Author: Football Sierra Leone

No winners in Group C after opening U20 AFCON matches
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana, Senegal register opening draws in Group C U20 AFCON matches

After four teams fought to a 1-1 draw on Friday in the U20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, Group C had no opening winners .

In a fiercely fought Group C match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, reigning champions Senegal drew 1-1 with the Central African Republic. Senegal grabbed advantage in the 49th minute following a scoreless first half with a header from Cheikh Thiam.

But Central African Republic leveled in the 74th minute when replacement Diogène Pengazonia scored from a through ball. Both teams were unable to find a victor even after generating several opportunities, including a near header from Thiam.

Senegal will get ready to face Ghana despite having control of the CAR aims to grow on this performance against DR Congo.

In their first Group C encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Ghana decided on a 1-1 tie with DR Congo. With Samuel Ntanda’s header in the 16th minute, DR Congo got off to an early lead; eight minutes later, Ghana leveled the score with Musibau Aziz.

Ghana couldn’t find the net once more despite controlling the ball and driving for a second-half winner; some close attempts included a saved Aziz header. The resilience shown by both sides helped the game to end in a draw, therefore all four teams in the group were tied on one point.

Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah set for WAFCON Preparation Course
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah set for WAFCON Preparation Course

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially extended an invitation to Aminata Fullah, one of Sierra Leone’s most distinguished central referees, to partake in the prestigious Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Preparation Course in Egypt.

Scheduled to take place from May 25th to May 29th, 2025, this essential course is part of CAF’s unwavering commitment to uphold and enhance officiating standards ahead of the highly anticipated WAFCON tournament.

This significant invitation not only underscores Aminata Fullah’s exceptional talent but also marks a proud milestone for Sierra Leonean football, demonstrating the increasing acknowledgment and appreciation of our officials on the continental stage.

The referee from Magburaka is now seen as one of the best in Sierra Leone. She is known for being decisive and handling pressure confidently and professionally. These qualities have helped her officiate matches in both the senior men’s and women’s leagues in Sierra Leone.

CAF recognised one of Sierra Leone's finest female referees Aminata Fullah
CAF recognised one of Sierra Leone's finest female referees Aminata Fullah
Shooting Stars keeper Mamadou Jalloh lauds teamwork in goalless with Zambia
by Football Sierra Leone

Shooting Stars’ Mamadou Jalloh lauds teamwork in goalless with Zambia

Sierra Leone debutant and IF Bromby goalkeeper Mamadou Walle Jalloh noted his joy after Sierra Leone and Zambia played to a scoreless draw at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.

Keeper Jalloh stressed in international competitions the need for teamwork after both sides played to a draw in their first game of Group A in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

“𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞.” Jalloh said in the post-game interview, “𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩. “𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞.”

When asked about his composure during several moments when Zambia was on the break, he replied, “𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.”

Sierra Leone’s next match is against the host nation Egypt, who defeated South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, topping the table.

𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
Winning U20 Cup of Nations start for host nation Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Winning U20 Cup of Nations start for host nation Egypt

Egypt began the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, with a 1-0 win over South Africa at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday evening.

This match followed an exciting opening ceremony and was the second game of Group A, after Zambia and Sierra Leone played to a goalless draw earlier in the day.

Mohamed Abdallah scored the winning goal for Egypt in the 62nd minute. He received a great pass from Mohamed Raafat during a quick counterattack and calmly finished to put the ball past the South African goalkeeper, exciting the home fans.

Egypt controlled most of the early game, but South Africa started to find their rhythm and almost scored when Mfundo Vilakazi hit the post from long range within the first 10 minutes.

The South African team created several chances but faced strong defense from Egypt’s players and goalkeeper. Gopolang Taunyana’s late header nearly equalized the score, but the goalkeeper made the save, and Egypt stood firm under pressure.

Despite dealing with multiple injuries and making three substitutions in the first half, Egypt showed resilience. They stuck to their game plan and earned the three points.

With this win, Egypt sits at the top of Group A after the first round of matches. Their next game is against Sierra Leone on Wednesday, while South Africa will play Tanzania.

Egypt is aiming for their fifth U-20 continental title, having won it in 1981, 1991, 2003, and 2013. In this tournament, the top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, making this strong start important for Egypt as they begin their campaign in front of enthusiastic home supporters.

SLFA's Reconvened Ordinary Congress concludes in Freetown
by Football Sierra Leone

SLFA’s Reconvened Ordinary Congress concludes in Freetown

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) held its reconvened Ordinary Congress on Saturday, April 26, at the CATCO International Hotel on Wilkinson Road in Freetown. Delegates from across the country gathered to discuss key issues that will shape the future of football in Sierra Leone.

A significant topic of discussion was the adoption of the revised SLFA Statutes; however, the majority of delegates ultimately rejected these proposals after thorough deliberation.

Additionally, the Congress successfully elected the SLFA Electoral Committees, an important step in preparation for the Association’s upcoming elective congress.

The proceedings were observed by the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, FIFA representative Ahmed Harraz, and WAFU Zone A representative Mapathe Gaye, ensuring transparency and adherence to international standards.

This Congress marked a significant milestone as the SLFA continues its efforts to strengthen football governance and promote democratic processes in the country.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚: “𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲”
by Football Sierra Leone

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚: “𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲”

Ahead of Sierra Leone’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 team’s spirit and preparation. “𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐔𝟐𝟎 𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐎𝐍 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲,”

he said. The squad includes 26 players—17 homegrown and 9 based abroad—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 team’s main goal. “𝐖𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡,” he added.

Speaking about opponents Zambia, Kamara praised their strength but insisted Sierra Leone is ready for the challenge. “𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲, 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞.”

Team captain Momoh I. Kamara reinforced the team’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 Leone’s Shooting Stars in Ismailia, Egypt, has welcomed the last three foreign-based players: Arsenal’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.

𝐂𝐀𝐅 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐔-𝟐𝟎 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦
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**  

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.