Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams is thrilled with Indy Eleven's current form
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams is thrilled with Indy Eleven’s current form

Indy Eleven secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Hartford Athletic at Carroll Stadium. Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams was happy with his performance and the team’s spirit.

Augi Williams scored his sixth goal of the season, Indy’s final goal, with an assist from Younes Boudadi, placing him at the top of the team’s scoring alongside Blake.

The first goal was scored in the third minute by Jack Blake from a penalty kick, giving him a team-leading five goals this season. Benjamin Ofeimu doubled the lead with the match-winning goal, scoring off one of Indy’s season-high 12 corners.

The team has scored 12 first-half goals this season, the second-highest total in the league. Aedan Stanley assisted Douglas Martinez for an insurance goal in the 54th minute.

Hartford managed to score in the 80th minute with a goal from Michael Ngalina.

“It has been a great season so far. We started a little bit slow, but as time went on, the team was able to find chemistry and started to click,” Williams told Football Sierra Leone.

“It’s been a good journey for me with the team – I have been able to put myself in a great spot to be able to get the chance to score. It’s one game at a time, but I am pleased with everything so far.”

On meeting his national teammate Emmanuel Samadia, who was introduced in the 46th minute for Hartford:

“It was great to meet Samadia, my teammate from the national team. But for now, I will stay focused and determined, and I hope we can continue on this path because there’s no better feeling than winning.”

Indy Eleven is on a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a five-game unbeaten streak in the USL Championship. 

The team has scored in 11 straight USL matches, totalling 21 goals. They will host Detroit City FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday at 7 pm.

Burkina Faso's Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Mali

Group A’s second-placed team, Burkina Faso’s 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. 

They are scheduled to host Sierra Leone at the Mar du 26 stadium in Bamako, Mali next month.

This upcoming match will be the second meeting between the two West African nations – with Sierra Leone having previously defeated Burkina Faso at the 1996 Cup of Nations in the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.

The fourth match day of Africa’s 2026 qualifiers is crucial for Sierra Leone, as they must avoid defeat to improve their chances of qualification. 

A strong Leone Stars side, mainly consisting of foreign-based players, is expected to be announced in the next coming days.

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.

Read Related News –Burkina Faso Wallop Ethiopia to go second behind Egypt 

FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
Ex-Milan star Rodney Strasser feels 'honored' to be among the greats at the FIFA Congress.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rodney Strasser feels ‘honoured’ to be at FIFA Congress

Ex-AC Milan star Rodney Strasser expressed his honour at being the first Sierra Leonean football legend to represent his country at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The 74th FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 17th May 2024, gathering delegates from 211 member associations at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for a five-day international event.  

One of the main agenda items will be the confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. This will mark Thailand’s first time hosting a FIFA Congress, making it a significant event for the country.  

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.

He highlighted the importance of showcasing the work of the Rodney Strasser Foundation and advocating for professional football players and children in sports in Sierra Leone.  

He stated, “My journey is not just about me, but about the countless young athletes and communities who deserve support and recognition. At the FIFA Congress, I aim to share our foundation’s initiatives, promote the development of football in Sierra Leone, and network with global leaders in the sport. I aspire to inspire change, foster collaboration, and bring hope to those who need it most.”

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orihuela’s Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June qualifiers

Spanish club Orihuela C.F. has confirmed that midfielder Alusine Koroma from Sierra Leone has been called up for the June World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Burkina Faso. 

Koroma has been an important player for Sergi Guilló and is performing well with his new team as they aim for promotion in the Second RFEF.

Sierra Leone will play their next qualification matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso next month at the Stade El Abdi and Stade du 26 Mars in Morocco and Mali, respectively.

Last Sunday, Koroma played for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their Segunda RFEF promotion playoff first-leg match. Juanmi Callejón scored the only goal for the home team, giving them an advantage in the promotion race. The stadium atmosphere was incredible, with fans supporting the team led by Sergi Guilló.

Koroma has played in 26 matches across all competitions since joining the club. He will be looking to contribute significantly to help his team win in the second leg on Sunday, May 19.

Orihuela CF achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against San Roque de Lepe, thanks to a double from Miguel Ángel De Las Cuevas Barberá, leading them to the playoff final.

Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
Indy Eleven striker named in USL Championship Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Indy Eleven striker Augustine Williams in USL Team of the Week

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams has been selected for the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.

Williams scored a brace for Indy Eleven in their 3-1 victory against Miami FC. He took a season-high nine shots overall and won 3 of 4 aerial duels.

It was hs fifth of the season as they defeated Miami 3-1 in the ongoing season. 

His teammate defender Aedan Stanley was voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording the first two-assist game of his career and helping lead Indy to a 3-1 victory against Miami FC on Sunday night, extending the club’s current undefeated run.

Indy Eleven remains unbeaten in six consecutive matches, including four in USL Championship play, following their victory over Miami FC, an Eastern Conference opponent.

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
Sierra Leone's Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account 

New York City FC achieved a remarkable 3-2 victory against Toronto FC in an away game on Saturday night. The MLS side’s Sierra Leonean player, Malachi Jones, scored his first goal for the team.

City took the lead in the first half with a penalty kick by Santiago Rodríguez. Just before halftime, Malachi Jones scored his first MLS goal with an impressive finish but went off due to injury. 

Although Federico Bernardeschi scored a goal for Toronto in the 55th minute, Andrés Perea restored City’s two-goal lead in the 77th minute. 

Toronto managed to score again in the 89th minute thanks to Raoul Petretta, but Perea’s first goal of the season was enough to secure City’s win.

Malachi Jones, who was picked as the eighth overall pick in the First Round from Lipscomb University, joined New York City after making 35 appearances for the Bisons over two seasons, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists. 

In the past season, he led the NCAA ASUN Conference in total assists and assists per game, earning him United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team Honors and being named First Team All-ASUN for the second consecutive season.

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their promotion first-leg tie.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alusine Koroma’s Orihuela win RFEF playoff first-leg 

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their Segunda RFEF promotion playoff first-leg tie. 

In a closely contested match at Estadio Municipal Los Arcos stadium, Juanmi Callejón scored the sole goal for the home team, providing them with an advantage in the promotion race.

The stadium atmosphere was incredible, with fans offering their undivided support to the team captained by Sergi Guilló.

Koroma has played in 26 matches across all competitions since he joined the club.  He will be hoping to make a significant contribution to help his team win in the second leg on Sunday, May 19.

Orihuela CF achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against San Roque de Lepe, thanks to a double from Miguel Ángel De Las Cuevas Barberá. This result has led them to the playoff final.

RS Berkane edged Zamalek 2-1 to set up a tricky tie in Cairo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Berkane edged Zamalek 2-1 to set up a tricky tie in Cairo

On Sunday, Renaissance Berkane defeated Zamalek 2-1 in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup final at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.

A second-leg contest is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at 7:00 PM GMT in Cairo.

Hosts scored twice, with a penalty by skipper Issoufou Dayo in the 13th minute and a header at the back post by Adil Tahif in the 32nd minute, doubling their lead.

After the halftime break, the Egyptian team came back with a more organized strategy and started recovering positions as they reduced the deficit. 

The Egyptians managed to score thanks to Seifeddine Jaziri’s quick thinking in the 46th minute. A momentary lapse of concentration just after the resumption of play resulted in Ahmed Sayed making his fifth assist of the competition. 

He found Seifeddine Jaziri, who scored with a powerful header that hit the bottom left corner of the net.

The return leg in Cairo next Sunday will see Berkane, winners in 2020 and 2022, aiming for a third triumph in the continent’s secondary club competition.

Lineups:

RS Berkane: Hamza Hamiani – Issoufou Dayou, Abdelhak Assal, Hamza El Moussaoui, Adil Tahif – Ayoub Khairi, Mohamed El Mourabit, Yassin Labhiri, Tuisila Kisinda – Youssef Mehri, Youssef Al Fahli, Paul Bassene

Zamalek: Mohamad Awaad – Ahmed Fattouh, Hossam Abdel-Meguid, Omar Gaber, Hamza Mathlouthi – Mohamed Shehata, Nabil Emad, Ahmed Hamdi –  Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed, Samson Akinyoola, Seifeddine Jaziri.

El Jadida Stadium to host Sierra Leone v Djibouti WC qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

El Jadida Stadium to host Sierra Leone v Djibouti WC qualifier

Sierra Leone national football team will play their next World Cup Group A match against Djibouti at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, football Sierra Leone understands. 

The match is scheduled for next month as Sierra Leone will be looking to secure their first win in the race to the 2026 World Cup in the USA after earning a point from their previous matches against Ethiopia and Egypt.

Sierra Leone is ranked 126th, which is 66 places ahead of Djibouti. This puts the West African team in a favourable position to win. 

Djibouti previously suffered a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Liberia in the CAF qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, it was a positive goalless draw for Djibouti in Liberia during the second leg of the qualifier. 

The Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium is a 15,000-seater multi-use stadium in El Jadida, Morocco. 

It is mainly used for football matches and is home to Difaa El Jadida. Central and East African teams will face a tough contest against Sierra Leone at this stadium.

Egypt topped 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 opening two games.

Djibouti previously suffered a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Liberia in the CAF qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
SDjibouti previously suffered a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Liberia in the CAF qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ademola Lookman nets as Atalanta reach the Europa League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman nets as Atalanta reach Europa League final

Ademola Lookman was on target as Atalanta secured their spot in the Europa League final with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille at the Gewiss Stadium.

Atalanta, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, is set to face Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on May 22nd.

This will be Atalanta’s first final in European competition.

Nigeria International Ademola Lookman scored the first goal for Atalanta in the 30th minute with a deflected strike that went past Marseille’s goalkeeper Pau Lopez and landed in the bottom corner.

Matteo Ruggeri extended Atalanta’s lead at the start of the second half with a right-footed drive into the top corner. El Bilal Toure scored the final goal of the match in injury time with the last kick of the game.

Atalanta had several missed chances to score in the first half, even though they eliminated Liverpool in the previous round.