Author: Football Sierra Leone

Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy nets four against Union Berlin
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy nets four against Union Berlin

Inform Guinean International Serhou Guirassy scored four goals to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 6-1 victory over Union Berlin, giving Niko Kovac his first win as head coach.

Dortmund went ahead in the 25th minute when Union’s Diogo Leite deflected a shot from Julian Ryerson into his own net. Guirassy scored his first goal in the 40th minute with a header from Pascal Gross’s cross and added another in the 75th minute, also set up by Gross.

Maximilian Beier assisted Guirassy’s hat-trick goal five minutes later, and Guirassy completed his scoring with a header in the 83rd minute, bringing his season total to 13 league goals.

Beier finished the scoring in the 89th minute. Gross’s four assists marked the first time in five years that a player achieved this feat in the Bundesliga. Nico Kovac, who took over as coach in January, has Dortmund in 10th place with 32 points as they prepare to face Lille in the Champions League next month.

Sierra Queen's coach Hassan Malik Mansaray optimistic ahead of Benin's second leg
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Queen’s coach Hassan Malik Mansaray optimistic ahead of second leg

Sierra Leone’s national women’s head coach, Hassan Malik Mansaray, remains hopeful after his team lost 2-1 to Benin in the first leg of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) women’s qualifiers.

The match on February 20 at the Kégué Stadium gave Benin a first-leg advantage, but Mansaray believes his team can win the return leg on February 24 in Monrovia.

Coach Mansaray, in his post-match interview, has emphasized the importance of their away goal, stating, “We will try to make the most of it. It was challenging for our players on natural grass, but at home – we will aim for victory.”

Despite the loss, Mansaray sees the away goal as a key advantage. He recalled past encounters with Benin in men’s football where Sierra Leone successfully turned around losses. “We can do the same here,” he said.

As they prepare for the return leg, Sierra Leone is eager to use their home support and refine their tactics. Mansaray’s comments reflect the team’s determination to secure qualification for AFCON 2026. With an away goal already scored, they hope to overcome the deficit and keep their hopes alive.

Meanwhile, his team has safely arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, in preparation for their crucial second-leg match in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers for Morocco 2026. The second leg is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Liberia.

Read Related Benin beat Sierra Leone in first-leg WAFCON qualifiers.

Benin with first-leg advantage against Sierra Leone in WAFCON qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Benin beat Sierra Leone in first-leg WAFCON qualifiers

The Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin at the Kégué Stadium on Thursday in the first leg of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations 2026 qualifiers.

Benin’s captain Aude Gbedjissi scored a brace, with her first goal coming in the 23rd minute after receiving a solid pass from the left. She skilfully manoeuvred past the Sierra Leone goalkeeper to open the scoring.

Benin started brightly and could have scored more in the first 15 minutes, but they missed a couple of chances.

The Sierra Queens equalized in the 35th minute when Kadiatu Kamara capitalized on a corner play, striking the ball long over the Benin goalkeeper.

However, the home side quickly responded and regained their one-goal lead after being awarded a penalty in the 44th minute. The Benin captain converted the penalty for her second goal, ending the first half with a 2-1 advantage for her team.

After the recess, both teams struggled to take control of the tie with scrappy football, as there were no goals in the second forty minutes.

Sierra Queens will host their counterparts on Monday at the Liberian Capital for a place in the second round. The overall winner between Benin and Sierra Leone in this first round of matches will advance to face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the second round.

The final phase of the competition is divided into three groups, each consisting of four teams. The top two teams from each group will directly qualify for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

From this stage onward, the competition follows a knockout format leading up to the final, where the winner will be crowned.

The 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations is the 16th edition of this tournament, bringing together the best women’s football teams in Africa.

Second Round

● M33 & M34: Angola – Zimbabwe vs. Malawi 

● M35 & M36: Botswana – DR Congo vs. South Africa

● M37 & M38: Tanzania – Equatorial Guinea vs. Uganda – Ethiopia

● M39 & M40: Eswatini – Namibia vs. Zambia

● M41 & M42: Burundi – Burkina Faso vs. Djibouti – Togo

● M43 & M44: South Sudan – Algeria vs. Cameroon

● M45 & M46: Rwanda – Egypt vs. Ghana

● M47 & M48: Kenya – Tunisia vs. Niger – Gambia

● M49 & M50: Benin – Sierra Leone vs. Nigeria

● M51 & M52: Guinea – Cape Verde vs. Gabon – Mali

● M53 & M54: Chad – Senegal vs. Ivory Coast

Guinea's Guirassy misses penalty in Champions League Sporting stalemate
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinea’s Guirassy Misses Penalty in Champions League Sporting Stalemate | African Football News

Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, who is the top scorer in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League with ten goals, missed a penalty as they shared spoils with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday evening.

Borussia Dortmund advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League after a 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 on aggregate.

Serhou Guirassy missed a second-half penalty, but it did not affect the outcome, as Dortmund faced little challenge from Sporting.

Dortmund will face either Aston Villa or Lille next. Coach Niko Kovac said, “It was a controlled performance,” noting the missed penalty and a shot that hit the post from Giovanni Reyna.

Sporting struggled to recover from their loss in the first leg, where Guirassy, Pascal Gross, and Karim Adeyemi scored.

Dortmund dominated much of the match in cold weather. Sabitzer nearly opened the scoring with a long-range shot, but Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva made a great save.

In the second half, a penalty was awarded to Dortmund after Adeyemi was fouled, but Guirassy’s shot was saved again by Silva.

Reyna hit the post shortly after coming on, but Dortmund created few chances, and Sporting had no shots on target. Ultimately, Sporting lacked the drive to turn the tie around, allowing Dortmund to progress easily.

Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to Warriors of Zimbabwe v Benin
by Football Sierra Leone

Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to host Warriors of Zimbabwe v Benin  

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has not met its goals after announcing that the Moses Mabhida Stadium will host the national team’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin.

As a result, ZIFA confirmed that coach Michael Nees’ team will play against the Cheetahs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 20. They hope to secure their first win in Group C of the qualifiers for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026.

ZIFA’s new president, Nqobile Magwizi, had promised that the National Sports Stadium would be the home venue for the Warriors’ matches this year. However, the Harare stadium is still being renovated to meet FIFA’s requirements. This includes adding electronic turnstiles, bucket seats, standard changing rooms, and electronic screens.

Since the FIFA ban on ZIFA was lifted in July 2023, Zimbabwe has had to play its international matches outside the country. The team has used venues in Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda.

ZIFA stated, “The Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, the Warriors, will play their Matchday 5, Group C, FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.”

The organization added, “ZIFA had originally planned to hold this match in Polokwane, but after it was allocated to Bafana Bafana in January, we had to look for other venues.”

The Sierra Queens ready for WAFCON 2026 first leg qualifier against Benin
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Queens ready for WAFCON 2026 first leg qualifier against Benin

The Sierra Leone Women’s National Team, called the Sierra Queens, has left for Togo for their important first match against Benin. This game is part of the qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

This match is a big chance for the team to qualify for the tournament, which will take place in Morocco.

Haja Ramatulai Kamara, a member of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), leads the group. Her guidance, along with the support of the coaching and administrative staff, will be important for a successful campaign.

On Monday, Coach Hassan Malik Mansaray announced an 18-player squad for Sierra Leone’s important qualifiers for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 against Benin.

Sierra Leone is striving to qualify for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. A strong performance against Benin will bring them closer to this goal. If they advance, they will face the formidable Super Falcons of Nigeria in the second round.

Format

The final phase of the competition has three groups, each with four teams. The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

After this, the competition will use a knockout format until the final, where the winner will be announced.

Match Schedule:

– First Leg: Benin vs. Sierra Queens – February 20, 2025 (Togo)

– Second Leg: Sierra Queens vs. Benin – February 24, 2025 (Monrovia, Liberia)

  • Second Round Matches

● M33 & M34: Angola – Zimbabwe vs. Malawi 
● M35 & M36: Botswana – DR Congo vs. South Africa
● M37 & M38: Tanzania – Equatorial Guinea vs. Uganda – Ethiopia
● M39 & M40: Eswatini – Namibia vs. Zambia
● M41 & M42: Burundi – Burkina Faso vs. Djibouti – Togo
● M43 & M44: South Sudan – Algeria vs. Cameroon
● M45 & M46: Rwanda – Egypt vs. Ghana
● M47 & M48: Kenya – Tunisia vs. Niger – Gambia
● M49 & M50: Benin – Sierra Leone vs. Nigeria
● M51 & M52: Guinea – Cape Verde vs. Gabon – Mali
● M53 & M54: Chad – Senegal vs. Ivory Coast

On Monday, coach Hassan Malik Mansaray announced an 18-player squad for Sierra Leone’s crucial qualifiers for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 against Benin.
On Monday, coach Hassan Malik Mansaray announced an 18-player squad for Sierra Leone’s crucial qualifiers for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 against Benin.
Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh’s brace helps Brighton stun Chelsea
by Football Sierra Leone

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh’s brace helps Brighton stun Chelsea

Gambian International scored his fifth goal of the Premier League season with two goals against Chelsea on Friday night at the American Express Stadium. This helped Brighton win 3-0.

Kaoru Mitoma started the scoring with a fantastic goal, and Yankuba Minteh added two more goals. This victory ended Brighton’s two-game losing streak.

Mitoma’s great opener and Minteh’s double led Brighton to a strong win over a weak Chelsea team. Head coach Enzo Maresca faced a tough night.

Maresca disappointed fans by downplaying the importance of the FA Cup after their earlier loss to Brighton. This recent loss will not help his image among fans at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca had to play without a recognized striker, which showed in the game. Chelsea did not have a single shot on target in the league for the first time since September 2021. Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku took turns playing as a false nine but could not make an impact.

“Tonight was the worst performance since I arrived, but we are still in the race to finish in the top four,” Maresca said to Sky Sports after the match. He added, “I always feel pressure, not just now.”

Mustapha Bundu's Plymouth Argyle face tricky Millwall contest
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu’s Plymouth Argyle face tricky Millwall contest

Mustapha Bundu and his bottom-placed English Championship team, Plymouth Argyle, has not won any of its last eight league matches against Millwall, with four draws and four losses since its 3-0 victory at home in December 1997.

Both teams will compete in round 31 of the ongoing campaign at the Home Pack stadium. The home side, Argle, will look to take inspiration from their 1-0 win against Premier League Leaders Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round.

Millwall has won their last three league games against Plymouth Argyle. This is the longest winning streak the Lions have ever had against the Pilgrims in the EFL.

Plymouth recently broke a 15-game winless streak in the Championship by winning 2-1 against West Bromwich Albion. However, Argyle has not won consecutive league games since February 2024.

Millwall has won their last three league matches after not winning any of their first four under Alex Neil, which included two draws and two losses. Each of their last eight league wins has been by just one goal.

In the win against West Brom, Ryan Hardie scored both goals for Plymouth. Before this match, he only scored once in his previous 35 Championship games. Hardie last scored in consecutive games in January 2024.

Argyle, led by Mustapha Bundu, will face Manchester City away in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup after their 1-0 win over Liverpool.

The Greens previously met City in the League Cup semi-final in 1974 and in the FA Cup in 1988.

Fifth-round matches are set for February 28 to March 3, and we will provide date and ticket information soon.

The Sierra Leone International, Mustapha Bundu, who on September 1, 2023, signed a two-year deal with EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle, was part of the team that defeated Liverpool.

After debuted on September 23, coming on in the 87th minute during a 6–2 win over Norwich City, where he assisted a goal. Bundu scored his first goal in his first league start on October 25 with a first-half free-kick in a 3–0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

New Roma acquisition Anass Salah-Eddine left of Europa League
by Football Sierra Leone

Moroccan descent Anass Salah-Eddine left out of Roma Europa League squad

Moroccan descent, Salah-Eddine, the ninth Dutch footballer to join AS Roma, has been left out of the club’s squad for the Europa League knockout stage.

He recently transferred from FC Twente to Roma for a fee reported to be up to €10 million. Despite this high price, Salah-Eddine is not included in Roma’s squad for the Round of 16.

This means the Dutch-Moroccan defender will miss Roma’s important match against FC Porto. If Roma advances further, they might face his former team, FC Twente, who are set to play against FK Bodø/Glimt.

Born on January 18, 2002, Salah-Eddine grew up in the youth programs at AZ Alkmaar and Ajax. He made his senior debut for Ajax in 2022. He later established himself at Twente, first on loan in the 2022-23 season and then by joining the club permanently in 2024.

Tunisian defender Mathlouthi surgery on anterior cruciate ligament was successful
by Football Sierra Leone

Tunisian defender Mathlouthi surgery on anterior cruciate ligament was successful

Zamalek defender Hamza Mathlouthi had successful surgery in Germany to fix a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the team announced on Wednesday.

The Tunisian international injured his right knee on January 23 during a Premier League match against Modern Sport FC, which Zamalek lost 1-0. He was diagnosed with the injury the following day.

“Mathlouthi had successful ACL surgery in Germany and is doing well,” said Mohamed Osama, the team doctor. “He will start his rehabilitation program soon,” he added. Mathlouthi’s injury is a big loss for the White Knights, as they will be missing one of their key defenders for a long time.

Since joining Zamalek in 2020 from CS Sfaxien in Tunisia, the 32-year-old has scored five goals in 152 games. He played 13 times this season before the injury.

Currently, Zamalek SC is in third place in the Egyptian League with 20 points from 11 games, four points behind the leaders, Pyramids FC.