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's Othmane Maamma pleased with U20 'historic feat'
by FSL News

Morocco’s Othmane Maamma pleased with U20 ‘historic feat’

Morocco's captain and coach spoke with FIFA following their historic height in the Chile by reaching the semi-finals after they defeated the USA 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The Moroccans showcased their resilience, with Saad El Haddad creating an opportunity for captain Othmane Maamma, whose initial shot was saved. Quick-thinking Zahouani then scored the opener, securing the win.

“I’m satisfied with the team and pleased with our achievements,” said Maamma after receiving the Visa Player of the Match. “The credit goes to my teammates for a true team effort. Our mentality and fan support inspired us tonight.”

Cole Campbell equalised with a penalty just before halftime, but Morocco responded strongly in the second half. Yassir Zabiri’s shot deflected off Joshua Wynder, and Yassine scored the decisive goal.

“Thank God, all our hard work was rewarded,” remarked Ouahbi. “We have young players passionately fighting for our country.”

Morocco is set to face France in their first U-20 World Cup semi-final in 20 years.

“I hope we advance further,” Maamma said. “I believe we’ve made Morocco proud. Now we must focus on the semi-final.”

Ouahbi added, “An entire nation, along with a King, is behind them, providing tremendous motivation. We won’t stop here.”

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi was thrilled with his team’s performance as they advanced to the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ semi-finals for the first time in two decades, following their victory over the USA in Rancagua.

He remarked, “We knew we put in an excellent performance against a formidable team. We respected the USA but weren’t intimidated. We understood that playing our game and defending well would give us a chance.”

Morocco eye set U20 FIFA World Cup history against the USA
by FSL News

Morocco eye U20 FIFA World Cup history against the USA

Morocco’s U-20 team is eyeing a place in the competition semifinal as the only representative of African nations remaining in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Chile, after Nigeria and South Africa were eliminated in the Round of 16.

A win against the USA today could see them write their name in the U20 semi-finals history books after their already impressive run in the competition.

The Atlas Cubs are set to encounter a challenging match against the USA in the quarter-final scheduled for Sunday’s kickoff at El Teniente Stadium.

The Moroccan team aims to build on its strong performance in the group stage and secure a place in the semifinals, keeping alive the hopes of Arab and African nations in the global tournament.

Morocco delivered an impressive performance in the group stage of the U-20 World Cup in Chile, finishing at the top of their group with two victories and one defeat.

They began the tournament with a 2–0 win over Spain, followed by a 2–1 triumph against Brazil, and wrapped up the group stage with a 1-0 loss to Mexico.

The Atlas Cubs displayed solid defensive organisation and finishing skills, scoring four goals while conceding only two. A semi-final spot will surely establish their presence on the global stage.

Nigeria was knocked out of the tournament following a significant 4–0 loss to Argentina, while South Africa faced defeat against Colombia, losing 3–1.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets four goals as Gabon beat Gambia
by FSL News

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets four goals as Gabon beat Gambia

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted all four goals in Gabon's thrilling 4-3 victory over The Gambia, boosting his team's aspirations of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, but he received a red card late in the match.

The Panthers are trailing Group F leaders Ivory Coast by a point, who dominated Seychelles with a 7-0 victory.

Only the winning team of the group is guaranteed a place in the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but the second-placed team might still have an opportunity to qualify through African and intercontinental play-offs.

With the Ivorians expected to easily defeat the winless Seychelles, Gabon realized they realistically required all three points from their neutral match in Nairobi to keep their qualification hopes alive for the final round.

The West Africans took the lead two times in the first half thanks to former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea forward Aubameyang, but were quickly equalized against on both occasions.

Yankuba Minteh and Adama Sidibeh brought the Gambians level, and Sidibeh then gave the Scorpions the lead just two minutes into the second half.

Aubameyang equalized for the third time when he completed his hat-trick with a header just after the hour mark, and then regained the lead for Gabon with a stunning strike across goal in the 78th minute.

However, the 36-year-old attacker received a yellow card for kicking and damaging a corner flag during his goal celebration and was sent off five minutes from the end for a needless push on Gambian defender Alagie Saine.

Aubameyang will now have to serve a suspension when Gabon concludes their campaign with a home match against Burundi on Monday at 19:00 GMT.

Amoura, Mahrez nets as Algeria qualify for World Cup after 12-year absence
by FSL News

Amoura, Mahrez nets as Algeria qualify for World Cup after 12-year absence

Algeria has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014, defeating Somalia 3-0 in Oran to secure first place in Group G of the African qualifiers.

This victory marks Algeria’s fifth appearance at the World Cup and their first in 12 years. Mohamed El Amine Amoura scored two goals, while captain Riyad Mahrez added another.

The win ensured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Algeria joins Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt as the fourth African nation to qualify for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.

Elsewhere, Jude Ssemugabi’s header early in the second half was crucial as Uganda claimed an important victory over Botswana to reinforce their second place in the group.

The Cranes controlled possession and generated more significant opportunities, with Rogers Mato forcing a great save during the first half.  

Ssemugabi’s finish from close range was sufficient to secure the win, even with late pressure from the home team.

Uganda now requires only a draw in their final match against the already-qualified Algeria to ensure a top-two finish — and a possible place among the four best runners-up heading into the playoffs.

Botswana 0–1 Uganda – Scorer: Ssemugabi (54′)

In Group H, Liberia renewed their chances of making it to the continental play-offs by defeating Namibia 3-1, while Kenya achieved a confidence-boosting 1-0 win against Burundi in Group F.

The last dance as Egypt set to wrap up qualification against Djibouti
by FSL News

The last dance as Egypt set to wrap up qualification against Djibouti

The Pharaohs of Egypt, led by Captain Hossam Hassan, finished its training on Tuesday at Al-Arabi Al-Zawali Stadium in Morocco ahead of the Djibouti contest.

The North Africans have excelled in their group with Hossam Hassan at the helm, blending solid defence with exciting offence.

They’ve set their sight on a win against Djibouti – kickoff at 7 PM on Wednesday at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Morocco. This match is part of the ninth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup finals.

With only nine group winners guaranteed a ticket to next year’s expanded finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, today’s matches could determine more places.

Morocco and Tunisia have already secured qualification, leaving seven automatic spots still up for grabs across the continent. With 20 points at the top of Group A, a victory could secure Egypt’s place in the 2026 World Cup, marking their fourth appearance, having first qualified in 1934.

All 24 players took part in Tuesday’s training session, which included: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mustafa Chobeir, Mohamed Sobhi, Abdelaziz El Balouti, Mohamed Hani, Mohamed Hamdi, Ahmed Eid, Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Yasser Ibrahim, Amr El Gazar, Hossam Abdel Majid, Ahmed Nabil Koka, Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathy, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Sabre, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahim Adel, Mustafa Fathy, Mustafa Mohamed, and Osama Faisal.

With 20 points at the top of Group A, a victory can secure Egypt place in the 2026 World Cup
With 20 points at the top of Group A, a victory can secure Egypt place in the 2026 World Cup
Sierra Leone's Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn's draw
by FSL News

Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn’s draw

Sierra Leone's Augustis Kargbo helped Blackburn Rovers scored late to secure a draw against the high-flying Stoke City at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Million Manhoef opened the scoring early in the second half as the Potters dominated the match.

However, they were unable to find a second goal, and Augustus Kargbo equalized with just eight minutes left. Mark Robins’ team remains in third place in the Championship standings, while Blackburn halted a streak of two consecutive defeats.

Stoke nearly took an early lead within 10 seconds when Sorba Thomas attempted a volley from the edge of the box, prompting Balasz Toth to make a strong save. Blackburn then missed two significant opportunities before halftime.

Todd Cantwell shot wide, and Andre Gudjohnsen failed to convert Ryoya Morishita’s cross from close range. Just before the end of the first half, Manhoef had a chance to score but could not test goalkeeper Toth with his low shot.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman succeeded four minutes into the second half, as his shot was deflected in after connecting with Thomas’ well-placed through-ball. Five minutes later, Ryan Alebiosu prevented Thomas from scoring as the striker broke free on goal.

The defender made a perfectly timed tackle, yet had Thomas looked up, he would have seen Manhoef open for a tap-in. Cantwell emerged as Blackburn’s main threat, steadily gaining more influence in the game and testing keeper Viktor Johansson with a long-range strike.

Johansson was quick to deny substitute Dion De Neve from a narrow angle 13 minutes before the end, while Rovers’ Sondre Tronstad shot wide.

Toth thwarted Manhoef again as the visitors sought to secure their victory, and they were punished shortly thereafter by Kargbo’s goal from Cantwell’s cross. Johansson was again called into action, stopping the Sierra Leone striker from getting a second goal at the back post.

Sullay Kaikai's Cambridge United fell to Fulham in League Cup third round
by FSL News

Sullay Kaikai’s Cambridge United fell to Fulham in League Cup third round

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai' was subsituted on in the 64th minute as Cambridge United fell 1-0 to Premier League side Fulham in the League Cup third round on Wednesday at Craven Cottage.

Cambridge United manager Neil Harris expressed he “couldn’t be prouder” of his team after a narrow defeat to Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Harris made seven changes to the squad that secured a victory against Fleetwood Town last weekend, and they managed to hold their Premier League rivals at bay until Emile Smith Rowe scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute.

Midfielder Korey Smith made his comeback after a knee injury, playing 45 minutes, while Northern Ireland international Shayne Lavery completed over an hour on the pitch in his first start of the season.

Harris shared his thoughts on the game’s challenges, stating, “It’s a completely different ball game compared to League Two; you don’t face the same kind of aerial threats, and you’re not constantly dealing with restarts.

We were well aware that long throws wouldn’t be a factor in this match. We really needed to be solid in the midfield and ensure the ball went around us rather than through us.

Having the best one-on-one defenders and top-notch wide players was crucial, and Shayne Lavery provided us with a counter-attacking option whenever we managed to find him.”

“We chose a lineup that suited playing against a Premier League team instead of a League Two side, and the players stepped up admirably. Every single player gave it their all.”

Cambridge United travel to Tranmere Rovers for the League Cup tenth round of action on Saturday.

Sierra Leone's Bhantal set for challenging task against Hafia in the Ivory Coast
by FSL News

Sierra Leone’s Bhantal set for challenging task against Hafia in Ivory Coast

Following their 3-0 first leg defeat at home to one of West African's powerhouse Hafia FC, the Sierra Leone representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup have arrived in Ivory Coast for their second leg match on Friday.

The important second leg preliminary interclub matchup will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium.

In a bid to overturn the first leg margins, Bhantal FC squad has safely arrived in the Ivory Coast as they immediately shift focus on the pitch, kicked off their first training session Thurdsay.

An early goal for Bhantal could spark a major comeback as they aim to advance to the second round of the preliminary matches. Without a doubt, it promises to be an exciting match in the Ivorian capital.

First Leg Recap  – Hafia FC began their African campaign with a strong performance, achieving a decisive 3-0 victory over Banthal FC last Saturday, September 20, in Sierra Leone. This game was the first leg of the opening preliminary round of the Confederation Cup.

From the beginning to the end, the Green and Whites showcased their superiority on the pitch, highlighted by an outstanding display from Salif Camara, who scored two goals.

Substituted player Sekou Damaro Bangoura contributed to the score, finishing off with a well-earned third goal.

With a solid advantage already in place, the three-time African champions are geared up for the return leg scheduled for this Friday in Abidjan, eager to secure their place in the next round.

Star Sport Academy's Citta Bah moves to Denmark to join Midtjylland
by FSL News

Star Sport Academy’s Citta Bah moves to Denmark to join Midtjylland

Star Sport Academy midfielder Cita Bah's move has been officially confirmed, as the 19-year-old joins Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland.

This milestone marks a major step in his career and showcases the growing talent from Sierra Leone.

Rising Star: Cita Bah’s Journey

Since joining Star Sport Academy in 2022, Bah has been a pivotal player, helping the team secure Premier League promotion. Known for his vision, passing, and midfield control, he has proven himself capable of performing under pressure. FC Midtjylland scouts were impressed with his development, leading to the Cita Bah Midtjylland move.

National Team Performances Highlight Potential

Bah earned attention on the international stage while representing Sierra Leone in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt. His composure, tactical awareness, and work rate in midfield demonstrated why he was ready for European football.

First International Appearance Shines

He made his debut with the Shooting Stars U20 team, coming on in the 88th minute during a 4-1 victory over Egypt at the Suez Canal Stadium. His confident performance further justified FC Midtjylland’s decision to invest in him.

Star Sport Academy’s Pride and Support

“As a club, we are proud of Cita Bah’s development and hope he continues to excel in this new chapter,” said Ing Yankuba J Tarawally, Chairman of Star Sport Academy.

The Cita Bah Midtjylland move is a proud moment for Sierra Leonean football and highlights the academy’s ability to nurture world-class talent.

Stade d’Abidjan, Young Africans and Ethiopian Insurance register wins
by FSL News

Stade d’Abidjan, Young Africans and Ethiopian Insurance register wins

The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League commenced over the weekend as clubs across Africa embarked on their first matches in the Preliminary Round.

The initial leg featured decisive victories and closely contested matches, creating excitement and laying the groundwork for crucial return fixtures next weekend. CAFOnline reviews some of the results from the first legs of the Preliminary Stage.

In Seychelles, Stade d’Abidjan established a strong position with a solid 2–0 away win against Côte d’Or. The Ivorian team’s composed display puts them in a favourable spot ahead of the home leg.

Benin’s Dadjè FC managed to hold Libyan powerhouse Al Ahly Tripoli to a goalless draw in a game with limited opportunities. With neither team gaining an advantage, the matchup remains delicately poised for the second leg in Tripoli.

Tanzanian champions Young Africans demonstrated their prowess on Angolan territory, winning 3–0 against Wiliete SC. Goals by Aziz Andabwile, Edmund Godfrey, and Prince Dube highlighted their attacking capabilities, granting the Tanzanian side a significant advantage before hosting the return match in Dar es Salaam next weekend.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Insurance took advantage of their home field, achieving a 2–0 victory over Zanzibar’s Mlandege FC. The Ethiopians will travel confidently as they aim to complete the task next weekend.

Police FC scored a vital 3–1 away win at Mogadishu City Club, putting them in a strong position to advance to the next round. The Somali team now faces a tough challenge to overcome the deficit.

In one of the week’s key matchups, Zambian club Power Dynamos narrowly defeated ASEC Mimosas 1–0 in Ndola. An early goal from Innocent Kashita propelled the hosts to secure a slim but crucial first-leg lead against the Ivorian team.

Petro de Luanda of Angola displayed their experience on the continental stage with a 3–0 away victory over Cercle de Joachim in Mauritius. This result leaves them well-positioned to reach the Second Preliminary Round.

In another match in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Medhin achieved an important home win, defeating Mlandege FC 2–0. Capitalising on their dominance, the Ethiopian side scored twice to position themselves strongly ahead of the return leg, needing Mlandege to respond effectively on their home ground to keep their continental ambitions alive.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates showcased their strength with a commanding 3–0 away victory over Lioli FC from Lesotho. A pair of goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa and a late strike by Oswin Appolis ensured the former African champions returned to Johannesburg with a solid advantage.

The return legs are set to take place from September 26 to 28, 2025, with aggregate victors progressing to the Second Preliminary Round. With a spot in the group stages ultimately on the line, clubs will aim to either safeguard their leads or launch determined comebacks in front of their home supporters.

First-leg results

19 September

  • African Stars (Namibia) 0–1 Vipers (Uganda)

  • Wiliete (Angola) 0–3 Young Africans (Tanzania)

  • Dadjè (Benin) 0–0 Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya)

  • Côte d’Or (Seychelles) 0–2 Stade d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

20 September

  • Al Hilal Benghazi (Libya) 1–0 Horoya (Guinea)

  • Gaborone United (Botswana) 0–1 Simba (Tanzania)

  • Fassell (Liberia) 0–0 MC Alger (Algeria)

  • Rahimo (Burkina Faso) 0–0 Mangasport (Gabon)

  • Bibiani Gold Stars (Ghana) 0–2 JS Kabylie (Algeria)

  • Aigles du Congo (DR Congo) 0–0 Rivers United (Nigeria)

  • Cercle de Joachim (Mauritius) 0–3 Petro Atlético (Angola)

  • Lioli (Lesotho) 0–3 Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

  • Mogadishu City (Somalia) 1–3 Police FC (Kenya)

  • Power Dynamos (Zambia) 1–0 ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire)

  • Ethiopian Insurance (Ethiopia) 2–0 Mlandege (Zanzibar)

21 September

  • Real de Banjul (Gambia) 0–2 FAR Rabat (Morocco)

  • Simba Bhora (Zimbabwe) 1–0 Nsingizini Hotspurs (Eswatini)

  • ASC Kara (Togo) 1–1 RS Berkane (Morocco)

  • East End Lions (Sierra Leone) 0–4 US Monastir (Tunisia)

  • Remo Stars (Nigeria) 4–0 US Zilimadjou (Comoros)

  • AS FAN (Niger) 0–3 Espérance Tunis (Tunisia)

  • Léopard (Congo) 0–0 Black Bulls (Mozambique)

  • Fundación Bata (Equatorial Guinea) 0–0 Nouadhibou (Mauritania)

  • Tempête MOCAF (Central African Republic) 0–5 Stade Malien (Mali)

  • Aigle Noir (Burundi) 0–0 ASAS (Djibouti)

  • Colombe (Cameroon) 0–0 Jaraaf (Senegal)

  • Jamus (South Sudan) 0–0 Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)

  • Elgeco Plus (Madagascar) 1–1 Silver Strikers (Malawi)

Second-leg ties are scheduled for 26–28 September 2025.