Author: Football Sierra Leone

Mozambique beat 10-man Uganda as Cape Verde earn late win
by Football Sierra Leone

Mozambique beat 10-man Uganda as Cape Verde earn late win

Mozambique topped Group G in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 3-1 victory over Uganda at Cairo Stadium on Thursday. The Mambas dominated the first half, with Pepo scoring twice and assisting Stanley Ratifo’s goal just before halftime.

Although Uganda’s Muhammad Shaban equalized early, they struggled after Denis Omedi received a red card.

With this win, Mozambique has 12 points, three ahead of Algeria, who faces Botswana on Friday. Uganda remains in third place, tied on six points with Botswana and Guinea.

Mozambique took an early lead in the fourth minute through Pepo, who later scored again in the 17th minute after Shaban equalized. Omedi’s red card left Uganda at a disadvantage.

In first-half stoppage time, Pepo assisted Ratifo, making it 3-1. Mozambique couldn’t extend their lead in the second half, but their victory was secure. Algeria now faces pressure to win against Botswana to remain competitive in the group ahead of Matchday 6.

Despite their numerical advantage, Mozambique couldn’t extend their lead in the second half, but their two-goal cushion secured the victory. Algeria now faces pressure to win against Botswana to stay competitive in the group ahead of Matchday 6.

Group D: Cape Verde achieved a late win over Mauritius with Yannick Semedo’s 84th-minute goal, earning three crucial points on the road.

Despite being mostly controlled during the match, the visitors capitalized on a late mistake, allowing them to top Group D, ahead of Cameroon, who dropped points against Eswatini.

In Group H, Prins Tjiueza’s composed strike, following a layoff from Peter Shalulile in the 40th minute, was enough for Namibia to secure their third victory. They faced Malawi in a match that was evenly contested.

This crucial win allows Namibia to move up to second place in the group. Meanwhile, Malawi’s defeat places them in a challenging fifth position, diminishing their chances of qualification.

Eswatini frustrated Cameroon as Tunisia edge Liberia to extend lead
by Football Sierra Leone

Eswatini frustrate Cameroon as Tunisia squeeze past Liberia to extend lead

Tunisia defeated Liberia 1-0, Madagascar thrashed Central African Republic 4-1, and Cameroon could only draw 0-0 with Eswatini in the World Cup qualifiers.

Hazem Mastouri’s early goal kept Tunisia at the top of Group H with 13 points, while Rayan Raveloson scored twice for Madagascar, leading Group I. Cameroon struggled in Group D against last-placed Eswatini.

Tunisia had a successful match in Liberia, winning 1-0 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Complex. They scored quickly, with Mastouri finishing a good move in the fourth minute after pressure from Hannibal Mejbri.

Tunisia nearly extended their lead when Naïm Sliti hit the crossbar before halftime. Although Liberia held most of the possession and pushed for an equalizer, they could not break through Tunisia’s strong defense. Aymen Dahmen made key saves to deny the hosts.

In the second half, Tunisia defended well and almost scored again when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane missed a great chance. This win strengthens Tunisia’s position in Group H, with their next game against Malawi, while Liberia will face Sao Tome and Principe.

Elsewhere, Madagascar beat the Central African Republic 4-1, claiming the top spot in Group I. The match shocked fans early when the Central Africans took the lead in the ninth minute.  

Madagascar quickly responded, with captain Raveloson scoring two first-half goals. They continued to dominate in the second half, adding two more to secure a solid win. Their defense kept the Central African Republic from making a comeback. This important victory boosts Madagascar’s chances of qualifying for their first World Cup.

Giant Cameroon faced frustration after drawing 0-0 against Eswatini, who were at the bottom of Group D. Despite holding most of the possession, Cameroon could not find a way to score.

This result keeps Cameroon at the top of the group with nine points from five matches, while Eswatini earns their first point of the campaign. Other matches in the group will be played on Wednesday, and Cameroon needs to recover quickly to maintain their lead.

As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue, Tunisia and Madagascar have strengthened their positions, while Cameroon faces challenges ahead.

Sierra Leone U17 Women's bow out of World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U17 Women’s bow out of World Cup qualifiers

Sierra Leone National U-17 women’s team journey in the CAF U-17 World Cup qualifiers has ended after a challenging second-leg match. They were beaten 2-1 by Guinea at the Stade Mamadou KONATE in Mali, leading to a final aggregate score of 4-3.

Guinea will advance to face Ivory Coast in the third round of the qualifiers, scheduled for April 2025, after Ivory Coast eliminated Burundi in the second round.

In other news, the U-17 Women’s Team of Côte d’Ivoire achieved an impressive turnaround against Burundi in the second round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

After a 3-1 loss at home in the first leg, the young Elephants bounced back with a decisive 3-0 victory in the return match on Wednesday, March 12, securing their place in the third and final round of qualifiers.

Côte d’Ivoire is the first country to clinch its spot in the third round of the qualifying matches for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma names Gabon squad for double header
by Football Sierra Leone

Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma names squad for double header

Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has announced three new players in his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and Kenya: Nzé Samaké, Yoann Nani Nono, and Mobili Van, all receiving their first call-ups.

The announcement also marks the return of André Poko, who hasn’t played for the national team since June 2021. His experience, alongside established players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, is expected to strengthen the team. Gabon currently sits second in Group F with nine points, just behind leaders Ivory Coast.

Gabon will face Seychelles in Franceville on March 20 and then travel to Nairobi to play Kenya on March 23, aiming for crucial points toward their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Full Gabon Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Full Gabon Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Coach Luís Boa Morte picks roster for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Coach Luís Boa Morte picks roster for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso

Guinea-Bissau has added four new players to its squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. Coach Luís Boa Morte has selected 25 players for these important matches.

Guinea-Bissau will play against Sierra Leone on March 20 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. They will then return home to face Burkina Faso at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium in Bissau on March 24.

Babacar Fáti, a 25-year-old left-back who used to play for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, is among the new players. He currently plays in Finland. Mario Junior, a 21-year-old centre-back from the Portuguese team Oliveirense, has also received his first call-up.

Midfielder Vando Felix, 22, has debuted in Portugal’s top league with Vitória Guimarães. He joins the national team alongside 24-year-old striker Tamble Monteiro from Portimonense.

Augusto Dabo and Bura Nogueira have been dropped from the squad following Guinea-Bissau’s 2-1 loss to Mozambique in November, which resulted in their failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Balde (Penafiel, Portugal), Manuel Issufe Djalo (FC Koeppchen, Luxembourg), Fernando Embadje (Unión Collado Villalba, Spain)

Defenders: Gilberto Batista (Moreirense, Portugal), Sene Camara (Benfica Bissau), Jeferson Encada (Pharco, Egypt), Babacar Fati (SJK Seinäjoki, Finland), Sana Gomes (Omonia Aradippou, Cyprus), Mario Junior (Oliveirense, Portugal), Sori Mane (Academica Viseu, Portugal), Victor Rofino (Uniao Leiria, Portugal),  Sambinha (Maccabi Bnei Reineh, Israel), Opa Sangate (Dunkerque, France)

Midfielders: Zidane Banjaqui (Feirense, Portugal), Janio Bikel (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Dalcio (Ankaragucu, Turkey), Vando Felix (Vitória Guimarães, Portugal), Jorginho (Omonia Aradippou, Cyprus), Carlos Mane (Kayerispor, Turkey), Alfa Semedo (NEOM, Saudi Arabia)

Forwards: Elves Balde (Farense, Portugal), Beto (Everton, England), Francelino (FC Midtjylland, Denmark), Tamble Monteiro (Portimonense, Portugal), Ze Turbo (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).

Mjøndalen IF Fotball confirm Alie Conteh's Sierra Leone call up
by Football Sierra Leone

Mjøndalen IF Fotball confirm Alie Conteh’s Sierra Leone call up

Sierra Leone is competing in the World Cup qualifiers, and our striker has once again been selected for the national team squad, as noted by the Norwegian second-tier side.

It does not surprise Kevin Nicol that the West Africans have nominated Conteh for the matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt on March 20 and 25, respectively.

– He has been in very good form so far in the pre-season, so it’s not surprising, no. We have previously seen that Alie returns from the national team training camp with new energy, so we hope for more goals already in the series opener against Egersund, says the head coach.

Conteh has to sit out the dress rehearsal against Haugesund, but that doesn’t worry Nicol.

– No, it simply means that another player gets valuable match training against a good reference and can show off, he continues.

Important matches

Sierra Leone are fourth in Group A of the African World Cup qualifiers after four matches, but have a chance to grab the important second place that could qualify them to play in the World Cup.

Egypt are superb and has escaped, while opponents Guinea-Bissau currently hold the important second place. However, they are only one point ahead of the Leone Stars, as the national team is called.

Uganda Cranes ready for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

Uganda Cranes ready for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea

Uganda has made seven changes to its 25-man squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, recalling six players and giving uncapped midfielder Enock Ssebagala his chance to make his international debut.

New additions include center-backs Elvis Bwomono and Toby Sibbick, striker Muhammad Shaban, backup goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, attacking midfielder Abdu Karim Watambala, and left-winger Patrick Kakande.

Uganda will face Mozambique in Cairo on March 20, followed by a home match against Guinea in Kampala.

Departing players include goalkeepers Charles Lukwago and Mutwalibu Mugolofa, defenders Halidi Lwaliwa and Geoffrey Wasswa, midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga, Taddeo Lwanga, and Saidi Mayanja, and strikers John Paul Dembe, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, and Derrick Nsibambi.

Currently, Uganda sits on six points in Group G, with two wins and two losses, three points off the top of the table.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa

(BUL FC), Isima Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa),

Defenders: Timothy Awany (Ashdod, Israel), Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren, Scotland), Aziz Abdu Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Gavin Kizito (Kampala Capital City Authority), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Cyprus), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic, England)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Allan Okello (Vipers), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia), Enock Ssebagala (National Enterprise Corporation), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers)

Forwards: Calvin Kabuye (Mjallby, Sweden), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Steven Mukwala (Simba, Tanzania), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Muhammad Shaban (Al Anwar Al Abyar, Libya), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara).

Ethiopia rally troops for World Cup qualifier against Egypt and Djibouti
by Football Sierra Leone

Ethiopia rally troops for World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Djibouti

Ethiopia has called up four new players for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Djibouti this month. Midfielder Habtamu Tekeste returns to the team for the first time in four years.

Ethiopia will host Egypt in Casablanca, Morocco, on March 21, and then face Djibouti in El Jadida, Morocco, on March 24.

Coach Mesay Teferi selected 24 players – the new players include defenders Woldeamanuel Getu and Abduselam Yusuf, and strikers Ahmed Hussien and Mohammed Abera.

Tekeste, 26, is back on the team after not playing since November 2021. Striker Abubeker Nassir is the only player from abroad. He signed with South African club SuperSport United this season but has not yet played due to an injury.

Ethiopia aims to win its first match in Group A of the 2026 African qualifiers. The team has only three points from four games and is seven points behind Egypt, the leaders.

Squad:

  • Goalkeeper: Biniyam Genetu (Wolayta Dicha), Seid Habtamu (Awassa Kenema), Abubeker Nura (Ethiopia Medhin)
  • Defenders: Birhanu Bekele (Sidama Bunna), Woldeamanuel Getu, Ramkel James (both Ethiopia Bunna), Frezer Kassa (Bahardar), Yareed Kassaye (Ethiopia Medhin), Ahmed Rashid (Dire Dawa Kenema), Aschalew Tamene (Mekelakeya), Amanuel Tarfa (Kedus Giorgis), Asrat Tunjo, Abduselam Yusuf (both Dire Dawa Kenema)
  • Midfielders: Wogene Gezahegn (Ethiopia Medhin), Biruk Markos (Hadiya Hoseana), Habtamu Tekeste (Fasil Kenema), Bereket Wolde (Kedus Giorgis), Abdulkerim Worku, Amanuel Yohannes (both Mekelakeya).
  • Forwards: Mohammed Abera (Ethiopia Medhin), Bereket Desta (Mekelakeya), Chernet Gugsa (Bahardar), Ahmed Hussien (Arba Minch Kenema), Abubeker Nassir (SuperSport United, South Africa).
Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen named in Eric Chelle's first Nigeria squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen named in Eric Chelle’s first Nigeria squad

The Super Eagles will play against group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before returning home to face Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo four days later.

Napoli and African best player Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been named to the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle final 23-man roster upcoming Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Last week, the coach had announced a larger provisional squad of 39 players. This will mark his first matches leading the three-time African champions.

The team is made up of three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, featuring a blend of seasoned players and newcomers.

The defensive line continues to be robust, including players like William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while the midfield is supported by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika.

Full squad list:

Goalkeepers: Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Stanley Nwabali.

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, William Troost-Ekong.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Joe Aribo, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen.

Candas Fiogbé receives first Benin International call-up
by Football Sierra Leone

Candas Fiogbé receives first Benin International call-up

Benin’s head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed a 25-player roster for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Among the key additions is 19-year-old striker Candas Fiogbé, who is based in Italy and is receiving his first call-up.

Although Fiogbé has yet to participate in a senior match, he has been active with Atalanta’s under-20 squad in Italy’s Primavera 1 league and their under-19 team in the UEFA Youth League, where he netted six goals.

In addition, defender Brandon Agounon makes a return to the roster after being part of the squad a year ago, even though he has not yet made an appearance for the national team.

Benin will, however, be without French-based players Aiyegun Tosin and Cédric Hountondji due to injuries, while Olivier Verdon has been left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons.

Verdon, 29, featured in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. The squad comprises only two players from local clubs, with the rest hailing from teams in 17 different nations.

Benin has two upcoming matches: an away game against Zimbabwe in Durban, South Africa, on March 20, followed by a home match against Bafana Bafana in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on March 25. The roster features only two home-based players, with the rest coming from clubs in 17 different countries.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Saturnin Allagbé (Botev Vratsa, Bulgaria), Marcel Dandjinou (JDR Stars, South Africa), Serges Obassa (Remo Stars, Nigeria) 

Defenders: Moise Adilehou (Laval, France), Brandon Agounon (Châteauroux, France), Rodrigue Fassinou (Coton Sport Benin), David Kiki (Steaua Bucharest, Romania), Rachid Moumini (Ayéma), Tamimou Ouorou (Hatta, United Arab Emirates), Yohan Roche (Petrolul 52, Romania), Rabiou Sankamao (Wydad Fès, Morocco), Mohamed Tijani (Yverdon Sport, Switzerland)

Midfielders: Mattéo Ahlinvi (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Mariano Ahouangbo (Soliman, Tunisia), Gislain Ahoudo (Gabès, Tunisia), Samadou Attidjikou (Al Masry, Egypt), Sessi d’Almeida (Apollon Limassol. Cyprus), Dodo Dokou (Smouha, Egypt), Imourane Hassane (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland)

Forwards: Jodel Dossou (Victoria Rosport, Luxembourg), Candas Fiogbé (Atalanta, Italy), Andréas Hountondji (Standard Liège, Belgium), Steve Mounié (FC Augsburg, Germany), Junior Olaitan (Grenoble, France), Steve-Waren Traoré (Haka, Finland)