Author: Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese Pape Sarr nets in Spurs Carabao Cup win over City
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese Pape Sarr nets in Spurs Carabao Cup win over City

Senegalese International Paper Matr Sarr scored as Tottenham Hotspur won 2-1 against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday in North London. This victory gave Manchester City their first loss of the season.

With this win, Tottenham advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament. Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is one step closer to his goal of winning a trophy in his second season.

Manchester City made seven changes to their team, resting star player Erling Haaland. Spurs took advantage of this early, getting past City’s defence.

Dejan Kulusevski passed the ball to Timo Werner in the box, and Werner scored his first goal of the season.

Pape Matar Sarr scored the second goal for Tottenham in the 25th minute. After a well-executed corner, he received the ball outside the penalty area and curled it into the right corner of the net.

City got one goal back just before halftime. Matheus Nunes scored from a cross by Savinho, marking their first shot on target.

Tottenham draw Manchester United in the quarter-final set for December. 

On January 2, 2024, following a series of impressive performances, Sarr signed an extension with Tottenham that lasts until 2030.

Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria three points and recognized three goals in relation to the match against Libya.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced an investigation into Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, stressing that unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be accepted.

On Saturday, Ousmane Kane, chair of the CAF Disciplinary Board, stated that Nigeria would be awarded the points after finding Libya guilty of mistreating the team. The Libyan Football Federation was also fined for this incident.

CAF determined that the Libyan Football Federation violated rules concerning the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, the match scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi has been declared a 3-0 win for Nigeria.

CAF stated that Libya violated Article 31 of the AFCON regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF disciplinary code.

Libya is required to pay a fine of USD 50,000 within 60 days of this announcement.

The Nigerian team faced delays at a Libyan airport, lacking food and internet access while preparing for their match. They eventually departed after diplomatic and social media efforts.

With this CAF decision, Nigeria is well-positioned to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having 10 points from four games—four points ahead of Benin Republic. Rwanda has five points, and Libya, with only one point, cannot qualify.

A win or draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 will secure Nigeria a spot in the finals, set for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.

CAF named Player of the Year Nominees for Award
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF named Nominees for African Player of the Year Award

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the men’s categories of the #CAFAwards24, taking place on December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco.

The awards will recognize achievements from January to October 2024, with ten players shortlisted for the CAF African Player of the Year and another ten for the CAF Interclub Player of the Year. Notable nominees include:

– Amine Gouiri (Algeria / Rennes)

– Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso / Bayer Leverkusen)

– Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire / Brighton)

– Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)

– Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns), who is nominated in multiple categories.

The CAF Coach of the Year will also feature ten nominees, alongside awards for National Team of the Year, Club of the Year, and Young Player of the Year, all spotlighting emerging talent under 21.

Winners will be determined by a panel including the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and coaches from member associations.

The nominees for the Women’s categories will be announced soon. Last year, Victor Osimhen was named CAF African Player of the Year, while Asisat Oshoala took home the title for African Women’s Player of the Year. Read More

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier
by Football Sierra Leone

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier

Sierra Leone’s U-17 national team started their WAFU A U-17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament with a 1-0 loss to Mali. (Photo WAFU)

The only goal was scored in the eighth minute of the first half by the Malian wearing the number 10 jersey. He collected a clever pass and struck inside the area to beat the Sierra Leone keeper.

This loss puts Sierra Leone in a tough spot, but the team is determined to fight for a chance to advance.

Their next match is against Mauritania on Saturday, and winning is crucial for their hopes of moving forward in the tournament.

Senegal opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now consists of three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and Gambia, after Guinea’s disqualification.

Senegal quickly took control, scoring early goals by Mouhamed Dabo in the 6th minute and El Hadji Sow in the 8th minute.

Liberia responded strongly in the second half, reducing the deficit with a goal from Moses Nyanfore in stoppage time (90th + 4 minutes).

Group B matches on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, featuring Mali’s win over Sierra Leone. Mauritania played to a goalless draw against Guinea Bissau in the day’s last game.

Sullay Kaikai nets in Cambridge's second league win of the season
by Football Sierra Leone

Sullay Kaikai nets in Cambridge’s second league win of the season

Sullay Kaikai from Sierra Leone helped Cambridge United win their second consecutive League One match, beating Stevenage 2-0. (Photo Cambrideg United)

Cambridge had also won against Wigan by the same score on Saturday, marking their first victory of the season after nine attempts.

Korey Smith scored the first goal for Cambridge in the 32nd minute at the Lamex Stadium. In the second half, the team focused on defending, blocking Stevenage’s attacks. Kaikai secured the win with a goal in the final minute.

Smith’s goal took a deflection, which helped the ball get past goalkeeper Murphy Cooper into the corner. Smith had a chance to score again, but Cooper made a good save on his shot from the edge of the box.

Stevenage struggled in the first half, and even after making three substitutions at halftime for more possession, they could not create good chances. Kaikai’s late goal ensured the victory for Cambridge.

Sierra Leone name provisional Chan home-based squad for Liberia prep
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone name provisional home-based squad for CHAN qualifiers

The head coach of Sierra Leone’s home-based team, Alhaji Foray, has invited 40 players for training. This training is to prepare for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers.

Sierra Leone will play against Liberia on October 27 and November 1, 2024. Training starts on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the SLFA Academy, and all invited players must arrive by 6:30 AM.

The draw for the matchups took place in Cairo on October 9 and included 40 nations. The tournament will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28, 2025. This is the first time three countries will co-host the tournament.

Nineteen African nations will compete, including the hosts and three teams qualified from each of CAF’s six Zonal Unions. Only players from local leagues can participate, and the tournament offers a prize of $2 million. The last edition was won by Senegal, which beat Algeria in the finals.

WAFU A ROUND 1

Sierra Leone vs Liberia

1st Leg: 25 – 27 October | 2nd Leg: 01 – 03 November

ROUND 2

Sierra Leone / Liberia v Senegal

Mauritania v Mali

Guinea v Guinea-Bissau

1st Leg: 20 – 22 December | 2nd Leg 27 – 29 November

Cameroon complete AFCON qualifying double over Kenya
by Football Sierra Leone

Cameroon complete AFCON qualifying double over Kenya

Cameroon clinched another 1-0 victory over Kenya in their 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Monday.

It’s a back-to-back win for the Indomitable Lions as they maintained a leading position in Group J with 10 points, presenting the Harambee Stars with a significant challenge in the remaining qualifiers.

The pivotal moment occurred in the 63rd minute when Boris Enow executed a low free-kick from the edge of the box, breaching the Kenyan defence and placing the ball into the bottom right corner.

Despite Kenya’s persistent efforts to equalize, including a missed header from Alphonce Omija in stoppage time, they were unable to find the back of the net. With this victory, Cameroon fortifies its standing in Group J with 10 points, while Kenya remains in third place with four points.

Zimbabwe, currently in second place with seven points, will face Namibia later on Monday in the other Group J fixture. Kenya had several opportunities to tie the match, with Michael Olunga notably having his shots blocked multiple times by a well-organized Cameroonian defense.

Under the leadership of captain Vincent Aboubakar, Cameroon showed resilience, although Aboubakar himself failed to convert a couple of clear-cut chances. Kenya now faces a tough task to revive their AFCON qualification hopes, while Cameroon seems increasingly likely to secure early qualification for the tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco next year.

Senegal comfortably thrashed 10-man Malawi in AFCON Qualifier
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal comfortably thrashed 10-man Malawi in AFCON Qualifier

At the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade, the Senegalese national football team put on a dominant performance, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Malawi.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 16th minute when Brighton Munthali was shown a red card for a foul on the talented Sadio Mané.

Senegal’s Pape Guèye ignited the scoreboard with a spectacular long-range shot in the 35th minute, setting the tone for the Lions’ commanding display.

Sadio Mané, a key figure for Senegal, showcased his skill once again by notching his 45th goal for his national team in the 69th minute. The momentum continued as Boulaya Dia swiftly added another goal just two minutes later.

The Senegalese team’s triumph was sealed in the 77th minute when Nicolas Jackson, after earning 17 caps, celebrated his first goal for the national team, concluding the match with a resounding victory for Senegal.

Malawi will attempt to avenge their defeat as they host Senegal at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday.

A Group F stalemate between Ghana and Sudan in Accra
by Football Sierra Leone

A Group F stalemate between Ghana and Sudan in Accra

In the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Ghana continued to struggle in Group F with another goalless draw against Sudan. (GFA Photo) – the Black Stars couldn’t take advantage of their home ground despite having a lot of possession at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghanaian fans were hopeful that the Black Stars would record their first win after their slow start in Group F, which included a surprising home loss to Angola and an away draw against Niger. Despite the significant pressure, Ghana coach Otto Addo remains confident in his team’s abilities.

Players like Jordan Ayew, West Ham attacker Moahmed Kudus, and Antoine Samedu were all part of the starting eleven but couldn’t make a difference in the stalemate.

During the match, Ghana struggled to score, with Mohammed Kudus and Iñaki Williams coming closest to finding the net. However, Sudan’s defence, led by goalkeeper Mohamed Al Mustafa, held strong. Ghana’s attacking players had difficulty breaking through Sudan’s determined defence, and despite late pressure, they were unable to score, resulting in a goalless draw.

In their three matches so far, the Black Stars are currently in third place in Group F with just two points, while Sudan has moved up to second place with four points after securing a draw. Sudan host Ghana in Libya on October 15th for match day four of the qualifiers.

Angola is currently leading the group with six points from two games, and Niger is at the bottom with one point. Angola is scheduled to play against Niger on Friday. 

Exciting matches lineup in CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage draw
by Football Sierra Leone

Exciting matches lineup in CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

The draw for the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage took place in Cairo on Monday, adding to the excitement surrounding the competition.

Defending champions Zamalek SC are in Group D with Al Masry, Enyimba, and Black Bulls. In Group C, USM Alger will compete against ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf, and Orapa United.

Group B features RS Berkane, Stade Malien, Stellenbosch FC, and CD Lunda Sul. Group A, known as the “Group of Death,” includes Simba SC, CS Sfaxien, CS Constantine, and Bravos do Maquis.

The group stage begins in November, with prestigious clubs from across Africa competing for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup trophy.

The group stages will be played between November 2024 and January 2025. 

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Fixtures Dates:

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  – ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 – ⁠Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 – ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 – ⁠Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 – ⁠Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Draw Results:

Group A: Simba SC (Tanzania), CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), CS Constantine (Algeria), Bravos do Maquis (Angola)

Group B: RS Berkane (Morocco), Stade Malien (Mali), Stellenbosch (South Africa), CD Lunda Sul (Angola),

Group C: USM Alger (Algeria), ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), ASC Jaraaf (Senegal), Orapa United (Botswana)

Group D: Zamalek SC (Egypt), Al Masry (Egypt), Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Black Bulls (Mozambique),

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

Click HERE for list of fixtures.