Author: Football Sierra Leone

by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s representatives are in interclub action today

Sierra Leone’s two teams are back in action today for the 2026/27 CAF interclub competitions. Star Sport Academy and East End Lions both have important first-round return matches in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup in The Gambia and Liberia, respectively.

Star Sport Academy, playing in their first-ever CAF Champions League, travel to Banjul to face Medina United Academy at the Independence Stadium at 16:30 GMT. Their first match ended in a 0-0 draw, keeping the tie open for today’s game.

This match is significant because it marks the return of interclub and senior international football to The Gambia after more than six years. If today’s game ends in another 0-0 draw, the teams will go to penalties to decide who advances.

Additionally, any scoring draw would impact the aggregate score and depend on CAF’s rules, while a loss would end Star Sport Academy’s first continental campaign.

On the other hand, East End Lions, the Orange FA Cup champions, go into their second-leg match against Ivorian team Afad Plateau with a slight advantage.

They will meet at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia at 16:00 GMT after drawing 1-1 in the first match in Abidjan. This result was East End Lions’ best away performance in CAF interclub competition.

Now tied on aggregate, a goalless draw would allow East End Lions to advance to the next round under the away-goals rule, as they scored once in Abidjan.

This is a chance for Sierra Leone’s clubs to shine on the continental stage, gain experience, and possibly advance in Africa’s main interclub competitions.

Star Sport Academy aims to make history in their first Champions League campaign, while East End Lions look to build on their strong away result. By the end of the day, we will know if Sierra Leone has two clubs, one club, or no clubs advancing to the next round.

East End Lions Hold AFAD to 1–1 Draw in CAF Confederation Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

East End Lions Hold AFAD to 1–1 Draw in CAF Confederation Cup

East End Lions secured a valuable 1–1 draw against AFAD Djékanou in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round in Abidjan.

One of Sierra Leone’s most decorated sides found themselves trailing in the opening half after AFAD took the lead into the break. However, East End Lions responded strongly after halftime, showing determination and composure to fight their way back into the contest.  

Saymah Kamara proved decisive, scoring the equaliser to give The Killers renewed hope ahead of the return leg.  

With the tie delicately poised, East End Lions will now turn their attention to the second leg at the SKD Complex in Liberia, where they will aim to secure victory and advance to the next round.

by Football Sierra Leone

Amadou Diallo FC Ready for East End Lions’ CAF Interclub First Leg

Amadou Diallo Plateau Football Academy, aka AFAD, based in Abidjan-Plateau,  are getting ready to face the East End Lions of Sierra Leone as they make their return to African elite club football.

This Sunday, September 6, they will host one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated clubs at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium. This match is the first leg of the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Days before the game, AFAD’s coach, Firmin Koffi, shows calm and determination. He believes the team can succeed in their first challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“We know we’ll face a team that plays direct football with intensity,” says Koffi, highlighting the importance of a strong start in the two-legged tie. “It’s crucial to perform well at home; we aim for a solid lead, ideally 3-0.”

Koffi draws confidence from the team’s preparation, with five wins, five draws, and four losses to their name. He notes that all injured players have returned, and the core of last season’s squad is intact.

AFAD approaches their first African match with seriousness and ambition, aiming to take the lead before travelling to Sierra Leone. They will need strength on the field and support from fans.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Premier League side has arrived safely in Ivory Coast for the match.

by Football Sierra Leone

Josh Koroma on the scoresheet in draw with Gillingham

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma scored as Chesterfield drew 1-1 with Gillingham after a second-half equalizer canceled out Josh Koroma’s first goal for the team in their League Two round four. 

Manager Paul Cook kept the same lineup from their 2-1 loss to Rotherham, while Gillingham’s Gareth Ainsworth made one change, replacing Will Goodwin with Lamin Sillah.

Chesterfield started strong, with Koroma and Lewis Gordon linking up well. Koroma scored after a good setup from Kyle McFadzean and Dilan Markanday. Markanday tested Gillingham’s goalkeeper, Oliver Wright, multiple times.

In the second half, Chesterfield maintained control, but McFadzean’s attempt went just over the crossbar. Gillingham equalised with a deflected shot from Ronan Hale.

Chesterfield brought in Tom Naylor, Fraser Bryden, and Louie Marsh to regain control. They pushed for a late winner, forcing several corners, but settled for a draw.

Next, Chesterfield will host Barnet, while Gillingham will travel to Rochdale.

by Football Sierra Leone

Ivorian youngster Malick Yalcouyé nets in Brighton’s defeat to Chelsea

Ivorian player Malick Yalcouyé scored his first goal for Brighton in a close 4-3 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Yalcouyé started the game and shined for Brighton, scoring in the 35th minute to make the score 3-1.

The 20-year-old midfielder took advantage of a chance in the penalty area and scored a great goal, giving Brighton hope for a comeback.

Chelsea took the lead early in the match. Roméo Lavia scored in the fourth minute, followed by Pedro Neto in the 14th minute, and João Pedro added a third goal in the 32nd minute.

Brighton responded with Yalcouyé’s goal, and then João Pedro scored an own goal in the 63rd minute to bring Brighton closer at 3-2.

Chelsea regained a two-goal lead with a goal from Cole Palmer in the 74th minute. Pascal Groß scored a late goal for Brighton in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Despite Brighton’s efforts at the end, Chelsea held on to win 4-3. Yalcouyé’s goal was a bright spot for him, marking his impact in the Premier League, even as Brighton left Stamford Bridge without any points.