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
Bertrand Traore out of Burkina Faso squad for Egypt & S/Leone 
by FSL News

Bertrand Traore left out of Burkina Faso squad for Egypt & Sierra Leone 

Burkina Faso’s head coach, Brama Traore, has announced the squad for the upcoming 2026 Africa World Cup qualifying matches. Skipper Bertrand Traore, who scored in the draw 1-1 against Guinea-Bissau and their 3-0 win over Ethiopia, is not included.

The absence of team’s star, Bertrand Traore, who plays for La Liga side Villarreal, is a notable absentee as they prepared to face Egypt at Cairo Stadium on Thursday, June 6th, and host Sierra Leone at the Mar du 26 stadium in Bamako, Mali, on June 10th.

Traore scored in the draw against Guinea-Bissau and their 3-0 win over Ethiopia. Group A’s second-placed team, Les Étalons, secured their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by defeating Ethiopia’s Walias on November 21, 2023, in Morocco after their opening draw with Guinea-Bissau.

In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A with six points, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau with four points each. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied on one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

The winners of the nine qualifying groups will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, while the best four runners-up will participate in the FIFA playoff tournament.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Hervé Koffi (R Charleroi SC), Farid Ouedraogo(AS Vita Club Kinshasa), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag)

Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Nasser Djiga (Red Star Belgrade), Adama Nagalo (FC Nordsjaelland), Mohamed Ouedraogo (SCR Altach), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol), Saidou Simporé (NBE Club), Valentin Nouma (FC Saint Eloi Lupopo)

Midfielders: Sacha Bancé (Valenciennes FC), Blati Toure (Pyramids FC), Gustavo Sangari (Quevilly – Rouen Métropole), Cedric Badolo (FC Sheriff Tiraspol), Stephane Aziz Ki (Young Africans FC), Ismahila Ouedraogo (Panserraikos), Regis N’Do (CF Estrela)

Forwards: Hassim Traore (Joué-lès-Tours), Lassina Traore (Shakhtar Donetsk), Mohamed Konate (Akhmat Grozny), Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Dango Ouattara (AFC Bournemouth), Hassane Bande (HJK Helsinki)

Amara Nallo features for England's U18 in the Tri-Nation win over Morocco.
by FSL News

Amara Nallo helps England’s U18 win the Tri-Nation trophy 

Amara Nallo, a native of Sierra Leone, played for the England Young Lions as they rallied to beat Morocco 2-1 at St. George’s Park. 

This victory secured them the first-ever U18 Tri-Nations Trophy on Sunday, making them the inaugural winners of the U18 Tri-Nations Trophy.

 The young defender has been crucial for the English U18 side since moving to Liverpool from West Ham.

In a historic match, Tom Curtis’s U18 side hosted Morocco for the first time on home soil. The game began with Morocco taking the lead as Mohammed Hamony scored in the 14th minute. 

In the 33rd minute, Matthew Warhurst’s header was saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper. In the second half, England’s Ethan Wheatley scored twice, securing a win. The match also included a tribute to former England staff member Craig Simmons.

In March 2024, Nallo was called up to the England U-18 squad for the Pinatar Super Cup matches against Czechia, Germany, and the Netherlands. He made his debut in a 2-1 win over Czechia at the Pinatar Arena on 20 March 2024.

Neighbours Guinea knock Sierra Leone out of WAFU U20 in Senegal
by FSL News

Guinea knock Sierra Leone out of WAFU U20 in Senegal

Sierra Leone has been eliminated from the 2024 WAFU U20 Tournament after losing to Guinea at the Stade Maniang Soumare on Saturday. They conceded nine goals in total after three Group B games.

They started strong with a 2-0 win against Mauritania at the Stade Lat Dior. However, their subsequent 7-0 loss to Liberia and 2-0 defeat to Guinea led to their exit from the tournament. 

The match against Guinea was crucial for Sierra Leone’s hopes of advancing. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to secure the needed victory.

The team demonstrated skill and determination throughout the tournament but ultimately failed to advance to the next stage.

Meanwhile, After an exciting first round, the tournament is ready for the semi-final match-up as Senegal will face Guinea, while Liberia will take on Guinea Bissau.

Senegal’s team, the Lioncelles, finished at the top of Group A with 9 points. They are eager to win in the semi-finals and defend their title, which they won in 2023 in Sierra Leone.

The Group B standings after Saturday's final round of matches
After an exciting first round, the tournament is ready for the semi-final match-up as Senegal will face Guinea, while Liberia will take on Guinea Bissau.
After an exciting first round, the tournament is ready for the semi-final match-up as Senegal will face Guinea, while Liberia will take on Guinea Bissau.
Mohamed Conteh shines for Al Ain in the International U16 Cup
by FSL News

Mohamed Conteh shines for Al Ain in International Cup

In April of this year, 15-year-old Mohamed Jay Jay Conteh, a former FC Kallon and Duada Bangs FC midfielder, won his first silverware with the Al Ain U16 team in the United Arab Emirates. 

Conteh left Sierra Leone in September 2022 and played a crucial role in the third edition of the Al Ain tournament held from March to April 2024.

Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, he made significant contributions as his team competed against renowned clubs such as Chelsea FC, RS Kerkane, Kashiwa Reysol Club, SK Slavia Prague from the Czech Republic, and Sporting SC from Portugal in the International Youth Cup.

“I was happy to help the team win the third edition of the Al Ain International Cup. It was a great experience for me as a young player,” Conteh told this medium.

Despite joining the team in the second half of the league after recovering from a hand injury, I was pleased with my contribution.”

The former Sierra Leone U15 attacking midfielder hopes the new season will further propel him to greater heights.

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming season and hopefully playing with the Al Ain U17 side. Since joining the team after the injury, I have played 19 games, scored six goals, and provided seven assists.”

I was happy to help the team win the third edition of the Al Ain International Cup.
I was happy to help the team win the third edition of the Al Ain International Cup.
Liberia brush aside Sierra Leone in U20 WAFU tourney in Senegal
by FSL News

Liberia brush aside Sierra Leone in U20 WAFU tourney in Senegal 

Liberia’s U20 team proved too strong for their Sierra Leonean counterparts, securing a spot in the semifinals of the WAFU A U-20 Women’s Tournament with a decisive 7-0 victory. 

It was the Liberian’s second win from Group B following their opening 2-0 w=victory over Guinea in the tournament opener. 

Edwardline Jackson’s hat trick – along with goals from Louise Brown, Jessica Quachie, and Anita Tarpeh, contributed to the win.

Edwardline Jackson was awarded Woman of the Match for outstanding performance in the 7-0 victory over Sierra Leone’s U-20 team. 

Sierra Leone suffered a setback when Fatmata Turay was sent off with a red card in the 41st minute, leaving them with one player down for the rest of the match.

Despite their best efforts, playing with a player down proved a significant disadvantage as they couldn’t cope with Liberia’s attacking prowess.

Following their 2-0 victory against Mauritania in their opening match, Liberia’s U20 team will face Guinea in their final group B match and must win to avoid elimination.

Results for matches played yesterday at the Stade Lat Dior
Results for matches played yesterday at the Stade Lat Dior
Ports Authority's top striker, Musa Noah Kamara, led the team to a 3-0 victory over Kahunla Rangers on Thursday.
by FSL News

Musa Noah Kamara nets hat-trick in win over Kahunla Rangers 

Ports Authority’s top striker, Musa Noah Kamara, led the team to a 3-0 victory over Kahunla Rangers on Thursday. (Photo Credit Ronald Sesay)

The Sierra Leone International scored his eighth season goal, helping his side move to 13th place. 

Kamara is a household name in the Sierra Leone topflight, having previously won the top scorer awards with East End Lions and Bo Rangers. 

In January of this year, Ports Authority officially unveiled their new talisman, Musa Noah Kamara, after his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) was confirmed by the Sierra Leone Football Association, making him eligible to play for the club. 

His arrival was expected to strengthen the Ports’ attack, and he has already demonstrated his capabilities on the pitch.

Sierra Leone U20 beat Mauritania in the WAFU opener
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U20 beat Mauritania in WAFU women’s opener 

In Group B, the Sierra Leone national U20 women’s team secured a 2-0 win over Mauritania on Tuesday in the WAFU Women’s Tournament in Senegal.

Sierra Leone dominated the game at the Stade Lat Dior, with goals from Kadiatu M Kamara and Juliet Brima in the 41st and 43rd minutes, respectively. 

Mauritania held on until the 41st minute when Sierra Leone won a corner kick. Fatmata Turay took a short kick to skipper Kamara, whose volley ended at the back of the net.  

Sierra Leone continued to dominate and scored their second goal through Juliet Brima’s header, securing their win.

In another match, Liberia recorded an opening 2-0 win over Guinea at the same venue.

In Group A, Mali drew with Guinea Bissau, while host Senegal defeated Gambia 2-0 in their opening matches.

The competition continues today, with Mali taking on Gambia and Guinea Bissau playing against Senegal at 4 pm and 7 pm, respectively.

Sierra Leone dominated the game at the Stade Lat Dior, with goals from Kadiatu M Kamara and Juliet Brima in the 41st and 43rd minutes, respectively. 
Sierra Leone dominated the game at the Stade Lat Dior, with goals from Kadiatu M Kamara and Juliet Brima in the 41st and 43rd minutes, respectively. 
Al Ahly, Espérance set for an intriguing second-leg
by FSL News

Al Ahly, Espérance set for an intriguing second-leg

Both prominent North African clubs are eager for a victory as they face off in the thrilling second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in Cairo on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Following a goalless first leg, an intense match is anticipated as Al Ahly, the host, seeks to maintain their dominance in continental football.

The first leg took place in Rades, with Espérance aiming to secure an advantage before the challenging return leg in Cairo the following Saturday.

Despite having more possession, the hosts struggled to create clear chances against the resilient defence of the reigning champions. Rodrigues Silver nearly scored early on, with a header that narrowly missed the target.

Al Shahat also came close to scoring for Al Ahly with a long-range shot just before halftime. However, the first half ended with few chances for both teams.

In the second half, Espérance continued to press for a goal. Al Ahly’s Afsha injected energy into the attack. Emam Abdelghany almost caught the goalkeeper off guard with a long-range strike.  As the match concluded, Al Ahly maintained possession to secure the draw. 

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final

Saturday, 18 May 2024 | Tunis 

Espérance Sportive de Tunis 0-0 Al Ahly SC

Saturday, 25 May 2024 | Cairo 

17h00 GMT | Al Ahly SC vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis

Sierra Leone U20 to kickoff tourney against Mauritania
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U20 to kickoff tourney against Mauritania

The Sierra Leone national female U20 team, known as the Shooting Starlets, is set to kick off the 2024 WAFU Tournament in Thiès, Senegal, against Mauritania on Tuesday.

Mali and Guinea-Bissau will kick off the tournament, followed by Senegal hosting Gambia at Stade Lat Dior on Monday.

The Shooting Starlets, drawn in Group B against Mauritania, Guinea, and Liberia, aim to showcase their talent and gain valuable international experience.

The team, which consists of 20 players and eight technical staff, is ready to compete in the tournament scheduled from Monday, May 20th to Tuesday, May 30th, 2024. They have arrived in Senegal with high expectations.

The tournament promises to be competitive, with teams from across West Africa (Zone A) vying for the championship. As the Shooting Starlets embark on this significant journey, they carry the hopes and support of the nation.

Their involvement represents a significant milestone in the advancement and acknowledgement of women’s soccer in Sierra Leone, under the guidance of FA President Thomas Daddy Brima and his Executives.

Senegal U20 Girls Tournament 2024: May 20-30 in Thiès - Matches Schedule:
Senegal U20 Girls Tournament 2024: May 20-30 in Thiès - Matches Schedule:
Sierra Leone draw Guinea, Mauritania and Liberia in WAFU U20
by FSL News

Sierra Leone draw Guinea, Mauritania & Liberia in WAFU U20

The Sierra Leone U20 Women’s team has been grouped with tough opponents Mauritania, Liberia, and Guinea for this year’s tournament in Thiès, Senegal, from May 20 to 30. Photo Credit Kemokai Sportgraphy

The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women’s Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.

Eight out of nine teams will participate in this women’s soccer tournament. The participating teams are Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. Cape Verde will not be participating.

Sierra Leone has started their preparations under the watchful eyes of head coach Fatmata Turay, who is optimistic about the team’s spirit. She has already expressed confidence in their ability to excel and highlighted the selection of 20 talented players from various clubs who will represent Sierra Leone in the competition.

The team is enthusiastic about impacting the regional stage and demonstrating the increasing talent in women’s football in Sierra Leone.

The SLFA fully supports the team’s endeavours and is confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.

The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women's Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.
The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women's Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.