Author: Football Sierra Leone

๐‡๐ž๐š๐ ๐‚๐จ๐š๐œ๐ก ๐Œ๐จ๐ก๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ ๐‹๐š๐ฆ๐ข๐ง ๐Š๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐š: โ€œ๐–๐ž ๐€๐ซ๐ž ๐‡๐ž๐ซ๐ž ๐ญ๐จ ๐Œ๐š๐ค๐ž ๐‡๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒโ€
by Football Sierra Leone

๐‡๐ž๐š๐ ๐‚๐จ๐š๐œ๐ก ๐Œ๐จ๐ก๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ ๐‹๐š๐ฆ๐ข๐ง ๐Š๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐š: โ€œ๐–๐ž ๐€๐ซ๐ž ๐‡๐ž๐ซ๐ž ๐ญ๐จ ๐Œ๐š๐ค๐ž ๐‡๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒโ€

Ahead of Sierra Leoneโ€™s opening match against Zambia at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara addressed the media at the Suez Canal Stadium.

Kamara acknowledged the tough competition in Group A but expressed pride in his teamโ€™s spirit and preparation. โ€œ๐“๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐Ÿ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐”๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ ๐€๐…๐‚๐Ž๐ ๐š๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ž๐š๐ซ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐žโ€™๐ซ๐ž ๐ก๐ž๐ซ๐ž ๐ง๐จ๐ญ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฉ๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐œ๐ข๐ฉ๐š๐ญ๐ž, ๐›๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฆ๐š๐ค๐ž ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ,โ€

he said. The squad includes 26 playersโ€”17 homegrown and 9 based abroadโ€”whom Kamara described as the best talents Sierra Leone has to offer.

With eyes firmly set on World Cup qualification, Kamara emphasized that reaching the semifinals is the teamโ€™s main goal. โ€œ๐–๐ž ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฐ๐จ๐งโ€™๐ญ ๐›๐ž ๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐ฒ, ๐›๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฐ๐žโ€™๐ซ๐ž ๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฒ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐  ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐œ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ž ๐จ๐ง ๐š๐ง๐ ๐จ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐œ๐ก,โ€ he added.

Speaking about opponents Zambia, Kamara praised their strength but insisted Sierra Leone is ready for the challenge. โ€œ๐–๐ž ๐ก๐š๐ฏ๐ž ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ข๐ž๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ข๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ฒ, ๐ข๐๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐Ÿ๐ข๐ž๐ ๐ฐ๐ž๐š๐ค๐ง๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฌ, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž๐ฉ๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐œ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ฆ. ๐–๐ž ๐ก๐š๐ฏ๐ž ๐ง๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ๐ž.โ€

Team captain Momoh I. Kamara reinforced the teamโ€™s focus and fitness, promising a committed performance.

Coach Kamara also thanked the Egyptian Football Association for the excellent facilities and warm hospitality at the Suez Canal Stadium.

SLFA Media Department

Sierra Leone's Ismailia camp bubbles ahead of U20 AFCON opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Ismailia camp bubbles ahead of U20 AFCON opener

The camp of Sierra Leoneโ€™s Shooting Stars in Ismailia, Egypt, has welcomed the last three foreign-based players: Arsenalโ€™s Osman Kamara, Reading defender Abraham Kanu, and RWDM forward Kevin Bobson Kargbo.

They arrived with National Team Ambassador Christian Duada in preparation for their opening match against Zambia on Sunday, April 27th.

Sierra Leone is filled with fresh optimism and vigor as it aims to qualify for the U20 World Cup in Chile in 2025. The four semi-finalists will secure a spot in the tournament.

This moment is significant for the team, as it marked the first time in history they qualified for this tournament. Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara’s squad has demonstrated great resilience throughout their preparations.

Remarkably, the last time a youth team from Sierra Leone flourished on the international stage was during the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. Sierra Leone’s youth last participated in this tournament, which took place in Finland from August 13 to 30, 2003, with games held in Turku, Lahti, Tampere, and Helsinki.

๐‚๐€๐… ๐๐ซ๐ž-๐“๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐Ÿ๐ข๐ง๐  & ๐Œ๐ž๐๐ข๐š ๐ƒ๐š๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐’๐ข๐ž๐ซ๐ซ๐š ๐‹๐ž๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐”-๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ ๐“๐ž๐š๐ฆ
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF holds pre-tourney briefing & Media day with Serra Leone U20

As part of the preparations for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held a crucial pre-tournament meeting with the Sierra Leone U-20 national team at the Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, Egypt, where the team is staying.

During the meeting, the CAF General Coordinator provided an overview of the tournament rules, player eligibility criteria, match protocols, and disciplinary actions. The coordinator reminded the team to uphold fair play and professionalism throughout the tournament.

The CAF Safety and Security Officer emphasized the importance of accreditation badges and bibs for safety and access control at match venues and training grounds. The CAF TV representative discussed media rights and filming guidelines, ensuring consistency and the protection of broadcast rights.

Additionally, the Referees Assessor highlighted the need for discipline, respect for officials, and cooperation with referees to ensure fair and smooth matches.

The day concluded with an engaging CAF Media Day, during which the Sierra Leone U-20 team participated in official photoshoots, video shoots, and digital content creation for CAF’s social media and promotional campaigns.

With protocols clearly communicated and media activities successfully completed, the stage is set for an exciting and well-organized tournament. The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Media Team will continue to provide updates, exclusive content, and matchday coverage throughout the competition.

SLFA MEDIA DEPARTMENT

Senegal set to defend U20 Cup of Nations title in Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal set to defend U20 Cup of Nations title in Egypt

Senegal arrived at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, as the defending champions and a team to beat. With a strong reputation for producing elite youth talent, the Lionceaux of Teranga aims to retain their title.

Under coach Serigne Saliou Dia, they blend tactical discipline with attacking flair in pursuit of back-to-back triumphs.

As reigning African U-20 champions, Senegal aims to defend their title at the tournament following their historic 2023 victory in Egypt. Their recent success is built on disciplined structures and a rich talent pipeline.

Senegal secured their place in the tournament by winning the WAFU Zone A Championship for the second consecutive time, defeating Sierra Leone 2-0 in the final.

Senegal, as the reigning champions after winning the 2023 title, had a flawless campaign, winning every match, including a 2-0 final against Gambia. They had previously reached the finals in 2015, 2017, and 2019, but fell short each time.

  • **GROUP ANALYSIS**ย ย 

Senegal is in Group C alongside DR Congo, Ghana, and the Central African Republic. Each of these teams poses a unique challenge, with DR Congo being particularly ambitious and Ghana showing consistent growth in youth football. The Central African Republic is a dark horse, known for their physical and direct style.

Mustapha Bundu brace helps Plymouth increase hopes Championship survival
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu brace helps Plymouth increase Championship survival hopes

Plymouth, facing relegation, surprised play-off contenders Coventry by achieving their third straight home win, thanks to two goals from Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie, boosting their chances of survival in the Sky Bet Championship.

Bundu scored his second goal of the afternoon 20 minutes into the second half, ensuring Plymouth secured all three points.

Coventry had an early chance to take the lead in the 12th minute when an unmarked Joel Latibeaudiere missed an opportunity to score, firing wide from the far post after receiving a corner from Jack Rudoni.

Plymouth’s first threat came from a well-coordinated move down the left side, initiated by Darko Gyabi. Bali Mumba delivered an excellent cross to top scorer Hardie, who claimed he was fouled as he attempted to connect from a challenging angle, allowing City keeper Bradley Collins to easily gather the ball.

In the 23rd minute, Hardie nearly scored when Bundu cut in from the left and shot, with Hardie just getting a touch that sent the ball inches past the post. Collins faced more pressure when he fumbled a cross, but the referee ruled a foul on Tijani.

Mumba came close to a spectacular goal in the 31st minute with a twisting run and a curling chip attempt over Collins that missed the far post.

Bundu, who received a yellow card for a foul earlier, opened the scoring in the 40th minute. After a corner was cleared, he half-volleyed a cut-back from Randell into the net from a tight angle, beating Collins at the near post.

Tanzania Players gearing up for U20 AFCON in Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Tanzania head coach Suleiman Hemed aware of U20 AFCON challenges

Tanzania U20 head coach Suleiman Hemed Morocco is aware of the tough challenge ahead after his team was drawn into a competitive Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025. The draw placed Tanzania alongside hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Sierra Leone.

In an interview, Coach Morocco acknowledged the strength of the group, stating, โ€œItโ€™s not an easy group for us… Everyone wants to win the cup.โ€

The tournament will take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025, featuring 13 teams, with the top two from each group and two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals.

Reaching the knockout stage would mark a significant achievement for Tanzania, and Coach Morocco emphasized the need for effective preparation to compete with elite teams. โ€œWe take our group seriously to ensure we can compete with anyone we meet,โ€ he said. Group A will present challenges, particularly from host nation Egypt and a talented Zambian squad, reflecting the growing ambitions of Tanzanian youth football.”

Tanzania is eager to assert its presence and compete for one of the four spots at the U-20 World Cup, given the high stakes and limited margin for error.

Morocco win first CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after dramatic penalty shootout
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco win first U17 Africa Cup of Nations after dramatic penalty shootout

Morocco secured the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time by defeating Mali 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.

Moroccan goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui made two crucial saves in the shootout, exciting the home fans after a closely contested match.

This victory marks Moroccoโ€™s first title at this level, just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal. For Mali, it was tough to lose in their fifth finals, despite a strong performance.

Neither team scored in regular time, though both had chances. Moroccoโ€™s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from distance, while Mali’s Seydou Dembรฉlรฉ and Soumaila Fanรฉ were active but lacked accuracy. A potential goal from Mali was ruled out by VAR for a handball.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco scored all four attemptsโ€”Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi, and Ilies Belmokhtarโ€”all converted. Maliโ€™s Issa Konรฉ and Lamine Keita had their penalties saved.

Coach Nabil Baha praised his team’s composure, noting they conceded just one goal in the tournament. Mali aimed for their third U-17 title but fell short against the resilient Moroccan side.

Ivory Cost claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivory Coast claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso

Cรดte d’Ivoire secured third place in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 5-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Burkina Faso at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday.

The match ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw after regular time, but the Young Elephants showcased their composure during the shootout, converting all four of their spot kicks while Burkina Faso missed two of their first three attempts.

Burkina Faso initially took the lead in the 28th minute when Halidou Diakitรฉ scored from the centre of the box after a corner kick created chaos in the Ivorian defence. The Stallions dominated much of the first half, applying pressure through quick transitions and physical battles in midfield.

However, Cรดte d’Ivoire regrouped in the second half, inspired by key substitutions, and eventually equalized in the 84th minute. Alynho Haรฏdara, one of the substitutes, scored from close range following a well-coordinated move that began on the left flank.

The final minutes of normal time were intense, as Burkina Faso was reduced to 10 men when Prince Ouรฉdraogo received a straight red card after a VAR review in the 90th minute. Cรดte d’Ivoire pushed for a late winner, but the Burkinabe defence held firm, leading the match to be decided by penalties.

Cรดte d’Ivoire secured a flawless shootout victory with goals from Haรฏdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vabouรฉ Doumbia, and Yannis Touali, while Burkina Faso missed their attempts through Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara.

This win ensures a bronze medal for Cรดte d’Ivoire, highlighting their resilience after trailing for most of the match. Despite the defeat, Burkina Faso’s semi-final run showcased their promise and flair. Both teams will take valuable lessons from their experiences at Morocco 2025.

Shocking News - Aaron Boupendza's tragic death in China
by Football Sierra Leone

Shocking News – Aaron Boupendza’s tragic death in China

Gabonese striker Aaron Boupendza, playing with Zhejiang FC in China, tragically died at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of his apartment.

The Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) confirmed the news on April 16, 2025, expressing their sorrow and remembering him for his contributions to Gabonese football.

Boupendza had a remarkable career, including notable performances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2022, helping Gabon reach the knockout stages. Starting at CF Mounana in Gabon, he progressed to Bordeaux in 2016, followed by successful stints in Turkey, Qatar, the United States, and Romania before joining Zhejiang FC in January 2025.

During his brief time at Zhejiang FC, he scored four goals and provided six assists in just six matches, showcasing his talent. His fall is being investigated as suspicious, with reports indicating that he was with his brother at the time.

Tributes have poured in from the football community. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expressed his sorrow on Instagram, saying, “I donโ€™t have the words. Rest in peace, my brother.” Mario Lemina shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the sense of guilt felt by those close to him.

Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema and former club FC Cincinnati also expressed their condolences, highlighting Boupendza’s impact and the loss the football world has suffered.

Boupendza’s journey was one of resilience across various leagues, earning eight goals in 35 appearances for Gabon since his debut in 2016. As the investigation continues, the football community mourns the untimely loss of a talented player whose legacy will live on through those he touched.

U17: Burkina Faso v Mali, while Morocco squares off against Ivory Coast
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 Semis: Burkina Faso v Mali as Morocco squares off against Ivory Coast

The thrilling semi-finals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations are poised to electrify the evening on Tuesday, April 15, as youth teams clash for a coveted spot in the grand final.

The first encounter promises to be a captivating showdown as Burkina Faso faces off against Mali at the vibrant Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with the kick-off set for 18h00 CAT. This matchup brings together two spirited teams, both eager to make their mark in this prestigious tournament.

In anticipation of the matches, CAF Medical Manager, Dr. Sidiki Boubakary, shed light on the innovative use of MRI technology, which has played a pivotal role in combating age fraud in African youth football. โ€œThe landscape has transformed dramatically; weโ€™ve seen a significant decline in overage players competing in the U-17 category. Today, we are witnessing only true U-17 boys on the pitch. Remarkably, there have been no protests regarding age discrepancies leading up to the current TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,โ€ he remarked.

The Burkinabe Stallions have showcased their prowess throughout the tournament, storming into the semi-finals with an astonishing 6-1 victory over the formidable COSAFA champions, Zambia. Their confidence and skill are palpable as they gear up for this high-stakes encounter.

Later in the evening, the second semi-final features an exhilarating clash between the hosts, Morocco, and the determined Young Elephants of Ivory Coast at the atmospheric El Bachir Stadium, kicking off at 21h00 CAT. The Moroccan squad is fervently aiming to assert their dominance and capture the title on home turf. Yet, they face a tenacious challenge as the Young Elephants, fresh off a triumphant victory over defending champions Senegal, look to disrupt the hostsโ€™ ambitions and advance to the final.

Anticipation builds as these talented youngsters prepare to battle for glory, promising a night of unforgettable footballing drama.

AFCON U-17 Semi-Final Fixtures

18:00: Burkina Faso v Mali

21:00: Morocco v Ivory Coast