Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order

On Friday, a significant development unfolded for the Sierra Leone Football Association as their administrative office was ordered to be sealed by the High Court. This action is likely to have a substantial impact on the operations and activities of the association.

The football body revealed that law enforcement, acting on the High Court’s instructions, closed their office, leaving their staff unable to access the premises.

SLFA’s President Thomas Daddy Brima, currently with the Sierra Leone national team for World Cup qualifiers, has assured that the issue would be resolved swiftly and called on staff to respect court orders.

This follows a case involving allegations of match-fixing against former Internationals Ibrahim Koroma and Samuel Barley.

In 2014, both players were implicated in a match-fixing scandal resulting in their indefinite suspensions, along with 13 others. Solicitors to the claimants are unavailable for comments.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso on match day four, scheduled for Monday. All team activities will be outside the country, but the Secretariat’s functions will remain critical.

Winning at the Stade du 26 Mars would significantly enhance the Leone Stars’ chances of earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.

"The win will give us confidence," said Osman Kakay
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

“The win will give us confidence,” said Osman Kakay

Sierra Leone’s right back, Osman Kakay, is thrilled with the Leone Stars’ 2-1 victory over Djibouti and sees it as a powerful motivation for their crucial match against Burkina Faso in Mali on Monday. (Photo Credit SLFA)

Kakay led coach Karim’s side to a well-deserved win against Djibouti on match-day three of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.

Securing a second win at the Stade du 26 Mars would significantly enhance the Leone Stars’ chances of earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.

“It was our first win in the group, a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey to qualify for the global tournament. We are delighted to have secured our first win in the group.

The team performed well, and while no game is easy, our main objective was to secure the result, which will boost our confidence for Monday,” Kakay shared.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is focused on diligently preparing for the upcoming match against Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali on Monday.”

After three matches in the group stage, Egypt leads with 9 points, Guinea-Bissau has 5 points after drawing with Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone have 4 points each, and Ethiopia is on 2. In contrast, Djibouti has yet to earn a point.

Wednesday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Trezeguet's brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea secure win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trezeguet’s brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea stun Algeria

Trezeguet’s brace secured Egypt’s flawless start in the quest for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification with a 2-1 triumph over Burkina Faso, while Guinea stunned Algeria on their home turf.

Egypt 2 – 1 Burkina Faso Group A

The Pharaohs had an excellent start in Cairo, with Mahmoud Trézéguet scoring two early goals in the first 10 minutes. Lassina Traoré got a consolation goal for the Stallions, but it wasn’t enough as the Egyptians held on for the win. This victory secured their third win in as many matches and maintained their position at the top of Group A.

Algeria 1 – 2 Guinea Group G

Stylishly, Guinea revived their FIFA World Cup ambitions with a crucial 2-1 away victory at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers against Algeria. Mortaye Sylla scored in the 50th minute and Aguibou Camara found the net in the 63rd minute, securing a stunning victory for Guinea against the former African champions on their home turf.

Mali 1 – 2 Ghana Group I

In a thrilling comeback, Jordan Ayew found the net in injury time, leading Ghana to a crucial 2-1 victory over Mali.

In the 58th minute, Kamory Doumbia put Mali ahead, but Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew scored to secure a comeback win for Ghana in Bamako.

In other fixtures, Senegal, missing Sadio Mane due to injury, achieved a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Diamniadio, marking Aliou Cisse’s 100th game in charge of the Teranga Lions.

Furthermore, Benin, Libya, Malawi, and Sudan claimed victories and former Fulham assistant coach Luis Boa Morte commenced his tenure in charge of Guinea-Bissau with a goalless draw against Ethiopia.

All participating countries will have another match before the middle of next week, as the African World Cup qualifying takes a break until March next year.

The continent has secured nine places at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. All group winners will earn a spot in the tournament.

On Monday, Egypt will head to Guinea Bissau, determined to extend their victorious run in the qualifiers.

  • Thursday’s African World Cup qualifying results
  • Egypt 2-1 Burkina Faso (Group A)
  • Guinea-Bissau 0-0 Ethiopia (Group A)
  • Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Group B)
  • Mauritania 0-2 Sudan (Group B)
  • Benin 1-0 Rwanda (Group C)
  • Libya 2-1 Mauritius (Group D)
  • Algeria 1-2 Guinea (Group G)
  • Malawi 3-1 Sao Tome e Príncipe (Group H)
  • Mali 1-2 Ghana (Group I)
Sierra Leone's head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s 2-1 win against the Sharks of Djibouti in their match-day three 2026 World Cup qualifier in Morocco – on Wednesday.

It was his first win in the group. The victory marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s quest to secure a spot in the global tournament. However, Karim also urged his players to remember that African football is rapidly improving.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is set to continue their preparations for the upcoming match against the Les Étalons of Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali, on Monday.

Karim’s squad is set to receive a substantial boost with the acquisition of Huddersfield Town’s attacker, Josh Koroma. His arrival is poised to provide essential momentum for the team as they gear up for a challenging match against Burkina Faso.

“I was pleased with the victory as it was much-needed. However, as I’ve always said, teams in African football are rapidly improving,” Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“I understand that fans were expecting more goals from the team, but the determination from the players was evident. Djibouti proved to be a tough side, but we fought back and secured the win.

“In today’s African football landscape, there are no underdogs. Djibouti’s recent performance exemplifies this shift. As we prepare to face Burkina Faso, we recognize the need for a revised game plan, and we are committed to beginning our preparations as soon as we arrive in Mali.”

Monday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali

 

Huddersfield Town's Josh Koroma could make Sierra Leone's debut in Bamako
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma could make Sierra Leone debut in Bamako

The English League One attacking player is on the verge of making his debut with the Sierra Leone National team in Bamako, marking a significant moment in his career.

Koroma, with Sierra Leonean heritage, hails from Peckham, South London, and has been honing his football skills since the tender age of 3. His inclusion is set to provide a vital lift for coach Amidu Karim’s squad as they prepare for a challenging match against Burkina Faso.

This follows Sierra Leone’s recent victory in Group A, where they secured a win against Djibouti with notable goals from Curtis Davies and Augustus Kargbo.

Mon June 10th 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali

Background

Huddersfield Town signed forward Josh Koroma from Leyton Orient ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. Born on 9 November 1998, Josh joined the Leyton Orient Academy at 15 years old.

He made his First Team debut for Orient in April 2016 and signed his first professional contract five months later.

Koroma played a key role in Orient’s championship-winning campaign and later moved to Rotherham United on loan.

The former Leyton Orient attacker scored important goals upon his return to Huddersfield Town, securing their place in the Sky Bet Championship. With Neil Warnock’s return, re-signing Josh became a top priority for the team.

Debutant Curtis Davies nets as Sierra Leone register first win In Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies nets as Sierra Leone register first win

Curtis Davies made history as the oldest international debutant to score for a national team in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. This happened after a tense 2-1 victory against Djibouti at Stade El Abdi on Wednesday night.

The Leone Stars started the brightest as they took the lead in the 12th minute, capitalizing on their early pressure with a goal scored by 39-year-old Curtis Davies, marking his competitive national team debut.

Following a defensive blunder by coach Amidu Karim’s side, Djibouti was awarded a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Emmanuel Samadia was handballed inside his penalty area. Gabriel Dadzie stepped up to take the penalty and successfully sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The game entered a scrappy period towards the end of the first half, with neither side creating clear goal-scoring chances.

In the 51st minute of the match, the Leone Stars increased their lead when Augustus Kargbo successfully found the back of the net.

Despite this, Djibouti persisted in their efforts to score a second goal, while Sierra Leone responded by making defensive substitutions in an attempt to control the game.

Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.

Sierra Leone: Kamara, Davies, Kabia, Kakay, Alusine Koroma, Samadia, Kaikai (D Kanu 67’), Bakayoko (A Conteh 67’), Bundu (Dumbuya 79’), Alhassan Koroma (Sillah 88’), Kargbo (Michael 79’)

Djibouti: Luyima, Farada, Siad, Abdi (Omar 72’), Hamadou, Mohamed, Elabeh (Elmi 90’), Aden (Ramadan Abillahi 73’), Akinbinu, Dadzie, Abdillahi

Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.
Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.
Debut for Curtis Davies, Bakayoko, Kaikai leads the attack against Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debut for Curtis Davies as Bakayoko & Kaikai lead attack


Curtis Davies, a seasoned player who first represented the England under-21 team in 2006, is on the brink of making his official international debut for Sierra Leone, where he is expected to showcase his skills and experience as a central defender.

“If I make my international debut for the team, it will be a great honour. My father will fly out for the games, and he is as excited as I am. If I am selected, it will be a significant moment for my family,” Davies stated confidently to Football Sierra Leone a few days ago.

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, is confident about his team’s chances for today’s World Cup qualifier against Djibouti.

Forest Green striker Amadou Bakayoko and Cambridge United attacker Sullay Kaikai will lead the Leone Stars.

Augustus Kargbo, a key player in Cesena’s successful Serie B promotion campaign, and Mustapha Bundu from Plymouth Argyle are set to take the field at the El Hadija Stadium this afternoon.

Coach Karim has underlined the crucial importance of securing a victory for qualification and has spoken highly of the players’ preparedness to showcase their best performance.

Sierra Leone’s Last three Games L-L-L

Djibouti’s Last Three Games D-L-D

Wednesday – 05 June 2024

  • Sierra Leone v Djibouti (Group A) | 1600 | El Jadida, Morocco
Sierra Leone first team for Djibouti's Sharks
Sierra Leone first team for Djibouti's Sharks
Malawi referee Godfrey Nkhakananga will officiate Sierra Leone & Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malawi’s Godfrey Nkhakananga will officiate Sierra Leone & Djibouti

Malawi referee Godfrey Nkhakananga has been appointed to officiate the upcoming match between Sierra Leone and Djibouti’s Sharks at El Jadida, Morocco.

He will be supported by fellow Malawian Clemence Kanduku and Lucky Kegakologetswe from Botswana as Referee One and Referee Two, respectively, for Group A matchday three.

The match commissioner will be Sekou Konneh from Liberia, with Dintaw Keabetswe from Botswana as the fourth official and Bimbyo Patrick James from Gabon as the referee assessor.

Nkhakananga gained attention when he controversially allowed a goal for Silver Strikers against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on 23rd September 2023, despite blowing his whistle before the goal.

As a result, he received a four-month ban but returned to officiate matches in the Four Nations tournament, including a game between Kenya and Zimbabwe.

Coach Amidu Karim speaks on Sierra Leone and Djibouti qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Karim speaks on Sierra Leone and Djibouti qualifier

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, is confident about his team’s chances as they gear up for the World Cup qualifier against Djibouti.

Karim’s 24-man team is currently in Morocco, undergoing intensive training and preparation for their crucial match on June 5th against Djibouti. This match holds immense significance as it is a crucial step in their journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Their ambition is to secure a spot in this prestigious global tournament, and they are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to achieve this goal.

Karim has opted for consistency by maintaining the same squad for the upcoming matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso. He is relying on the experience of players like Steven Caulker and Curtis Davies to guide the younger members of the team.

Expressing his optimism, Karim stated, “I am confident that we will achieve the desired results. The players are highly motivated and ready to give their best on the field.”

“We need their experience and expertise in guiding the younger players because they have gone through that stage at some point in their career.”

He emphasized the importance of winning for qualification and highlighted the players’ readiness to deliver their best performance.

The coach also noted that many players have had a successful season with their respective clubs, which adds to the team’s strength from a technical standpoint.

In the latest standings, Egypt is leading Group A, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Both Sierra Leone and Ethiopia have managed to secure one point each. Regrettably, Djibouti hasn’t yet earned any points after losing their first two games.

Sierra Leone World Cup Match Day Three Opponent

Group A – Djibouti is ranked 192, 66 places below the Leone Stars. After losing their first two Group A matches, Djibouti is currently at the bottom of the standings.

They suffered a 6-1 defeat to Egypt and a 1-0 home loss to Guinea-Bissau in November 2023.

In their preliminary AFCON qualifier against Liberia in March, Lone Star captain Murphy Dorley scored one of two first-half goals as the Lone Stars defeated hosts Djibouti 2-0 in the opening leg in Marrakech.

Mohammed Sangare opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute, followed by Dorley calmly converting Sebastian Teclar’s cross 12 minutes later. The match ended in a goalless draw in Liberia, leading to their elimination.

Sierra Leone’s Last three Games L-L-L

Djibouti’s Last Three Games D-L-D

Wednesday – 05 June 2024

  • Sierra Leone v Djibouti (Group A) | 1600 | El Jadida, Morocco 
Sierra Leone during their third training session in Morocco ahead of taking on Djibouti's Shoremen of the Red Sea clash.
Sierra Leone during their third training session in Morocco ahead of taking on Djibouti's Shoremen of the Red Sea clash.
In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.
In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.
SLFA and CAF come together to Empower Women in Football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA and CAF come together to Empower Women in Football

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), with support from CAF, is organizing a week-long training program for female football administrators and coaches at the Police Hall in Kingston.

This ground-breaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.

The event’s opening was graced by distinguished personalities including Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, CAF Female Coaching Instructor Mrs. Majidah Nantanda from Uganda, Female Administrative Instructor Thubaelihle Bridgette Sibanda from Zimbabwe, SLFA Technical Director Ibrahim Bah, and other esteemed individuals.

This program marks a significant milestone for CAF in Sierra Leone, achieved through the dedicated efforts of SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima and his Executive Committee. It represents a pivotal moment for women involved in football administration and coaching.

The enthusiasm demonstrated by both CAF experts and SLFA leaders underscores the importance of this initiative in enhancing the confidence and skills of women in football.

Collectively, there is a steadfast commitment to ensuring that women have a prominent role in the development of football in Sierra Leone.

This groundbreaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.
This groundbreaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.