Author: Football Sierra Leone

Berkane through to CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage
by Football Sierra Leone

Berkane through to CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage

The CAF Confederation Cup Matchday 4 had exciting games over the weekend. RS Berkane became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals as teams compete for spots in the knockout stages. With only two matches left, the competition is heating up.

  • Group A: Constantine Leads, Simba Close Behind

CS Constantine dominated with a 4-0 win over Angola’s Bravos do Maquis. Miloud Rebiai and Tosin Omoyele scored early goals, while Abdennour Belhocini and Dadi El Hocine Mouaki added two late goals. Simba SC also won, beating CS Sfaxien 1-0 with a goal from Jean Ahoua. Both teams now have nine points. Bravos are in third place with six points, while Sfaxien remains winless and out of contention.

  • Group B: Berkane Qualifies, Stellenbosch Revives Hopes

RS Berkane qualified for the knockout stages by beating Stade Malien 1-0, keeping their perfect record. Stellenbosch FC boosted their chances with a 2-0 win over CD Lunda Sul, thanks to two goals from Andre de Jong. Berkane leads Group B with 12 points, followed by Stellenbosch with six. Stade Malien has four points, and Lunda Sul has one point.

  • Group C: Close Competition

USM Alger held the top spot in their group after drawing 1-1 with ASEC Mimosas in Abidjan. USM Alger has eight points, while Mimosas and Jaraaf each have five points after Jaraaf’s 1-0 win over Orapa United, who sit at the bottom with two points.

  • Group D: Enyimba Excels, Zamalek Struggles

Enyimba amazed fans in Aba with a strong 4-1 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls, led by two goals from Joseph Atule. On the other hand, Zamalek could only manage a goalless draw against Al Masry. Zamalek leads with eight points, Al Masry has five points, and both Enyimba and Black Bulls have four points.

Matchday 4 Results

Group A

  • Constantine 4-0 Bravos do Maquis
  • Simba 1-0 CS Sfaxien

Group B

  • Berkane 1-0 Stade Malien
  • Stellenbosch 2-0 CD Lunda Sul

Group C

  • USM Alger 1-1 ASEC Mimosas
  • Jaraaf 1-0 Orapa United

Group D

  • Enyimba 4-1 Black Bulls
  • Zamalek 0-0 Al Masry

Group Standings

Group A:

  1. Constantine – 9 pts
  2. Simba – 9 pts
  3. Bravos do Maquis – 6 pts
  4. CS Sfaxien – 0 pts

Group B:

  1. Berkane – 12 pts
  2. Stellenbosch – 6 pts
  3. Stade Malien – 4 pts
  4. CD Lunda Sul – 1 pt

Group C:

  1. USM Alger – 8 pts
  2. ASEC Mimosas – 5 pts
  3. Jaraaf – 5 pts
  4. Orapa United – 2 pts

Group D:

  1. Zamalek – 8 pts
  2. Al Masry – 5 pts
  3. Enyimba – 4 pts
  4. Black Bulls – 4 pts
CAF Champions League, Al Hilal through to the knockout stage
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF Champions League, Al Hilal through to the knockout stage

Al Hilal of Sudan became the first team to advance to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League knockout stage. Here are some round-up of weekend group matches.

  • Group A

Al-Hilal Omdurman became the first team to reach the knockout stage. They earned this by drawing 1-1 with MC Alger. Young Africans boosted their chances for the quarter-finals with a 3-1 comeback win over TP Mazembe in Dar es Salaam.

Although Mazembe initially took the lead with a penalty from Alioune Faty, Clement Mzize scored two goals, and Aziz Ki added another in the second half. This win was crucial for the Tanzanian champions.

Al-Hilal now has 10 points, five points ahead of second-placed MC Alger. They are guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015.

  • Group B  

FAR Rabat secured first place in Group B with a 2-0 victory over Maniema Union. Khalid Aït Ouarkhane and El Amine Zouhzouh scored the goals. In Casablanca, Raja won 1-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns in a match that had three red cards. Benaissa Benamar scored the winning goal for Raja. FAR Rabat leads the group with eight points, followed by Sundowns with five, Raja with four, and Maniema Union with three.

  • Group C

Orlando Pirates took the top spot in Group C with a strong 3-0 win against Stade d’Abidjan. Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Deon Hotto scored the goals. CR Belouizdad ended Al Ahly’s unbeaten run with a late 1-0 victory in Algiers. This win moved them to second place with six points, just two points behind the Pirates.

  • Group D

In Photo, Pyramids won 2-1 against Esperance in Cairo, tying them at the top of the group. Meanwhile, Sagrada Esperança beat Djoliba 1-0, keeping their chances for the knockout stage alive. Both Pyramids and Esperance have seven points, while Sagrada is close behind with five points.

New Wealdstone contract for Sierra Leone's Kallum Cesay
by Football Sierra Leone

New Wealdstone contract for Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay

Wealdstone has confirmed a new contract extension for Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay until summer 2026.

The English side announced on Thursday that they are pleased to reveal Kallum Cesay has signed a new contract with Wealdstone, which will run until the end of the 2025/26 season.

“In the first half of the first half of the 2024/25 season, Cesay shone as a right-sided midfielder under manager Matt Taylor, earning the Supporters’ Player of the Month award for November.

“Kallum is fully deserving of his new contract,” said Matt Taylor. “His performance level has improved and he’s now delivering on a consistent basis. He now needs to show the same energy, commitment and desire for the rest of the season and continue to be a large part of team.”

Since joining the club in February 2024, 22-year-old Cesay has made an impressive impact. Initially playing as a right-back, he was key in helping the Stones secure their place in the National League during the final games of the 2023/24 season.

Noteworthy moments include a stellar display in the 1-0 FA Cup first-round victory at Grimsby Town, where he set up the winner with a clever flick to Alex Reid. He followed this up with his first goal of the season in a 2-0 win against Rochdale.

Although the Stones faced a 2-0 defeat in the FA Cup Second Round, Cesay stood out as the best player on the pitch, earning the Man of the Match award in this televised fixture.

Central African Republic eliminate Cameroon to pick CHAN ticket
by Football Sierra Leone

Central African Republic eliminate Cameroon to pick CHAN ticket

Cameroon’s hopes of competing in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) were dashed after a 2-1 defeat to the Central African Republic in the return leg of their second preliminary-round clash.

Despite a first-leg advantage, Cameroon was eliminated on away goals at the Kouekong Omnisports Stadium in Bafoussam.

The Indomitable Lions B took an early lead with a goal from 17-year-old Angel Yondjo in the 31st minute. Barry Nelson converted a penalty just before half-time to level the score.

In the 87th minute, the Central African Republic scored the decisive goal through Bertillon Arnold, securing their historic progression to the CHAN final phase for the first time.

This achievement sees the Bamara Locals join other qualified teams, including Morocco, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, and Niger.

Meanwhile, Cameroon faces disappointment, having aimed for their sixth CHAN appearance but falling short in front of home fans.

The Central African Republic’s success highlights the increasing competitiveness of African football, prompting a shift in focus for Cameroon towards future competitions.

Home-based Ghana ready for CHAN qualifying decider against Nigeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana ready for CHAN qualifying decider against Nigeria

The Ghana national home-based team, known as the Black Galaxies, arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, on Friday morning for an important Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match against the Super Eagles B.

Winning on Saturday would guarantee Ghana a place in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in February 2025.

This match will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 4 p.m. local time (16:00 GMT) and will decide which team moves on to the 2024 CHAN tournament.

Ghana’s team landed at Victor Attah International Airport at 11 a.m. local time, showing confidence as they prepare to face their West African rivals at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The first match in Accra ended in a goalless draw, setting up an exciting rematch.

Head coach Mas Ud Didi Dramani is hopeful about his team’s chances, as they have previously beaten Nigeria in the 2009 and 2023 CHAN qualifiers.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah reflects on Liverpool’s League title bid
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah reflects on Liverpool’s League title bid

Egypt and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah is pleased with the team’s performance this season following Thursday’s 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester City. (Photo Liverpool FC)

Liverpool now leads the Premier League table by seven points due to this victory. Leicester surprised everyone with a goal from Jordan Ayew six minutes into the game.

Jordan Ayew’s goal for Leicester just six minutes into the match surprised everyone. But Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and Salah’s goals for Liverpool swiftly changed the tide.

Liverpool appears to be in a strong position to win the title after this victory. They have previously suffered in comparable circumstances, particularly during the 2018–19 campaign when they led by a significant margin but lost to Manchester City.

“It feels different, but we must maintain our humility,” Salah added. With 16 goals, he leads the league’s top scoring chart.

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford's radar
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford’s radar

English Championship team Watford is interested in striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has not been performing well at Sevilla in La Liga.

Iheanacho joined Sevilla as a free agent this summer after the expiration of his contract at Leicester City. However, he managed three goals in eleven appearances since joining the club.

Reports from fichajes.net say that Sevilla plans to transfer Iheanacho during the January window to make changes to their squad for the second half of the 2025 season.

Watford wants to sign the Nigerian striker to strengthen their attack as they aim for promotion to the Premier League. Sevilla is also looking to make a deal to create space in their squad.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Watford suffered their first defeat in seven Sky Bet Championship matches, despite Kwadwo Baah’s late volley creating a tense finale in the 2-1 loss to promotion-chasing Burnley at Turf Moor.

SLIFA's Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory
by Football Sierra Leone

SLIFA’s Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory

Jumu Bockarie, head coach of Sierra Leone Premier League side SLIFA FC, spoke to the club’s media following his debut victory in the league, a 1-0 win at the approved school pitch in Freetown last Sunday.

A fantastic goal from Ernest George was the reason for the victory. “I want to express my gratitude to God and my family for their endless love and support. I would also like to thank SLIFA MANAGEMENT for allowing me to continue as head coach for the 2024/2025 season,” stated Bockarie, a UEFA C licensed coach.

“The focus of the staff was on welcoming our players, the style of play, and improving our passing, which played a significant role in our performance. The opponent posed a real challenge in the first ten minutes, but our players adapted well and demonstrated high-quality skills.

He also commented on the team’s performance: “We played very well and achieved a clean sweep across all fronts. Our victory was thanks to a fantastic shot that hit the crossbar, followed quickly by George, who sealed the score.

“It’s a fantastic achievement in my debut season; however, I’m not satisfied yet, and I remain focused on the next game. It’s essential to manage players effectively and use the right tactics.

I am grateful for SLIFA’s support on my journey to becoming a coach, and I am committed to helping our young players grow and entertain our fans,” he added.

In-form Belouizdad to face tricky Al Ahly Champions League tie
by Football Sierra Leone

In-form Belouizdad to face tricky Al Ahly Champions League tie

Algerian side Belouizdad travel to Egypt for a tricky CAF Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly SC on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium.

This match is a rescheduled fixture for Matchday Three in Group C, postponed due to Ahly’s participation in the FIFA InterContinental Cup this week in Qatar.

Belouizdad arrives with confidence following a 1-0 victory over Stade d’Abidjan. Aimen Mahious, the goal-scorer in that match, is a key player alongside Khanyisa Mayo.

The Algerian side has performed impressively, securing five wins in their last six matches and maintaining a defensive record of 333 minutes without conceding.

Sunday’s clash will highlight contrasting styles: Ahly’s defensive stability against Belouizdad’s effective counter-attacking.

Currently third in the group with three points, Belouizdad seeks to advance, while Al Ahly aims for victory to reclaim the top spot and revitalize their campaign.

The last encounter ended in a 0-0 draw, but the stakes are significantly higher this time.

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

AFCON dates and CAF 2025 competition calendar reveal

On Monday, the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the competition calendar for 2025.

Additionally, the EXCO announced that the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held on January 27, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

Morocco has also been selected as the host for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals, while Ivory Coast will host the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

CAF issued the following statement including key dates:

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening Match will be played Sunday, 30 March 2025; Final Match will be played Saturday, 19 April 2025

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2025 – Opening Match will be played Saturday, 26 April 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 17 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 25 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 24 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 1 June 2025

CAF Women’s Champions League 2025: Opening Match will be played Saturday, 8 November 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 23 November 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening match will be played Sunday, 21 December 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 January 2026.