Author: Football Sierra Leone

Ghana's disappointing WAFCON draw against Mali
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s disappointing WAFCON draw against Mali

Ghana’s WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal hopes remain uncertain after a 1-1 draw with West African rivals Mali in a tense Group C clash at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday.

The Ghanaian women’s national team started strong and looked set to claim all three points, but Mali responded with resilience, equalizing in the second half to keep their own hopes alive. The result now puts Ghana’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations journey in serious doubt.

⚽ Match Overview

  • 🏆 Tournament: WAFCON 2024

  • 🏟️ Venue: Stade Municipal de Berkane

  • 📅 Date: Friday, 11.07.2026

  • ⚽ Final Score: Ghana 1–1 Mali

  • 🥅 Group: Group C

Both teams now face a tough final group-stage match, with the quarterfinal qualification on the line. Ghana must secure a win in their next game to keep their tournament dreams alive.

🔎 Ghana’s Position in Group C

The draw leaves Ghana qualification shaky in Group C, with only the top two teams progressing to the knockout stage, the Leone Queens will need to deliver a strong performance in their final group match.

A goal in each half from Alice Kusi and Aïssata Traoré allowed both teams to leave with a point in a game neither could afford to lose but would feel they might have won.

Under pressure following a dismal 2-0 loss to South Africa in their opening match, the Black Queens arrived in this encounter and started fast.

In the sixth minute, Kusi took advantage of ongoing exertion to fire home from close range following a barely missed header by Doris Boaduwaa, rewarding their early control.

Mali, who had narrowly defeated Tanzania in their opener, seemed shaken but progressively developed into the game; their attacking trio of Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré and Agueissa Diarra was always dangerous on the break.

Before halftime, Ghana had a missed flurry of opportunities to increase its advantage. Kusi and Evelyn Badu were close, as were Boaduwaa, but a mix of poor finishing and superb goalkeeping from Fatoumata Karentao denied them all.

Mali equalised in the 52nd minute when Aïssata Traoré scored after an incisive pass from Saratou Traoré.

The game opened up as Ghana pressed for a winner, with Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa, and Jennifer Cudjoe threatening but unable to convert. Despite controlling possession, Ghana couldn’t secure a victory and now sits on one point heading into their final group match.

In contrast, Mali’s result gives them four points and keeps them in the running for a quarterfinal spot. Both teams faced disappointment in this crucial clash, underscoring the fierce competition in WAFCON’s Group of Death.

Zambia in search of first WAFCON win over Senegal
by Football Sierra Leone

Zambia in search of first Women’s Cup of Nations victory

This afternoon’s kickoff at Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia, Zambia, will strive for their first victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Senegal. 

Beginning the competition with a 2-2 draw against Morocco, Zambia’s Barbra Banda recorded only 58 seconds, but Morocco tied via a penalty.

While Racheal Kundananji brought Zambia ahead, Morocco tied in the 87th minute.

One above the DRC and two behind Senegal, Zambia is level on points with Morocco.

With Captain Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scoring twice, Senegal leads Group A after a commanding 4-0 victory over the DRC.

Their goal is to keep their number one spot in the group and win their second straight.

Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener

Senegal made a powerful statement in Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia.

Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scored two goals in a dominant first half, leading the Lionesses of Teranga to an emphatic win in their opening match.

The scoring started in the fifth minute when Mama Diop struck a powerful shot into the net after receiving a pass from Méta Kandé. Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the lead in the 13th minute with a composed finish, and by the 22nd minute, Diop had her second goal, capitalising on a defensive error. Just before halftime, Ndiaye headed home from a Hapsatou Diallo cross, ensuring a four-goal lead.

In the second half, DR Congo regrouped, hitting the woodwork and forcing Senegal’s goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye, into several key saves. Despite their efforts, the Leopardesses couldn’t find a goal.

The result puts Senegal at the top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia, who drew 2-2 in their opening match.

For DR Congo, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Senegal appears poised to compete strongly for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Mutapha Bundu made their debut at Hanover 96, in their 2-1 loss to Danish team Randers FC in Germany after 120 minutes.

After quitting the English team Plymouth Argyle, free agent Bundu, 28, joined the German side.

Randers FC continued their strong preseason performance with a third consecutive victory, defeating Hannover 96 2-1.

They took the lead in the 31st minute when Mohamed Touré scored from a great cross by Simen Bolkan Nordli.

Hannover equalised ten minutes later, but Elies Mahmoud clinched the win in the 110th minute after capitalising on a rebound following his initial shot, sealing the match for Randers FC.

Sulaiman Momoh Conteh is on the verge of a major career leap as he undergoes a medical at Qabala FC’s facilities in Azerbaijan.
by Football Sierra Leone

Mighty Blackpool Striker Conteh undergoes Medical at Qabala SC

Sulaiman Momoh Conteh is on the verge of a major career leap as he undergoes a medical at Qabala FC’s facilities in Azerbaijan.

The 22-year-old striker is poised to complete a transfer from Sierra Leonean giants Mighty Blackpool FC to Qabala FC, who recently secured promotion to the Azerbaijan Premier League.

Conteh’s journey to the European stage comes after an eventful season in the Sierra Leone Premier League. Despite playing just over 15 matches, the forward found the net nine times for Mighty Blackpool.

However, critics argue that his tally should have been significantly higher, pointing to several missed chances, particularly in high-stakes goalless draws against East End Lions and Bhantal FC, where he spurned over eight clear-cut opportunities.

Still, Conteh’s reputation remains intact. He finished second in the league’s goal-scoring charts the previous season while leading the line for Bau Bureh Warriors.

And even with his conversion woes, he currently tops the SLPL scoring list with nine goals, a testament to his positioning, persistence, and promise.

Should the transfer be finalised, Conteh will be the latest Sierra Leonean talent to break into the European football scene, a move that could redefine both his career and the ambitions of Qabala FC.

The newly renovated Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF green light Burkina Faso’s August 4th Stadium

After years under suspension, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, has let the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou once again host international events.

A significant milestone is being celebrated by Burkinabè football as the Stallions, the national team of Burkina Faso, could be ready to play at home once again.

Due to inadequate amenities, CAF banned the stadium in March 2021. But following extensive rehabilitation by the national football federation (FBF) and the Burkinabè government, the stadium now satisfies CAF’s stringent requirements.

Praising Burkina Faso’s attempts to renovate the August 4 Stadium, Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, signalled a fresh start for the Stallions.

After three years playing their home games overseas, they will come back to a newly refurbished stadium in September, which should spark an emotional and historical atmosphere with local fan support.

The stadium has become a symbol of national pride, and this reopening shows Burkina Faso’s rising ambition in African football.

As the nation gets ready to greet the Stallions back home, enthusiasm is rising.

The newly renovated Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium
The newly renovated Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium
CAF green light Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium after four-year ban
CAF green light Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium after four-year ban
Senegal international Habib Diarra on Sunderland's' Radar
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal international Habib Diarra on Sunderland’s’ Radar

Senegal international Habib Diarra is about to close a transfer to recently promoted English Premier League team Sunderland. Following a strong four-season tenure, he is expected to leave French Ligue 1 team RC Strasbourg.

Because of his strong performances with Strasbourg over the past three seasons, the midfielder attracted notice from many clubs across Europe. Negotiations broke down a few days ago even though Diarra was close to joining Leeds United.

Additionally intrigued in him was Spanish La Liga club Atlético Madrid, but according to Italian writer Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland is about to grab Diarra in a €35.5 million deal.

After a difficult eight-year absence, Sunderland is rejoining the Premier League. Diarr is known to head coach Régis Le Bris from their association in Lorient, France. Diarra will add fresh energy and tactical dynamism to Sunderland’s midfield.

Although Diarra played for France at several junior levels, Senegal welcomed his senior debut in 2024.

Wydad Athletic Club to wrap up Club World Cup Group G against Al Ain
by Football Sierra Leone

Wydad Athletic eye first Club World Cup win against Al Ain

Wydad Athletic Club will conclude their final Group G match in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Al Ain FC on Thursday at Audi Field, located in Washington, DC, the capital of the United States.

In their second Group G match on June 22, Wydad suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Italian football powerhouse Juventus FC, extending their winless streak across all competitions to three matches.

As a result, the Moroccan football heavyweights currently sit in third place in the group standings. A win against Al Ain would allow Wydad to finish third, behind Manchester City and Juventus.

“We want to win for our fans and for our coach,” said Nordin Amrabat, Wydad’s midfielder. The team’s head coach, Mohamed Amine Benhachem, and the team doctor were involved in a traffic accident in the USA. Amrabat added, “We want to leave America with a good feeling. If you don’t win, you don’t have a good feeling; that means you’ve played three games and lost all three. For us as a club, winning is important, God willing.”

Al Ain has not won in their last two matches, including a heavy 6-0 loss to Manchester City on June 22. They currently sit in fourth place in Group G, but a win over Wydad could move them up to third.

“Our goal is to earn three points. We have the same aim for every game,” said Vladimir Ivic, Al Ain’s head coach. “We know we are a big club, the biggest in Asia. We strive to win every game in our championships, both cups, and the Asian Champions League. This match will be no different. We want to show our best in the final game. Overall, this tournament has been a great experience with everything well organized.”

This match will be the first time Wydad faces Al Ain in any competition. Canadian referee Drew Fischer will officiate the game on Thursday.

Juma Bah joins OGC Nice on loan after a six-month loan spell with RC Lens
by Football Sierra Leone

Juma Bah joins Nice on loan after a six-month spell with RC Lens

Sierra Leonean international Juma Bah has switched from RC Lens to OGC Nice on loan from Manchester City.

The 19-year-old has been a revelation since he entered professional football in Spain.

Following the signing of Gabin Bernardeau, OGC Nice has made a second acquisition at the start of the transfer window.

Bah, a 1.95m defensive player well-known to Ligue 1 fans, has played in France for the past six months.

“We have been following his progress collectively for a while and found him to be very effective during his time at Lens,” explains Florian Maurice, Sporting Director of Le Gym.

This is confirmed by the statistics. Juma is a young player with great potential, and importantly, we believe he can quickly adapt to the coach’s ideas.

He is coming to reinforce a sector that faced two significant injuries at the end of last season,” emphasises President Rivère. “There is a strong alignment between our project and his ambitions. Juma is joining the team at the beginning of the preparation, which is ideal for his quick integration and ability to perform effectively.”

Juma Bah in stats

Here are Juma Bah’s Ligue 1 stats for the second half of the 2024/25 season: 

  • 8 starts, 2 substitute appearances, 685 minutes of playing time
  •  1st in xDef (our in-house defensive indicator)
  • 4th in % of successful passes under pressure
  •  1st in % of successful long passes
  • 1st in % aerial duels won
  • 2nd best performer in duels overall
  • 1st who allows his team to recover the most balls per 90 minutes, thanks to his pressing
  • 5th with the most interceptions per 90 minutes
  • 4th with the most defensive clearances per 90 minutes

 

 

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1937946705044885591

Nigerian International Moses Simon joins French side Paris FC
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian International Moses Simon joins French side Paris FC

Moses Simon, 29, has joined Paris FC in the French Ligue 1 from FC Nantes in a contract until June 2028.

The winger is known for his speed and strong crossing ability. He has a lot of experience in top-level football, both in clubs and national teams.

Simon started his career at AS Trenčín in Slovakia after training at the GBS Academy in Nigeria. He then played for La Gantoise in Belgium and Levante UD in Spain.

In 2019, he joined FC Nantes and quickly became an important player. He played almost 180 matches in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France in 2022.

As a player with over 70 caps for the Nigerian Super Eagles, Moses Simon is well-prepared for major competitions. His experience will help strengthen Paris FC’s team as they move into Ligue 1 McDonald’s next season.