Author: Football Sierra Leone

CR Belouizdad reach CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

CR Belouizdad reach CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals

CR Belouizdad has reached the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in 30 years.

They secured their spot after a tense goalless draw against Al-Masry from Egypt in Algiers. The Algerian team advanced with an aggregate score, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg in Egypt.

The match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium marked a historic moment for the club, which last reached this stage in 1996.

Belouizdad started the match strongly, pressing high and quickly creating chances. In the first seven minutes, Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda’s shot lacked power, allowing Al-Masry’s goalkeeper, Essam Tharwat, to make an easy save.

Midway through the first half, defender Hussein Ben Ayada forced Tharwat into a strong save, and Ben Hammouda’s header skimmed just over the crossbar.

As the first half progressed, Al-Masry began creating opportunities, with a long-range shot testing Belouizdad’s goalkeeper Farid Chaal just before half-time. Despite the pressure, both teams went into the break level.

In the second half, both sides struggled to score, with Belouizdad focusing on defence. Al-Masry pushed hard for a goal, especially with forward Daghmoum becoming a threat late in the game. However, Chaal and the defence held firm.

The match ended in a goalless draw, sending Belouizdad to the semi-finals to face the winner between Zamalek and Otoho. For Al-Masry, this result marked the end of their campaign. Belouizdad celebrates a return to the last four of a continental competition after 30 years.

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw

The CAF Inter-Club quarter-final first legs delivered a thrilling display of football, with all four matches ending in tense 1-1 draws.

The crucial away goals kept the ties for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup very much alive.

In the Champions League, defending champions Pyramids FC fought hard for a 1-1 draw at AS FAR Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

The hosts took an early lead when Ahmed Hammoudan scored in the 8th minute, but Mahmoud Zalaka levelled the game with a goal in the 52nd minute, keeping hopes strong for both teams.

At the Berkane Municipal Stadium, Al Hilal Omdurman initially went in front thanks to a goal from Abdel Raouf in the 13th minute. However, RS Berkane managed to salvage a draw with a last-gasp penalty converted by Mounir Chouiar in the 90+9th minute.

Al Hilal faced a setback late in the match when Steven Ebuela received a red card, leaving them down to ten men.

In the Confederation Cup, Zamalek SC held their ground with a 1-1 draw at AS Otoho d’Oyo’s Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville. Charles Atipo opened the scoring for the home side, only to see Oday Dabbagh equalise for the Egyptian team.

Meanwhile, at the New Suez Stadium, CR Belouizdad snatched a point away from home against Al Masry, ending in a 1-1 standoff. Salah Mohsen had put Al Masry ahead, but Lofti Boussouar struck in stoppage time to secure the equaliser.

With all four ties remaining evenly matched, the stage is set for next weekend’s second legs, where those hard-earned away goals could prove decisive in determining which teams advance to the semi-finals.

Saturday’s results

AS FAR (Morocco) 1-1 Pyramids (Egypt)

RS Berkane (Morocco) 1-1 Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)

AS Otoho (Congo-Brazzaville) 1-1 Zamalek (Egypt)

Al Masry (Egypt) 1-1 CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
Gambia's Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland
by Football Sierra Leone

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland

Yankuba Minteh scored a bizarre goal that gave Brighton a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, marking the Black Cats' third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League.

In the 58th minute, Minteh’s sliced cross from a tight angle slipped past Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post.

Sunderland players were furious that play continued while midfielder Habib Diarra lay on the ground after a clash with Lewis Dunk during a corner.

However, the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed that the goal was valid, as Brighton defender Paul van Hecke, obstructing Ellborg’s view, was onside.

This victory pushed Brighton to 40 points, placing them above Sunderland in 10th position. It was also their first win at Wearside since 1981, ending a nine-match winless streak.

Brighton was the better side in a lacklustre first half, with Jack Hinshelwood missing two clear opportunities to score. Sunderland thought they had taken the lead when Chris Rigg found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Brian Brobbey later squandered a crucial chance, firing over the bar after Brighton was caught in possession.

As Regis le Bris’ team pushed for an equaliser, they struggled to create clear chances. Diego Gomez also missed an opportunity to extend Brighton’s lead. With three straight home losses, Sunderland’s hopes for European qualification have taken a serious hit.

Ghana's Thomas-Asante helps Coventry ease-past Preston
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Thomas-Asante helps Coventry ease past Preston

Ghana's Thomas -Asante on target as Coventry City convincingly defeated a struggling Preston North End to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table to eight points.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a deflected shot, followed by Brandon Thomas-Asante, who netted the second after Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen tipped Ellis Simms’ effort onto the bar.

Matt Grimes secured the win with a second-half penalty, marking a perfect night for Frank Lampard’s team as their nearest rivals, Middlesbrough, stumbled against Charlton.

The home fans erupted in chants of “we’re going to win the league” when news of Boro’s defeat came through, and based on their dominant display, that seems more than likely.

Coventry controlled the game after taking the lead, though Iversen might feel unlucky about the first two goals. The deflection on Sakamoto’s shot wrong-footed him, and though he made a brilliant save on Simms, the rebound fell perfectly for Thomas-Asante.

Preston may also dispute the penalty awarded for Ephron Mason-Clark’s tumble under minimal pressure from Pol Valentin. Regardless, it was clear where the points were headed, as Coventry secured their sixth straight win, showcasing their championship potential.

They had chances to increase their margin, notably when Josh Eccles shot over the bar from a good position.

Preston, meanwhile, looked every bit a team struggling with just one win in 11 matches, with few highlights apart from headers from Whiteman and Milutin Osmajic that were both saved by Coventry’s goalkeeper, Carl Rushworth.

Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut

Sierra Leonean forward Sallieu Bah kicked off his journey in the Ukrainian Premier League with an outstanding debut as FC Zorya Luhansk won comfortably.

In a commanding 4–0 victory, Bah played a pivotal role by providing an assist in his first match. His contributions were crucial to Zorya Luhansk’s control over the game, securing a decisive three points.

Throughout the match, Bah showcased impressive confidence, quick acceleration, and sharp offensive instincts, quickly fitting into the team’s dynamics.

The Ukrainian side announced his signing last month, expressing that the Sierra Leonean attacking midfielder Sallieu Bach has become a Black and White player!

Read Related News – Wilberforce Strikers confirm Salliue Bah transfer to FC Zorya
Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC
by Football Sierra Leone

David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC

Veteran defender David Simbo made his debut for the East End Lions in their 2-0 triumph over Freetown City on Saturday.

In the first 45 minutes, Simbo demonstrated his worth on the field only a week after joining the club on a one-year agreement. Attacker Kwame Quee scored their first before Mohamed Fogbawa wrapped the win up with a second.

Simbo’s defensive ability was instrumental in making sure his team was secure in the opening half of the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League.

His presence in the backline not only strengthened the team’s defence but also assisted their general strategy, helping to restrain Freetown City’s aggressive assaults.

Simbo’s first effort establishes a good tone for his future with the team as East End Lions strive to rise in the league rankings. Following a difficult first round, the victory brought E E Lions to eight.

The first leg semi-finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League campaign will take place on Saturday, April 20th.
by Football Sierra Leone

Dates confirmed for Inter-club Champions League quarter-finals

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 CAF Inter-club Champions League. These matches will take place across Africa in March.

A key match to watch is between the Egyptian team Al Ahly and the Tunisian team Esperance Sportive de Tunis. The first leg will be in Tunis on 15 March at 21:00 GMT, and the return leg will be in Cairo on 21 March at 19:00 GMT.

South African team Mamelodi Sundowns will play against Mali’s Stade Malien. Their first leg is on 13 March at 18:00 GMT, and the return match will be in Bamako on 22 March at 16:00 GMT.

Defending champions Pyramids FC will face the Moroccan team AS FAR. They will meet on 13 March at 22:00 GMT in Morocco, with the return match in Egypt on 21 March at 16:00 GMT.

Moroccan team RS Berkane will play against Sudan’s Al Hilal starting on 14 March at 22:00 GMT, with the second leg on 22 March at 16:00 GMT.

These quarter-finals highlight both classic rivalries and new matchups with clubs from North, West, and Southern Africa. The draw for these matches was held in Cairo last month.

The matches will be played over two legs, and the winners will advance to the semifinals. The winners of the Al Ahly vs. Esperance match will face the winner of the Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Stade Malien game. On the other hand, the victor of AS FAR and Pyramids FC will face the winner of the RS Berkane vs Al Hilal match.

The semi-finals are set for April, with the first legs between 10 and 12 April and the return legs between 17 and 19 April. The final will take place in May to decide the new continental champion.

With the quarter-final schedule now confirmed, teams will focus on this important stage of the competition, where they will compete for a spot in the semi-finals and the chance for continental success.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 – Quarter-final fixtures (all times GMT)
First legs

13 March 2026

18:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien

13 March 2026

22:00 — AS FAR vs Pyramids FC

14 March 2026

22:00 — RS Berkane vs Al Hilal

15 March 2026

21:00 — Esperance ST vs Al Ahly

Second legs

21 March 2026

16:00 — Pyramids FC vs AS FAR

21 March 2026

19:00 — Al Ahly vs Esperance ST

22 March 2026

16:00 — Al Hilal vs RS Berkane

22 March 2026

16:00 — Stade Malien vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Wilberforce Strikers confirm Salliue Bah transfer to FC Zorya
by Football Sierra Leone

Wilberforce Strikers confirm Salliue Bah transfer to FC Zorya

Sierra Leone Premier League, Wilberforce Strikers has confirmed that their talented midfielder, Sallieu Bah, has officially signed with Ukrainian Premier League side FC Zorya on a two-year contract.

Sallieu has been a vital part of our team, consistently showcasing his skill, creativity, and commitment on the field. His professionalism, strong work ethic, and leadership qualities have made him an indispensable figure at Wilberforce Strikers FC. We are confident that he will continue to excel as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career.

The club sends its warmest wishes to Sallieu as he embraces this new challenge. We believe he will not only highlight his impressive talent but also contribute significantly to his new squad, embodying the values and spirit of Wilberforce Strikers FC as he competes in the Ukrainian Premier League.

He recently played for Romanian club Petrolul 95, where he scored 15 goals in 13 matches.

Bah made his international debut for Sierra Leone on September 11, 2023, entering the match as a second-half substitute for Saidu Bah Kamara during a 2–1 defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

In 2024, Bah participated in four qualification matches for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Al Masry to face CR Belouizdad in CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

Al Masry to face CR Belouizdad in CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals

The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 feature a Moroccan derby as the draw was held in Cairo on Tuesday.

In the first leg, Olympique de Safi will host Wydad Casablanca. These two teams know each other well, and one will definitely move on to the semi-finals.

Zamalek SC from Egypt will play away against AS Otoho from Congo in their first leg.

Another Egyptian team, Al Masry, will host CR Belouizdad from Algeria. AS Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo will also play at home against USM Alger, another Algerian team.

The first leg of the quarter-finals takes place from March 13 to 15, and the second leg will be from March 20 to 22.

The draw also set up the semi-finals. The winner of the match between AS Maniema Union and USM Alger will host the winner of Olympique de Safi and Wydad Casablanca in the first semi-final. In the second semi-final, the winner of Al Masry versus CR Belouizdad will host the winner of AS Otoho and Zamalek SC.

The semi-finals are scheduled for April 10 to 12 (first leg) and April 17 to 19 (second leg).

The team that wins in the semi-finals will host the first leg of the Final on May 9, with the second leg on May 16. 

TOTALENERGIES CAF CONFEDERATION CUP 2025/26

Quarter-Final Draw

QF1: Al Masry (Egypt) vs CR Belouizdad (Algeria)

QF2: Olympique de Safi (Morocco) vs Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

QF3: AS Otoho (Congo) vs Zamalek SC (Egypt)

QF4: AS Maniema Union (DR Congo) vs USM Alger (Algeria)

Semi-Final Draw

SF1: AS Maniema Union/ASM Alger vs OC Safi/Wydad Casablanca

SF2: Al Masry/CR Belouizdad vs AS Otoho/Zamalek SC 
CAF Interclub group stage draw the date and venue confirmed
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF Inter-club Quarter-Final Draw procedures confirmed

Ahead of Tuesday's Draw, the Confederation Africain de Football (CAF) has clarified the methods that would be employed to define the Quarter-finals and Semi-finals of the CAF Champions League 2025/26 and CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26.

CAF will employ a multi-pot arrangement for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw.

The four runners-up from the group stage—RS Berkane, AS FAR (both Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)—are in Pot 1.

Separate pots contain the four group champions: Pyramids FC (Group A), Al Ahly FC, both of Egypt (Group B), Sudan‘s Al Hilal SC (Group C), and Stade Malien (Group D) from Mali.

The draw starts by picking one team from the runners-up pot (Pot 1). Excluding the pot related to the runners-up team’s own group, CAF then picks one ball from each of the other three group-winner buckets to make sure no same group clubs meet in the quarter-finals.

One of those three possible opponents is chosen from an empty pot (Pot 6) and blended to verify the quarter-final match-up. The identical stages are done until all four quarter-finals are arranged. Notably, runners-up will be playing the first leg at home.

One pot for the semi-finals has QF1, QF2, QF3, and QF4. Semi-final 1 features the first two balls drawn facing one another, with the first drawn home for the first leg. Semi-final 2 under the same home-leg rule is formed by the two remaining quarter-final victors.

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup draws uare sing the same format.

Olympique Club de Safi (Morocco), AS Maniema Union (DR Congo), AS Otoho (Congo), and Al Masry SC (Egypt) make up Pot 1’s four group runners-up.

Each of the four group victors is assigned their own pot: Pot 2 (winners of Group A) holds USM Alger from Algeria, Pot 3 (winners of Group B) contains Morocco’s Wydad AC, Pot 4 (winners of Group C) contains CR Belouizdad from Algeria, and Pot 5 (winners of Group D) contains Egypt’s Zamalek SC.