the matches to be played over the next seven days (all kick-off times are in GMT):

List of fixtures

Match Day 3

Wednesday – 05 June, 2024

  • Sierra Leone v Djibouti (Group A) | 1600 | El Jadida, Morocco
  • Togo v South Sudan (Group B) | 1600 | Lome, Togo
  • Central African Republic v Chad (Group I) | 1600 | Oujda, Morocco
  • Namibia v Liberia (Group H) | 1600 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Tunisia v Equatorial Guinea (Group H) | 1900 | Rades, Tunisia

 

Thursday – 06 June, 2024

  • Malawi v  Sao Tome e Principe  (Group H) | 1300 | Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Guinea Bissau v Ethiopia (Group A) | 1600 | Bissau, Guinea Bissau
  • Mauritania v Sudan (Group B) | 1600 | Nouakchott, Mauritania
  • Libya v Mauritius (Group D) | 1600 | Tripoli, Libya
  • Congo v Niger (Group E) | 1600 | Kinshasa, DR Congo
  • Egypt v Burkina Faso (Group A) | 1900 | Cairo, Egypt
  • Senegal v DR Congo (Group B) | 1900 | Diamniadio, Senegal
  • Benin v Rwanda (Group C) | 1900 | Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
  • Algeria v Guinea (Group G) | 1900 | Algiers, Algeria
  • Mali v Ghana (Group I) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali

 

Friday – 07 June, 2024

  • Zimbabwe v Lesotho (Group C) | 1300 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Mozambique v Somalia (Group G) | 1300 | Maputo, Mozambique
  • Kenya  v Burundi (Group F) | 1300 | Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Uganda v Botswana (Group G) | 1600 | Namboole, Uganda
  • Madagascar v Comoros (Group I) | 1600 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Angola v Eswatini (Group D) | 1600 | Luanda, Angola
  • Nigeria v South Africa (Group C) | 1900 | Uyo, Nigeria
  • Morocco v Zambia (Group E) | 1900 | Agadir, Morocco
  • Cote d’Ivoire v Gabon  (Group F) | 1900 | Korhogo, Cote d’Ivoire

 

Saturday – 08 June, 2024

  • Cameroon v Cape Verde (Group D) | 1300 | Douala, Cameroon
  • Gambia v Seychelles (Group F) | 1600 | Berkane, Morocco

 

Match Day 4

Sunday – 09 June, 2024

  • Sao Tome e Principe  v Liberia  (Group H) | 1300 | Oudja, Morocco
  • Djibouti v Ethiopia (Group A) | 1600 | El Jadida, Morocco
  • Congo DR v Togo (Group B) | 1600 | Kinshasa, DR Congo
  • Mauritania v Senegal (Group B) | 1600 | Nouachott, Mauritania
  • Namibia  v Tunisia  (Group H) | 1600 | Johannesburg, South Africa

 

Monday – 10 June, 2024

  • Somalia v Botswana (Group G) | 1300 | Maputo, Mozambique
  • Equatorial Guinea  v Malawi  (Group H) | 1300 | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 
  • Madagascar v Mali (Group I) | 1300 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Guinea Bissau v Egypt (Group A) | 1600 | Bissau, Guinea Bissau
  • Benin v Nigeria (Group C) | 1600 | Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
  • Uganda v Algeria  (Group G) | 1600 | Namboole, Uganda
  • Guinea  v Mozambique (Group G) | 1900 | El Jadida, Morocco
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali

 

Tuesday – 11 June, 2024

  • South Sudan v Sudan (Group B) | 1300 | Juba, South Sudan
  • Mauritius v Eswatini (Group G) | 1300 | St. Pierre, Mauritius
  • Zambia v  Tanzania (Group E) | 1300 | Ndola, Zambia
  • Kenya v Cote d’Ivoire (Group F) | 1300 | Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Lesotho v Rwanda (Group C) | 1600 | Durban, South Africa
  • Cape Verde  v Libya (Group D) | 1600 | Praia, Cape Verde
  • South Africa v Zimbabwe (Group C) | 1600 | Bloemfontein, South Africa
  • Congo v Morocco (Group E) | 1600 | Kinshasa, DR Congo
  • Chad v Comoros (Group I) | 1600 | Oujda, Morocco
  • Angola v Cameroon (Group D) | 1900 | Luanda, Angola
  • Gabon v Gambia (Group F) | 1900 | Franceville, Gabon
  • Seychelles v Burundi (Group F) | 1900 | Berkane, Morocco