Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA's boss Thomas Brima hails womens football progress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA’s boss Thomas Brima hails women’s football progress

On International Women’s Day, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Thomas Daddy Brima, was proud to celebrate the achievements of our female footballers.

Following the conclusion of the Ram Kay/SLFA Women’s Football Tournament, the SLFA president expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.

Sierra Queens achieved another 2-0 victory against the Liberian U20 team, with goals from Jariatu S Kamara and Adama Kargbo. Before that, the Sierra Leone U17 team played a 1-1 draw against the Liberian counterparts. 

Overall, both Sierra Queens and U17 teams emerged victorious over their opponents and recorded more wins in Kenema in celebration of International Women’s Day.

During his speech, Brima reiterated his commitment to the football community, addressing dignitaries, media, and fans alike.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Kenema for hosting the tournament and to the Liberian Football Association for their support. 

The outcomes of the Ram K and SLFA Female Football tournaments are a testament to our dedication towards promoting female football in Sierra Leone,” proudly stated the chief of SLFA.

“My leadership will ensure women’s football league is played every year. We are constructing modern artificial turf pitches in Freetown, Port Loko, Bo, and Kono to replace the dusty fields.”

“In the coming weeks, we have exciting developments to share – we will be providing buses to both the National male and female A teams to ensure that football becomes a sport for everyone. I would like to express my gratitude to the technical staff of the Under-17 and Senior Female “A” teams for their exceptional work. 

I would also like to extend my thanks to the organizers, SLFA staff, and the Kenema District Football Association for their efforts in making the tournament a success. 

Heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and champions, and a very happy Women’s Day to all our wonderful women in sport,” he concluded.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – National News 

Congratulations to Sierra Leone's national senior team, the Sierra Queens, for winning the Women's Day Cup with an impressive 2-0 victory over Liberia U20 in the final match. They finished the tournament with 9 points from four games. Well done!
Congratulations to Sierra Leone's national senior team, the Sierra Queens, for winning the Women's Day Cup with an impressive 2-0 victory over Liberia U20 in the final match. They finished the tournament with 9 points from four games. Well done!
In the Women's Day Cup, Sierra Leone U17 drew 1-1 against Liberia in a thrilling match. However, with an impressive 8 points, Sierra Leone has secured victory in their category of the tournament.
In the Women's Day Cup, Sierra Leone U17 drew 1-1 against Liberia in a thrilling match. However, with an impressive 8 points, Sierra Leone has secured victory in their category of the tournament.
Standing Ovation for Edwards' teenage star Musa Bangura
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Standing ovation for Edwards’ teenage star Musa Bangura

On February 28th, in Kono, Musa Bangura, a 15-year-old student of St. Edward’s Secondary School received a standing ovation from his schoolmates for his goal of the match. 

Musa played a crucial role in the squad that defeated Diamond Stars in Kono after being selected by Head Coach John Dominic Konneh.

The Result moved the May Park boys to seventh in the first round of the Sierra Leone Premier League standings.

He showed off his dazzling football skills and produced a Man of the Match performance, leading Old Edwardians to victory with a 1-0 score at the Koidu City playing field.

Coach Konneh praised Musa’s attitude and dedication, while Principal Wyse expressed delight with his performance.

Asst. Team Manager Peters presented Musa with a token of appreciation and encouraged him to focus on both football and studies.

This news was brought to you by the Old Edwardians Media Department.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone – National News.

Musa Bangura, a 15-year-old student at St. Edward’s Secondary School, received a standing ovation from schoolmates after scoring the only goal for Old Edwardians in Kono against Diamond Stars.
Musa Bangura, a 15-year-old student at St. Edward’s Secondary School, received a standing ovation from schoolmates after scoring the only goal for Old Edwardians in Kono against Diamond Stars.
Sierra Leone's Daniel Kanu helps Charlton Athletic beat Cheltenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Daniel Kanu helps Charlton Athletic beat Cheltenham

On Tuesday, Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu scored as Charlton Athletic defeated Curtis Davies’ Cheltenham Town 3-1 in the English League One.

The goal was Kanu’s third for Charlton Athletic since returning from his Southend United loan spell. 

After the Addicks took a first-half lead through Kanu, Liam Sercombe, in the 70th minute, drew parity for the home side. 

But two late strikes from Tyreeq Bakinson and Alfie May ensured Charlton’s victory. The win eased their relegation fears and lifted them seven points clear of their hosts and the drop zone.

Kanu scored the first goal for Charlton, while Sercombe equalized for Cheltenham. Bakinson scored a late goal to give Charlton a lead, and May scored the third goal to win the match.

Charlton Athletic secured a win that moved them up to 14th place in the table. Nathan Jones’ squad will now prepare to host Carlisle United at the Valley on Saturday.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 –Players Abroad News.

Bo Rangers beat Bhantal to maintain lead in Leone Rock Premier League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers beat Bhantal to maintain top spot

On Saturday, Bo Rangers FC secured a 2-0 victory against Bhantal FC in a highly contested first-round final Sierra Leone league match at the Southern Arena Stadium in Bo City. 

Mohamadu Lamin scored for the host in the opening two minutes before Yusuf Sesay doubled the host lead in the 75th-minute crucial tie in the race for top place.

John Keister’s side displayed an exceptional performance, leaving the visiting side unable to secure anything from the tie. Despite displaying great determination, the visitors were unable to break the host’s resolute defence.

The reigning and defending champions remain top of the table with 37 points – extended their lead by 6 points after their crucial win.

FC Kallon is in second on 32 points – while Bhantal FC is in 3rd position with 31 points.

Both sets of fans witnessed an exciting clash between two top-tier teams, with Bo Rangers FC ultimately coming out on top with a well-deserved victory. 

The victory cements Bo Rangers’ position at the top of the table, while Bhantal FC will take the time to regroup and prepare for their upcoming matches with renewed determination.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – National News. 

Sierra Leone's Leone Rock Premier League First Round standings
Sierra Leone's Leone Rock Premier League First Round standings
Issa Kallon nets Nantong Zhiyun's debut goal in the Chinese Super League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Issa Kallon nets Zhiyun’s debut goal in Chinese Super League 

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Issa Kallon made a bold debut for Nantong Zhiyun in the Chinese Super League opening game of the 2024 season.

Nantong Zhiyun played away to Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Kallon, who is 28 years old, scored the equalizer for Nantong Zhiyun in the 67th minute. He received a pass and slotted the ball at the bottom right of the net. 

The home team, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, was held to a draw by Nantong Zhiyun.

Kallon had joined Nantong Zhiyun after winning the title of last season with Shanghai Port. 

He started his football career as a youth exponent from FC Utrecht and made his Eredivisie debut on 24th August 2014 in a 1-2 away win against Feyenoord on 24 August 2014 in a 1–2 away win against Feyenoord.

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Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad. 

Attacker Isaac Babadi signs new PSV Eindhoven until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Isaac Babadi signs new PSV Eindhoven deal until 2028

PSV has agreed to sign Isaac Babadi, an eighteen-year-old midfielder from the PSV Academy, to a four-and-a-half-year contract. Babadi expressed his happiness and pride as he looks forward to playing for PSV in the coming years.

Isaac Babadi, a talented midfielder signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with PSV after making his debut in both the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League this season. 

He aims to help PSV win the championship and become an important basic player. 

Director of Football Affairs Earnest Stewart is thrilled to have Isaac on the team and praises his creativity and ability to hold his own in a team with a lot of quality. 

Last season, Isaac played thirty games in the Kitchen Champion Division, scoring five times. 

Since his official debut in August 2023, he has played seventeen games for PSV 1 and scored his first Eredivisie goal in February.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad News.

Augustus Kargbo was delighted after scoring a hattrick for Cesena
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo pleased with his first pro-hat-trick in Cesena’s win

Augustus Kargbo achieved a significant milestone in his football career by scoring three goals in a single match for his team, Cesena, in week 29 of the Serie C.

Despite receiving a booking in the first half, Kargbo remained focused and determined to help his team to a decisive 4-0 victory over Virtus Entella.

This win marks Cesena’s fifth consecutive league victory, which puts them in a strong position to achieve promotion to Serie B.

“What a night! I am proud to be part of this team and I am excited to see us grow together. This is my first career hat trick and I am buzzing! Allah is the Greatest,” the Sierra Leone International posted on Twitter. 

“I am happy with my performance, but at the same time, I am saddened that I won’t be able to help my teammates in the next game as I will be suspended. It’s a great feeling to score a hat-trick in a professional match, and I am very pleased, especially with the victory. It’s always nice for a striker to score a goal,” during his post-match, Kargbo noted.

“I would like to thank my teammates for supporting me and helping me grow as a player. Before coming to the game, I called my mom, and she told me I would score a hat trick, so I dedicated it to her. Although I feel that I had other more significant performances than today, the numbers speak for themselves, and today is the most important.”

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad News.

Sierra Leone edge past Liberia in U17 Women's Cup in Kenema
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone edge past Liberia in U17 Women’s Cup in Kenema

Sierra Leone’s U17 girls demonstrated their potential as they defeated their Liberian counterpart 2-1 in the 2024 Women’s Cup in Kenema. 

The Sierra Leone Football Association and Ram Kay Football Club’s collaborative efforts to advance women’s football were on display in a captivating performance that enthralled the spectators.

Adama Mansaray opened the scoring for Sierra Leone in the 12th minute, followed by Adama Kamara who doubled their lead in the 25th minute, asserting their dominance in the game.

Despite Liberia’s U-17 team’s efforts to level the playing field, they were only able to score one goal, which came from Lewis Brown in the 66th minute, bringing the score to 2-1.

The competition continues today as the Sierra Leone senior women’s team – the Sierra Queens takes on Liberia U20 at the Kenema playing field in Eastern Province.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – National News.

Sierra Leone's U17 girls demonstrated their potential as they defeated their Liberian counterpart 2-1 in the 2024 Women's Cup in Kenema.
Sierra Leone's U17 girls demonstrated their potential as they defeated their Liberian counterpart 2-1 in the 2024 Women's Cup in Kenema.
Liberia U17 side rallied a goal back but was too late for a comeback.
Liberia U17 side rallied a goal back but was too late for a comeback.
Ex-Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic set for Algeria job
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic set for Algeria job

Algeria has hired Vladimir Petkovic as their new coach to lead the team through qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Petkovic replaces Djamel Belmadi, who resigned earlier this year. Algeria is currently leading its qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup. The immediate task of Petkovic, the team’s coach, will be to continue building on this momentum.

Friendly matches against Bolivia and South Africa are on the horizon, and they will be the first test of his ability to motivate the team and establish his tactical philosophy.

He will arrive in Algiers this weekend, and a news conference is scheduled on Monday, according to a statement by the Algeria Football Federation.

Petkovic coached Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup, where they drew with Brazil and beat Serbia in the group stage before losing to Sweden in the round of 16.

After leaving Switzerland, he coached the French club Bordeaux but was fired in February 2022.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – African News.

SLFA reveals Fifa listed 2024 Sierra Leonean Referees
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA reveals Fifa listed 2024 Sierra Leonean Referees

Ten Sierra Leonean referees, including four women and six men, have been selected for the 2024 list of FIFA international referees. The announcement was made at the federation’s secretariat on Tuesday.

The FIFA selected referees are Precious A.E. Amara, Ibrahim Bah, Michael Conteh, Fatmata Mansaray, and Musa Allieu Sandy as assistant referees, and Mohamed K. Koroma, Alhaji Musa Kabia, Umu Marrah, Rashid M. Conteh, and Aminata Fullah as central referees.

Vice President 1 Harold Nat-Johnson expressed great delight at the rapid growth of female referees in Sierra Leone, noting that the country previously did not have a quartet of female referees but now boasts four, including two centre referees and two assistant referees.

“We are proud of the progress our referees have made,” said Nat-Johnson. “Their selection for the FIFA list is a testament to their dedication and skill.” He assured the referees of the federation’s unwavering support for their welfare and growth, promising more courses to be conducted across the country at all levels.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, Executive Committee member Brima Jalloh, Chairman of the Referees Committee Alhaji M.A Sesay, Head of the Referees department Franklyn Angel Foray Marah, and the Technical Director Ibrahim Bah.

Their presence underscored the SLFA’s commitment to developing referees in Sierra Leone and ensuring they receive the necessary support and training to excel at the international level.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – National News.