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
Guinea named 23-man African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad
by FSL News

Guinea named 23-man African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad

Ibrahima Sory Sankhon, a seasoned midfielder, is one of the standout players in Guinea’s final 23-man squad for the forthcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

As Guinea looks to build on their 2020 tournament semi-final run, coach Souleymane Camara announced the team on Friday, confirming a well-rounded roster that includes both young talent and seasoned local players.

As part of the nation’s intense preparations for the tournament, which begins on August 2, 2025, the players are currently going through a rigorous training program in a military camp in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The Syli National is placed in Group C, which is arguably one of the competition’s most competitive pools, along with South Africa, Uganda, Niger, and Algeria.

Sankhon, who joined AS Kaloum after returning home in January, is anticipated to provide leadership and stability to the midfield. He is accompanied by Lansana Sylla (Horoya AC), Ousmane Dramé (Hafia FC), and Mohamed Madani Diarra (SAG Siguiri) in a central unit that sets the pace and directs play.

The attacking lineup for Guinea features notable players like Mohamed Lamine Youla (Renaissance FC), Bourhane Camara (RCC Kamsar), and Moussa Moïse Camara (Wakriya AC), aiming to bolster the team’s offense in the tournament.

The defensive unit, consisting of nine players including Kabinet Kouyaté (Hafia FC) and Bangaly Cissé (ASM Sangarédi), focuses on strength and unity to withstand tough competition.

Goalkeeping duties will be shared among Mamadou Yéro Diallo (Renaissance FC), Mory Keïta (Hafia FC), and Ousmane Camara (Flamme Olympique), all of whom come with solid domestic form.

Coach Camara’s team is set to head to East Africa soon for final preparations, looking to make a strong impact on the continental stage. 

Douala-born Christian Michel Kofane signs for Bayer Leverkusen
by FSL News

Douala-born Christian Michel Kofane signs for Bayer Leverkusen

Confirming the move on Friday, Bayer 04 Leverkusen has signed 18-year-old striker Christian Michel Kofane from Albacete.

Hailing from Douala, Cameroon, Kofane is the most recent young African talent to join the German team following an impressive season in Spain’s La Liga 2.

Kofane began with Albacete’s junior team and was promoted to the senior team in January. Two minutes into his professional debut in a 22 draw against Racing Santander on January 11, he scored.

He was then often the first-choice striker for Albacete and played in every match he could. With eight goals over 20 games in the second half of the 2024–25 season, he helped the team finish 10th in La Liga 2.

With the physical characteristics of a contemporary striker, Kofane shows good reflexes and composure on the field. It will be intriguing to observe how Leverkusen nurtures him and whether they will retain him or send him out on loan for the 2025–26 season.

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller

With a 3-2 victory over Senegal in Group A on Wednesday at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, Zambia made a strong statement in their quest for the title at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The game was exciting, full of action, strong shots, and instances of personal brilliance. Having twice encountered a tough Senegalese squad, the Copper Queens showed their resolve to grab all three points.

Following a lacklustre 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco in their opening, Zambia understood they needed this victory, and they produced. Scoring just five minutes in, with star player Nguenar Ndiaye finding the net thanks to a pass from Méta Kandé, Senegal surprised them.

Zambia responded quickly, with Captain Barbra Banda equalising in the 12th minute after a pass from Racheal Kundananji. They took the lead just six minutes into the second half when Kundananji scored in the 51st minute 

Banda’s brace came in the 73rd minute, widening Zambia’s lead. Senegal had a chance to come back when Ndiaye scored from a penalty in the 80th minute, narrowing the lead to 3-2.

In extra time, Senegal pressured with corners and attempts, but Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ng’ambo Musole, made crucial saves to secure the victory. With this win, Zambia sits on four points in Group A as they aim for their final group match, demonstrating their intent to be title contenders.

Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Defender Abraham Kanu signs new Reading deal
by FSL News

Defender Abraham Kanu signs new Reading deal

Young defender Abraham Kanu has officially signed a fresh one-year contract, thereby confirming his commitment to the Royals.

Kanu was rewarded following a significant season in which he made 16 appearances for the First Team during the 2024/25 season.

At only 19, Kanu showed his club-level potential and won global acclaim representing the Sierra Leone Under-20 team at this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations.

His outstanding performances helped the team to make their way to the Quarter Finals, when they came up against Morocco in a tough match and narrowly lost.

Kanu’s performance in this elite tournament highlights his development and holds forth an amazing future for both him and the Royals.

He was part of the Sierra Leone U20 African Cup of Nations side, where he played against South Africa.

Forward Kamaldeen Sulemana pens Atalanta deal from Southampton
by FSL News

Forward Kamaldeen Sulemana pens Atalanta deal from Southampton

Forward Kamaldeen Sulemana has moved from Southampton to Italian side Atalanta for a price that could reach £18 million.

For a club-record £22 million, the 23-year-old was acquired in 2023 and made 74 appearances for the Saints. At Atalanta, Sulemana meets his former Southampton coach, Ivan Juric.

On transfer deadline day in February 2023, the Ghana international moved to Southampton from the French team Rennes. In two and a half years spent on the south coast, he had four goals and seven assists.

Southampton has also traded forward Paul Onuachu, who was acquired under then-manager Nathan Jones in the same transfer window as Sulemana.

DR Congo's striker Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal
by FSL News

DR Congo’s Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal

After being released by League One team Peterborough United, DR Congo striker Kabongo Tshimanga has inked a two-year deal with Crawley Town Football Club.

Tshimanga has demonstrated his ability as a goalscorer by enjoying fruitful runs with sides like Boreham Wood and Chesterfield. Last season, he scored 13 goals in an amazing loan season at Swindon Town.

For four straight seasons during his time at Oxford City, Boreham Wood, and Chesterfield, Tshimanga, 26, was chosen for the Team of the Year. Among his many personal accolades are Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at several teams.

Having previously represented England C, his best year was in 2018–19 at Oxford City, where he scored an amazing 37 goals in all contests. Before relocating to Peterborough in January 2023, Tshimanga had scored 74 goals over 141 outings. With Crawley Town, he would want to recover his scoring ability.

Kabby could play in Friday’s friendly against Hearts; he is presently training with the team in Spain.

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates
by FSL News

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi supports the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new coach. He believes Ouaddou is the right choice to replace Jose Riveiro, who has joined Al Ahly in Egypt.

The Buccaneers have officially announced the appointment of the former Marumo Gallants coach. He will be supported by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons.

“Listen, he did well at Marumo Gallants. Pirates supporters need to rally behind him and show confidence, saying we believe in you. We saw the great work he did at Gallants and hope he can bring that success to Pirates,” Vilakazi said in an interview with Sowetan.

“He’s a capable coach based on his achievements with Gallants, where he improved their position without a pre-season. With the talent and resources at Pirates, I believe he can elevate the club.

This is a chance for him to create his legacy, especially working with quality players. If given time, I am confident he will succeed. Having a pre-season will certainly help.

Born in Alnif, Morocco, the 46-year-old Ouaddou has extensive experience as both a player and coach, earning 68 caps for the national team and playing in top European leagues.”

CAF mourns victims of horrific football stadium disaster in Algeria
by FSL News

CAF mourns victims of horrific football stadium disaster in Algeria

Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF, expressed condolences to the Algerian Football Federation, the government, and the people of Algeria after a tragic incident during MC Alger’s League Title celebrations that led to three deaths and over 70 injuries.

Football fans died, and more than 70 others were injured after falling from the upper tier of a stadium in Algeria on Saturday. MC Alger secured their league title with a goalless draw against NC Magra, but joy quickly turned to panic after the final whistle.

Local media reported that a security barrier broke at the Stade du 5 Juillet, causing multiple spectators to fall from a high point into the mostly empty section below. Emergency services rushed to the scene to help the injured in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. Nearby fans were left shocked.

Photos taken after the incident clearly show where the barrier gave way at the stadium, which can hold 64,200 people. MC Alger’s players had been celebrating just moments earlier. The Algerian Ministry of Health stated that the Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were confirmed. Ben Aknoun Hospital treated 27 injured people, and Bab El Oued Hospital took in 16.

According to Algeria’s Ministry of Health, three spectators died and over 70 were injured during the football match between MC Alger and Najem Magra.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the Algerian government and the affected families. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured and affirmed CAF’s commitment to assist the Fédération Algérienne de Football.

Angolan Abdenego Nankishi joins VfB Stuttgart
by FSL News

Angolan Abdenego Nankishi joins VfB Stuttgart

Abdenego Nankishi, whose parents are from Angola, has joined VfB Stuttgart’s U21 team after leaving SV Werder Bremen.

He is the second new player for the U21 team this season. Nankishi, a left winger, moves from the club based in Cannstatt.

At 22 years old, he started training at Werder Bremen at the U13 level and eventually reached the first team.

During the 2021/2022 season, he made seven appearances for the second-division team but could not break into the senior squad due to an injury.

In the next two seasons, Nankishi went on loan to Heracles Almelo, a Dutch first-division club, where he scored three goals in the Eredivisie. After that, he had a loan spell with a third-division team in Munich in the second half of the 2023/2024 season. Last year, he made 17 appearances for Werder Bremen’s U23 team, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

Now that his contract with Werder Bremen has ended, Nankishi will join the U21 team in the 3rd division.

Stephan Hildebrandt, the director of the youth academy, said: “We are happy to have our new signing from the far north. He will play an important role on the attacking wing.

Abed has many skills, is fast, and understands the game well. He has gained some experience in the 3rd division. We believe he will improve our team and has great development potential for VfB.”

Jonathan Bamba contributes to Chicago's dominant victory over DC United
by FSL News

Jonathan Bamba contributes to Chicago’s dominant victory over DC United

Ivorian Jonathan Bamba and Osman Bukari played key roles in helping the Chicago Fire and Austin FC secure victories in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

At Audi Field, Chicago quickly took the lead against DC United, scoring twice in the first 24 minutes, including a goal from Ivorian winger Bamba. Bamba also assisted on Tom Barlow’s second goal, contributing to a surprising 7-1 victory.

Despite leaving the game due to injury, he has been a standout player for Chicago, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in 16 league matches for the ninth-place team in the Eastern Conference.

In the second match of the day, Austin FC also won, thanks to Bukari, who provided an assist in their 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Ghanaian winger crossed the ball to Mikkel Desler, who scored the opening goal in the 6th minute.

With this win, Austin ended a six-match winless streak. Bukari now has one goal and three assists in eighteen MLS games this season, including three assists in his last five matches.

League action concludes on Sunday with three matches, including Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga facing Sporting Kansas City. During the international window, MLS saw limited activity, with only two games on Saturday.

At Audi Field, the Chicago Fire took an early lead against DC United, with Jonathan Bamba scoring the second goal in the 24th minute, leading to a dominant 7-1 win. Bamba also assisted Tom Barlow and has recorded three goals and seven assists this season, helping Chicago to ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, Austin FC defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0, thanks in part to Osman Bukari, who assisted Mikkel Desler’s opening goal in the sixth minute.

This victory allowed Austin FC to break a six-match winless streak. Bukari’s contributions this season now include one goal and three assists in eighteen MLS games, with three assists in his last five matches.

As the weekend concludes, league action will continue on Sunday with three games, including Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga facing Sporting Kansas City.