Author: Football Sierra Leone

Algeria's Adil Boulbina set to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar
by Football Sierra Leone

Algeria’s Adil Boulbina set to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar

Algeria national team player, Adil Boulbina is poised to depart from his current club to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar.

Paradou AC has reached a final agreement with the Qatari club for Boulbina’s permanent transfer. He is expected to sign his contract on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The deal includes a five-year contract with a transfer fee of €5 million.

Boulbina will receive a monthly salary of €125,000. He can also earn bonuses and a percentage from any future sale, which could make the total value of the deal nearly €7 million.

This season, Boulbina played 27 matches for Paradou AC in all competitions. He scored 20 goals and provided eight assists.

After helping Algeria’s domestic national team qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, he will not be eligible to play in that tournament after this transfer.

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year
by Football Sierra Leone

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year

Bafana Bafana experienced a 3-0 defeat to Angola in the final of the COSAFA Cup on Sunday afternoon. Depu scored two goals, leading Angola to victory over South Africa at the Toyota Stadium in Mangaung.

This victory marks Angola’s fifth title, matching South Africa and behind only Zambia with seven titles and Zimbabwe with six.

Comoros claimed third place by defeating Madagascar 1-0. Although Madagascar had more possession, Ibroihim Youssouf scored the only goal for Comoros in the 77th minute.

In the final, South Africa almost scored first when Ime Okon’s header hit the crossbar. Instead, Depu broke the tournament record with his seventh goal from a free-kick, followed by his eighth goal shortly after with a shot from 10 yards. He now holds the record for career goals in the COSAFA Cup with 13 and won the Golden Boot again.

Angola sealed the win with a third goal from Milson. Depu also won Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Neblu took home the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper. South Africa received the Fair Play award.

DR Congo's Mbemba announces his departure from Marseille
by Football Sierra Leone

DR Congo’s Mbemba announces his departure from Marseille

Chancel Mbemba, the DR Congo international, has confirmed that he will leave Olympique de Marseille at the end of June 2025. The centre-back missed the entire 2024/25 season due to injury.

At 30 years old, Mbemba announced that his contract with the French Ligue 1 club is coming to an end. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Olympique de Marseille and its supporters, stating, “My contract wraps up on June 30, and I want to thank Olympique de Marseille and all its fans. I gave my all during my time here, which has made me part of the club’s history. I truly enjoyed two wonderful seasons with the team.”

He also extended his best wishes for the club’s future, noting that there are talented players ready to step in. “I wish Marseille all the best. My journey here ends on the 30th, but I’m confident there are plenty of strong defenders—better than me—who can come to Marseille. The key thing is: Go OM!” he added.

Mbemba has been an essential player for the Congolese national team, enjoying the backing of coach Sébastien Desabre.

“Nobody believed in me at Marseille, but coach Sébastien Desabre and the entire Congolese community had faith in me, and I worked hard to keep my performance at its peak.”

With eyes set on a summer transfer, he is keen to secure a place in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco.

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey wins Fulham's Player of the Year
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey wins Fulham’s Player of the Year

Calvin Bassey has been awarded the title of Fulham’s Player of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign.

Following a commendable second-place finish in his inaugural season last year, Bassey has improved his performance, securing the top position in the final voting.

A remarkably reliable presence in defence, Bassey participated in all but three of the Premier League matches as the team achieved a record points total. His pace, strength, and composure while advancing the ball from the back have been integral to the team’s success.

Additionally, he made significant contributions to the offensive effort, scoring two crucial goals: the decisive goal in the victory against the formidable Nottingham Forest and the opening goal during the memorable Emirates FA Cup triumph at Old Trafford.

In expressing his gratitude, Bassey stated, “I extend my thanks to all who voted for me as Player of the Season. I must acknowledge God; without divine support, I would not be where I am today.

“I also wish to express my appreciation to my teammates, including those no longer at the Club, who have supported my development.

“I am particularly grateful to the coaching staff and the Manager for their trust and belief in my capabilities. I hope that we can achieve remarkable success in the forthcoming season, and I appreciate the support provided by all.”

Calvin Bassey (39.6%), Alex Iwobi (21.5%), Antonee Robinson (19.9%)

Bernd Leno (10.9%) and Saša Lukić (8.1%)

Sierra Leone's Aminata Fullah to officiate at the Women's AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah to officiate at Women’s AFCON

Sierra Leone’s top female referee, Aminata Fullah, has been selected by CAF to officiate at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from July 5 to July 26, 2025.

She becomes the first referee from Sierra Leone to officiate at an AFCON tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills and dedication.

This is a significant achievement for both Aminata and Sierra Leonean football. It shows her years of hard work, discipline, and consistent performance.

Aminata Fullah has also become the first-ever Elite A Referee in Sierra Leone’s history. This is a major milestone that will inspire current and future referees in the country.

Her success highlights the growing recognition of Sierra Leonean referees in Africa and beyond. Aminata’s achievement proves that with hard work and support, our officials can succeed at the highest levels of international football.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1932693265016390088 

Uganda Cranes share spoils in Marrakech with Gambia Scorpions
by Football Sierra Leone

Uganda Cranes share spoils in Marrakech with Gambia Scorpions

Uganda Cranes and The Gambia Scorpions played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly match at the Stade de Marrakech Annexe pitch on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Rogers Kassim Mato gave Uganda Cranes the lead, but Manneh Alasana equalised for The Gambia with a well-taken penalty.

Both goals were scored in the first half, with Mato, who plays for Vardar Skopje in North Macedonia, heading in Patrick Jonah Kakande’s curling corner kick in the 25th minute.

The Gambia, led by former Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry, put pressure on Uganda in the first half, nearly equalising with a powerful strike that hit the woodwork, leaving goalkeeper Isima Watenga out of position. Alasana capitalised on a penalty opportunity, confidently driving it past Watenga, who had dived to his left.

Following an unfortunate injury to Watenga, Joel Mutakubwa stepped in as goalkeeper just seven minutes into the second half. Uganda Cranes’ head coach, Joseph Paul Put, made several key substitutions strategically, bringing on defender Hilary Mukundane, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, and later Enock Ssebagala to bolster the team’s efforts.

In the closing moments of the match, Uganda had promising chances to secure a win, but Omedi and Allan Oyirwoth were unable to convert, leaving the scoreline unsettled.

Ghanaian forward Kelvin Ofori excited after joining Slovan Bratislava
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghanaian forward Kelvin Ofori excited after joining Slovan Bratislava

Ghanaian forward Kelvin Ofori has signed a three-year contract with Slovakian giants Slovan Bratislava.

The Right to Dream Academy graduate is excited about his new adventure with the Slovakian champions after leaving rivals Spartak Trnava.

During his time at Trnava, Ofori made 28 league appearances and scored nine goals, also winning two Slovak Cup titles.

Ofori shared his enthusiasm for joining Slovan Bratislava and playing in Europe. “European football excites me, and I’m keen to chase victories and trophies. A significant factor in my decision was my conversation with the head coach. We talked about my role in the team, and it truly intrigued me. I’m thrilled to be here and ready to embark on this new chapter,” Ofori remarked.

As Slovakian champions, Slovan Bratislava has consistently made its mark in the UEFA Champions League and is set to compete in the tournament again next season. While Ofori gained valuable experience in Europe with Trnava last season, he is looking forward to taking part in elite club competitions for the first time.

“I want to showcase my best performance to the fans and help the team achieve victories and trophies. I believe we can fight for European success again. It would be fantastic to accomplish something special for our fans and the city. I can’t wait for the new season,” he added.

Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu pens new Espérance deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu pens new Espérance deal

Tunisian club Espérance Sportive de Tunis has extended Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu’s contract.

The 22-year-old’s old contract was set to end in 2026, but now he will stay with the club until June 2028. This extension shows the club’s strong belief in him as a promising young player for the upcoming season.

Ogbelu is a key player in Espérance’s midfield. Since joining from Nigeria’s Fosla Academy in September 2023, he has made 53 appearances. He has also helped the team win two Tunisian Ligue 1 titles, one Tunisian Cup, and one Tunisian Super Cup.

His most memorable moment came when he scored the winning goal with a powerful shot from outside the box in the Tunisian Cup final against Club Sportif de la Médina de Tunis. This performance established him as a big-game player.

Espérance acted quickly to secure his future due to growing interest from other clubs in Africa and Europe.

Sierra Leone placed in Group C for WAFU U20 Boys tournament in Ghana
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone in Group C for WAFU U20 Boys tournament in Ghana

Sierra Leone’s U20 national football team, the Shooting Stars, has been placed in Group C for the 2025 WAFU A&B U20 Boys Sub-Confederation Tournament. Their group includes Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Benin.

The draw, which took place this morning in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, marks a historic milestone as all thirteen member associations of WAFU A and B will compete together for the first time.

Ghana will host the tournament, scheduled from June 15 to June 30. This competition serves as a qualifier for the next TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations U20.

The Shooting Stars last participated in the WAFU A qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, where they achieved their first-ever qualification for the AFCON U20. Now, the Shooting Stars aim to replicate their success on this larger stage.

Nigeria beat Ghana in Unity Cup to set date with Jamaica
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria beat Ghana in Unity Cup to set date with Jamaica

Nigeria will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final on Saturday after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana at the Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Challe aimed to use this match, along with the upcoming friendly against Russia, as preparation for World Cup qualifiers.

While Nigeria secured the win, they nearly squandered a two-goal lead in the second half. With key players like Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen rested, Cyriel Dessers capitalized on a rare starting opportunity, scoring the opening goal with help from Ismaila Sodiq’s cross.

Nigeria doubled their lead shortly after when Seyi Ajayi’s header resulted in an own goal.

Ghana fought back, with substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante scoring his first international goal and putting pressure on Nigeria. Despite a valiant effort, including a save from Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria held on for the win.

Jamaica, managed by Steve McClaren, won a thrilling 3-2 match against Trinidad and Tobago, with Richard King scoring a late penalty to seal the victory.

Trinidad and Tobago will also meet Ghana in the third-place playoff on the 31st of May, at the same venue.