Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast's crucial AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast’s crucial AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone

The Laurent Pokou Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the upcoming match between the African Champions Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone for the crucial match day three 2025 qualifier.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced on Tuesday that the first leg of the double header will be held on October 11 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire.

In January this year, Ivory Coast defeated a local stars team from Sierra Leone 5-1 in a friendly match. The two teams will face each other again in a doubleheader that could prove decisive in their quest for a spot in the tournament, this time with a much stronger Leone Stars team.

The return leg between Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone is scheduled for four days later, on October 15, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. 

Côte d’Ivoire – led by head coach Emerse Faé, has had a flawless start in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, collecting maximum points by defeating Zambia 2-0 and Chad 2-0, placing them at the top of Group G with six points.

After a disappointing draw with Chad, the Leone Stars suffered a defeat in Zambia due to Kings Kangwa’s superb free kick. They must avoid consecutive losses to revive hopes of reaching Morocco in 2025.

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON

On Wednesday, Sierra Leone will face off against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium for a spot in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The match will kick off at 1 pm local time.

A win for the Shooting Stars would mean they reach the AFCON U20 tournament for the first time in the history of Sierra Leonean football.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.

The Gambia advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifiers after playing to a goalless draw with Mali on Sunday, September 22, at the SKD Sports Complex.

This result placed The Gambia in the second spot in Group B, alongside group winners Senegal. The next stage will involve the four qualifying teams competing for a place in the finals.

In Group A, Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars finished as group winners with seven points from three games. They will face The Gambia, who finished as runners-up in Group B, in the battle for one of the two AFCON slots.

Senegal finished at the top of Group B with four points from two games, while The Gambia secured qualification for the semifinals with just two points from two games. They put up a strong fight in their opening match against Senegal, forcing them to a 2-2 draw.

Guinea finished as runners-up in Group A with five points, a point adrift of hosts Liberia. They will face defending champions Senegal in the semifinals.

Wednesday Semi-final lineups

Senegal vs. Guinea

Sierra Leone vs. Gambia

The two finalists will automatically qualify for the 2025 U-20 AFCON Finals.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.
The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.
Sierra Leone down to 125 in Fifa Ranking after defeat to Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone down to 125 in Fifa Ranking after defeat to Zambia

Sierra Leone’s national football team, the Leone Stars, has experienced a significant decline in the latest FIFA rankings, dropping three places to 125th in the world and 35th in Africa.

The African Cup of Nations team had a goalless draw against the underdog team Chad in Liberia and suffered a 3-2 defeat to Zambia. As a result, the head coach, Amidu Kamara, has faced heavy criticism from soccer fans at home and abroad, with many calling for his immediate resignation.

The decline in ranking comes on the heels of the Leone Stars’ ongoing struggle in the CAF qualifiers, where they have failed to secure a win in their last three international matches.

Since his appointment by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), the coach has only managed to secure two wins out of eight games. Despite these setbacks, Sierra Leone still maintains a higher rank than countries such as The Gambia, India, and Rwanda.

The pressure is mounting on the Leone Stars squad to reverse their fortunes as they gear up for a crucial double-header against Ivory Coast in October as part of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

With about 95% of football pundits expressing doubt about the Leone Stars’ qualification prospects due to their recent poor performance, the team faces an uphill battle to turn things around.

Sierra Leone’s next outing is a back-to-back against reigning African Champions Ivory Coast next month as part of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

In the global rankings, Argentina remains in the top spot, followed by France, Spain, England, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Colombia, and Italy.

The next FIFA rankings will be released on October 24, 2024.

Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma was on target as Northampton secured a significant 3-1 away victory against Huddersfield, marking their first win since February.

The match saw Northampton benefit from an own goal by Huddersfield in the 18th minute, followed by a well-executed counter-attack resulting in a goal by Cameron McGeehan.

Despite a disallowed goal early in the second half, Northampton extended their lead with another goal from Tariqe Fosu.

Huddersfield showed resilience in the final 10 minutes, scoring a goal and earning a penalty that led to a second yellow card for Akin Odimayo.

However, Huddersfield’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Lee Burge saved the penalty, securing Northampton’s victory.

Young Africans thrash Ethiopia's Ethiopia Nigd Bank.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank

Young Africans SC thrashed Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC 6-0, advancing to the group stage of the 2024/2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

In the first leg of the second preliminary round, the Tanzania Premier League champions won 1-0 against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC (CBE). They continued their success with a 7-0 aggregate win at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

On Friday, CR Belouizdad of Algeria became the first team to secure a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League by defeating AS Douanes of Burkina Faso.

The second-round return leg match took place at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, and the hosts, CR Belouizdad, managed to level the tie at 1-1 with a goal from Abderrahmane Meziane in the 35th minute.

Despite being reduced to 10 men late in regulation time, CR Belouizdad managed to take the tie to penalties.

New Real Valladolid defender Juma Bah makes La Liga debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Real Valladolid defender Juma Bah makes La Liga debut

Sierra Leonean international Abdulai Juma Bah made his La Liga debut Valladolid goalless draw against Real Sociedad, as we reported earlier.

He featured for the 78th minute on his first start wearing No 35 jersey – His strong impression at Real Valladolid has been rewarded since joining less than a month ago.

Juma Bah, a young 195-centimetre tall centre-back, has proven to be a reliable defender. He impresses the coaching staff and players with his physicality and skill in on-field battles.

Breaking new heights, Bah became the first Sierra Leonean to play in the Spanish top-tier league.

Starting from playing in the streets on the outskirts of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, and helping his family by working in a bakery in the market in the Congo neighbourhood, he ended up being called up five months later by a historic team in one of the best leagues in the world.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut last weekend.

Scouts travelled to Africa to observe him live before he was signed, and his defensive prowess and composure on the ball were evident in his debut last weekend.

Real Valladolid fans are eager to see how Abdulai Juma Bah will contribute to the club’s success this season. He has made a promising start and is a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah Salford's experience
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah on Salford’s experience

Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah talked about his first month with the club via the club’s website and their upcoming match against Walsall in the league this weekend.

The 25-year-old has impressed since joining on loan from Derby County in August. The Sierra Leone international expressed how much he is enjoying his time at The Peninsula Stadium.

“I returned in the summer after training, taking care of myself physically and mentally, and feeling motivated to be the best version of myself, playing freely as I did as a kid.

“I’ve always been advised to play without worrying about taking risks, especially in my position as a midfielder. I grew up watching top midfielders who carried the ball and were exciting, and that’s what I like to do. Every time I play, I aim to run forward and think forward.

There might be times when I lose the ball, but I’m someone who will try things, and ultimately, I back myself because God gave me a talent, and I’m doing my best to consistently showcase it on the pitch.”

Salford goes into this weekend’s game against Walsall in good form, having been unbeaten in four league matches, including consecutive home victories against MK Dons and Cheltenham Town.

“It’s something I noticed when I first joined – the players, the recruitment, and how the club looks at the players they’re bringing in to complement the squad. It feels like it’s starting to come together.

“We have a long way to go, and there are plenty of games to play. But with the players we have in the squad along with those who were already here, I feel like it’s a good balance, and I’m enjoying it.

“I genuinely appreciate every single one of the boys; they’re good people, good human beings, and I believe that’s the most important thing – to be a good human, not just on the pitch, but someone you can rely on when you’re playing with them.

“Winning games boosts confidence for individuals and the team. We must stay cautious as Walsall is a strong team. If we focus on our performance and receive support from the fans at home, we can create a strong home advantage. I hope this positive trend continues.”

Sierra Leone's Yayah Kallon out of Salernitana trip to Reggiana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Yayah Kallon out of Salernitana’s trip to Reggiana

Sierra Leone-born Yayah Kallon will miss Saturday’s match at Reggiana Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore due to suspension.

The new Salernitana acquisition was shown a red card in week three as Salernitana defeated Sampdoria 3-2.

At the end of the final training session held this morning at the Mary Rosu sports centre, coach Giovanni Martusciello announced the list of players called up for the match scheduled for tomorrow at 3 pm between Reggiana and Salernitana at the Città del Tricolore/Mapei Stadium.

GOALKEEPERS: 12 Corriere, 1 Fiorillo, 55 Sepe;

DEFENDERS : 15 Bronn, 33 GM. Ferrari, 29 Ghiglione, 44 Jaroszyński, 17 Njoh, 13 Ruggeri, 30 Stojanović, 4 Velthuis;

MIDFIELDERS: 73 Amatucci, 23 Dalmonte, 8 Hrustić, 25 Maggiore, 19 Reine-Adélaïde, 21 Soriano, 70 Tello;

ATTACKERS: 24 Braaf, 9 Sims, 10 Torregrossa, 31 Verde, 20 Wlodarczyk.

Unavailable:  2 Gentile, 7 Tongya, 77 Sfait.

Suspended : 11 Kallon.

Libya sack Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojević
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Libya sack Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojević

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojević has been removed from his position as the coach of the Libyan national team.

The 55-year-old Serbian coach took charge of the Libyan team in October 2023. Despite a successful start, winning six of his first eight games with mostly local players, the Libyan national team struggled in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, losing 2-1 to Benin and drawing 1-1 with Rwanda.

As a result, they currently sit at the bottom of Group D with just one point from their first two games. Sredojević is reportedly set to join Al Ahli Tripoli for the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary leg against Simba SC in Dar es Salaam.

He has previously managed several clubs in Africa, including SC Villa, Al Hilal in Sudan, Yanga Africans in Tanzania, Saint George in Ethiopia, Zamalek in Egypt, and Orlando Pirates in South Africa, among others.