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
Sierra Leone's Daniel Kanu nets in Walsall triumph over Tranmere
by FSL News

Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu nets in Walsall’s triumph over Tranmere

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu found the back of the net as defender Evan Weir's impressive brace secured Walsall a thrilling 4-2 victory against Tranmere.

With this victory, Walsall stretched its unbeaten streak to five league matches on Saturday at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.

Weir opened the scoring with an early free-kick and later added a spectacular instinctive half-volley, helping the Saddlers defeat a determined Rovers side and rise to third place in League Two.

The Irishman struck a 20-yard set-piece into the top corner just nine minutes into the match.

Rovers responded strongly, equalising in the 38th minute when Josh Davison continued to press despite being fouled on the wing, and Joe Ironside finished his low cross after advantage was played.

Tranmere nearly turned the match around when Daniel Kanu deflected a cross onto his own crossbar, and Jordan Turnbull’s header from the ensuing corner went just over.

However, Walsall regained the lead in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, with Weir scoring a stunning 18-yard strike into the bottom corner.

Kanu extended the lead to 3-1 in the 61st minute, putting a defender on the ground with a clever turn before curling the ball past Rovers goalkeeper Joe Murphy.

Rovers scored again in the 89th minute through Billy Blacker’s deflected effort from 20 yards, but Albert Adomah broke away in stoppage time to chip the ball over Murphy and secure the victory.

Nigerian defedner Ola Aina doubtful for Forest v Arsenal Premier League tie
by FSL News

Nigerian defender Ola Aina doubtful for Forest weekend Premier League tie

Nottingham Forest is facing more problems as defender Ola Aina might miss Saturday's match against Arsenal due to an injury he sustained while playing for Nigeria.

Aina played in both of Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifying matches. The Super Eagles won 1-0 against Rwanda and drew 1-1 with South Africa.

Aina had to leave the game early against South Africa after getting hurt in a challenge. He was substituted in the 10th minute for Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Reports say Aina has a hamstring injury, but he was able to walk off the pitch after the game. Forest also made headlines this week by parting ways with manager Nuno Espírito Santo. They have appointed former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou as his replacement.

Postecoglou will have a difficult start, facing Arsenal in his first game, especially if Aina is unable to play.

Currently, Forest is 10th in the Premier League with one win, one draw, and one loss this season.

Arsenal has two wins and one loss in their first three league games and will aim to get back to winning ways on Saturday.

Ghana Black Stars look to improve World Cup qualifying chances
by FSL News

Ghana Black Stars look to improve World Cup qualifying chances

The Black Stars of Ghana will compete against Chad on Thursday at the Stade Olympique Marechal Idriss Deby Itno as part of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Currently, the visitors are leading their group with 15 points, and a victory would bring them closer to automatic entry into the esteemed tournament.

Les Sao have no possibility of qualifying, and their participation will merely serve as a formality.

In their matches in Group I, Ghana has achieved five victories and experienced one defeat in the six games contested to date.

The Black Stars have netted 15 goals while allowing just five, which is a favourable outcome for the squad.

Chad has yet to earn any points from the first six matches in the group.

They have struggled significantly in the group, having conceded 15 goals and scored only one, which falls well below expectations.

In their previous encounters, the teams have faced each other only once, on March 21, 2025, when Ghana secured a significant 5-0 victory.

Liberia to face stiff competition against leaders Tunisia
by FSL News

Liberia to face stiff competition against leaders Tunisia

West African side Liberia faces a steep test against North African giant Tunisia in today’s Group H World Cup qualifying contest at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium.

Tunisia has displayed effectiveness and solidity throughout the qualifying series, showcasing an unblemished defensive performance and a ruthless attacking style.

After completing six matches, Sami Trabelsi’s squad has secured five wins and one draw, placing them at the top of Group H with 16 points—four points ahead of second-placed Namibia—scoring nine goals while ensuring they haven’t conceded any.

Rabelsi, now in his second term as Tunisia’s head coach since his appointment in February, kicked off his tenure with a 1-0 victory over Liberia and then guided his team to a 2-0 win against Malawi.

His team had mixed outcomes in friendly matches, winning 2-0 against Burkina Faso but losing 2-0 to Morocco, where defender Ali Al-Abdi was sent off.

On Thursday, they aim for a seventh consecutive clean sheet in the qualifiers to extend their group lead.

Tunisia holds a strong record against Liberia, with five wins in their last seven encounters, one draw, and one loss.

Liberia, on the other hand, will approach this match with cautious hope, aware that they face one of Africa’s top teams but motivated by their improved play. The Lone Stars sit third in Group H with 10 points from three wins, one draw, and two losses.

After a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round, they seek redemption for World Cup qualification. A FIFA ruling upgraded a prior loss to Equatorial Guinea to a 3-0 victory, boosting their morale. Since then, they drew 1-1 with Namibia and narrowly defeated Sao Tome & Principe 1-0.

Despite a close 1-0 loss to Tunisia in March, they rebounded with a 2-1 win against Sao Tome & Principe. However, they have struggled defensively, suffering four defeats in their last six matches and conceding 10 goals.

Getafe's Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers
by FSL News

Getafe’s Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Christantus Uche has been called up to the Nigeria national team for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

Uche, who has been in excellent form this season for Getafa, has been included in the Green Eagles’ roster for these two crucial qualifying matches, scheduled for September 6 against Rwanda and September 9 against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has been omitted from the Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

The 23-year-old was the most notable exclusion as head coach Eric Chelle released his final list on Friday.

The squad list was posted on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Friday. Regulars such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey have all been selected for these must-win fixtures.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili; Amas Obasogie; Adeleye Adebayo.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong; Calvin Bassey; Olaoluwa Aina; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Chidozie Awaziem; Felix Agu; Benjamin Fredericks.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Raphael Onyedika; Christantus Uche.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Cyriel Dessers; Tolu Arokodare.

Ivorian Referees set to Officiate World Cup Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone Qualifier
by FSL News

Ivorian Referees set to officiate World Cup Guinea-Bissau v Sierra Leone Qualifier

Ivorian referees have been appointed to officiate the upcoming World Cup qualifier in Group A between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone next month.

The officiating team includes Referee Kpan Clement Franklin, Assistant Referee 1 ADIOUMAN Koabenan Prosper, and Assistant Referee 2 Ettien Eba Médard Wenceslas.

The match is set to take place at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau. Joining them will be Fourth Official SORO Tuonifere, also hailing from Côte d’Ivoire.

Providing support in the proceedings will be Referee Assessor Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles and Match Commissioner Ramos Silva Barros Joel Amarante from Cape Verde.

This matchup marks the fifteenth encounter between the two teams, with Sierra Leone leading the series with eight wins, six draws, and just one victory for the home side.

In their last meeting, the Djurtus suffered a 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is currently two points behind Sierra Leone, which occupies the third position in their group with a total of 8 points.

Sierra Leone’s aspirations for qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remain viable, with only 6 days remaining to enhance their standing in the table.

Guinea-Bissau's Beto nets in Everton's Carabao Cup win
by FSL News

Guinea-Bissau’s Beto nets in Everton’s Carabao Cup win

To send Everton into the third round of the Carabao Cup, Guinea-Bissau forward Beto scored in Round 2 of the English competition.(Photo Everton)

Everton defeated Mansfield Town 2-0 with Portuguese-born Guinea-Bissau striker Norberto Gomes Betuncal, commonly known as Beto, adding on the scoresheet.

Asserting their supremacy over the English third-tier team, the Toffees had Argentina midfielder Carlos Alcaraz putting Mansfield goalie Liam Roberts under examination, who made an amazing diving save.

Roberts was once again called to action when he tipped Dwight McNeil’s free kick over to maintain Mansfield in contention at Goodison Park.
Although Everton was in control of the game, they failed to score and Mansfield was searching ghosts by halftime.

Everton’s breakthrough came in the 51st minute when Carlos Alcaraz assisted Harrison Armstrong just outside the penalty box.

They almost extended their lead when Beto shot straight at Mansfield’s goalie, Liam Roberts. 

However, the Guinea-Bissau forward ultimately scored from a low cross by Armstrong, securing a League One triumph and a spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis
by FSL News

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis

Defending champions Senegal overcame co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in the quarter-final match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Oumar Ba scored the decisive goal shortly after the 60-minute mark, showcasing Senegal’s tournament experience against a passionate crowd of over 35,000.

The goal came from a cross by Libasse Guèye that found Ba at the far post, allowing him to place a low shot past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

While Uganda fought valiantly, becoming the first team to reach the knockout rounds, they struggled to convert opportunities. Allan Okello had a powerful shot saved, and Gavin Kizito just missed with a header.

Senegal’s strong defense, led by goalkeeper Marc Diouf and central defenders Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm against Uganda’s advances. Despite Uganda having more shots, they lacked the composure shown by Senegal.

The match marked a historic achievement for Uganda, who had never reached this stage before and finished first in their group. Coach Morley Byekwaso emphasised the team would learn and return stronger. Defensive masterclass! Ndiaye’s commanding display earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.

Senegal will face Madagascar in the semi-finals, while Uganda’s journey in CHAN 2024 lays the groundwork for future success.

Striker Daniel Kanu joins Walsall on loan from Charlton Athletic
by FSL News

Striker Daniel Kanu joins Walsall on loan from Charlton Athletic

Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu has joined League Two side Walsall on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletic in the Championship.

Daniel is 20 years old and came up through Charlton’s youth teams. He signed his first professional contract in February 2022 and made his senior debut that same month.

He stood out during the 2023-24 season by scoring three goals in his first four games. Daniel then had a one-month loan at Southend United in the National League, where he had a standout match, scoring four goals in a 5-0 win against Solihull Moors.

After returning to Charlton, he had another successful season, finishing with seven goals in Sky Bet League One. Overall, he has played 71 times for Charlton and has five senior caps for Sierra Leone, earning his first cap just after his 19th birthday.

Daniel is looking forward to his new challenge with us. “I’m really excited to be here and to get going,” he said. “I’ve been in contact with the coach for most of pre-season. They gave me a great presentation, which excited me. They will help me improve and get games, which is what I needed. I just can’t wait to get on the pitch and give my all. I had to wait a bit, but I’m really excited to be here, to get started, and to score some goals.”

Head Coach Mat Sadler is happy to strengthen the team’s attack. “I’m delighted that Charlton chose us as the best place for Daniel’s future. He has had success on loan at Southend and scored goals in League One. He is well-regarded at Charlton, and I have tried to sign him before. I’m glad everything worked out this time.

“We look forward to seeing him play. He is quick, likes to run behind defenses, and has a good eye for goal and finishing. We thank Charlton for their help in making this happen.”

Senegal maintain top of Group D despite Congo stalemate
by FSL News

Senegal maintain top of Group D despite Congo stalemate

In Tuesday’s Group D match from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Zanzibar, the Republic of Congo held reigning champions Senegal to a 1-1 draw.

Although Congo Brazzaville has not played domestic football since March 2025, they fought hard against Senegal and managed to tie the points following a late goal.

For Senegal, the first twenty minutes were unexpected since they battled to get their groove back. Early trades were dominated by Congo, but generating easy scoring chances proved to be difficult.

Dechan Moussavou curled in a cross from Charles Atipo in the 19th minute, giving them the lead. Breaking the deadlock, the 19-year-old winger took advantage of a momentary weakness in the Senegalese defence.

Senegal’s Teranga Lions controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances against Congo. Moctar Koïta and Mbaye Ly’s efforts were thwarted, and Libasse Guèye’s solo run was saved by goalie Ulrich Samba.

Senegal equalised late through defender Layousse Samb, who scored from close range after a cutback from Ousseynou Fall Seck. With four points, Senegal leads the group, while Congo has two points. Nigeria will face Sudan next, both seeking their first tournament win.

The defending champions’ final group stage match is against Sudan, while CongoThe Red Devils will play Nigeria.

Group D Table

  1. Senegal- 4 points (2 games played)
  2. Congo- 2 points (2 games)
  3. Sudan- 1 point (1 game)
  4. Nigeria- 0 points (1 game)