Author: Football Sierra Leone

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.  

Pyramids set to face Esperance de Tunis in CAF Champions League
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids set for Esperance de Tunis Group D CAF Champions League battle

Pyramids FC from Egypt will play Esperance de Tunis on Saturday at the Hamadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium in Rades. This is their third match in Group D of the CAF Champions League. A win would help Pyramids FC take control of the group.

Pyramids FC is currently in first place with four points. They achieved this after a strong 5-1 win over Mali’s Djoliba AC and a goalless draw against Angola’s Sagrada Esperança.

The team has a powerful attack led by star players Ibrahim Adel and Ramadan Sobhi. Adel scored two goals in the first match, so he will be important for breaking through Esperance’s defence.

The home side will not have midfielders Mohamed Reda “Bobo” and Blati Touré because they are injured.

Esperance wants to win after a 0-0 draw with Sagrada Esperança. The Tunisian team has won the Champions League four times and has the same points as Pyramids FC, but they are behind on goal difference.

Even without key players like Yassine Meriah and Brazilian forward Yan Sasse, Esperance remains strong. Algerian winger Youcef Belaïli and young player Koussay Maacha will likely lead their attack. They will depend on their experience and the support of their fans to help them succeed.

Zamalek and Nigeria's Enyimba share Group D spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

Zamalek and Nigeria’s Enyimba share Group D spoils

In a Group D match in Uyo, defending champions Zamalek faced former champions Enyimba, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Zamalek will be disappointed after letting go of a two-goal lead, with goals from Seifeddine Jaziri and Omar Faraj equalized by Ufere Chukwu and Ifeanyi Ihemekwele.

As a result, Zamalek remains at the top of the group with four points, while Enyimba moves to third place with their first point.

In Group A, Bravos do Maquis narrowly defeated Sfaxien FC 3-2 at Estadio 11 Novembro in Luanda. Keoikantse Mosiatlhaga opened the scoring for Bravos, but Mohamed Dhuaoui quickly equalized.

Bravos regained the lead through Joaquim Paciencia and Francisco Matonco before Hazem Hassen narrowed the deficit in the second half.

Despite opportunities for both teams, the match concluded 3-2 in favor of Bravos, placing them second in the group behind SC Constantine, who also secured a win against Simba SC. Sfaxien FC remains at the bottom of the standings.

Raja, FAR and Sundowns in CAF Champions League action this weekend
by Football Sierra Leone

Raja, FAR and Sundowns in CAF Champions League action this weekend

This weekend, the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group B matches will take place, featuring two crucial games. Maniema Union will face Raja Casablanca at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte, while FAR Rabat will engage with Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi.

In Group B, Maniema Union and Raja Casablanca are both looking to secure their first wins in this year’s group stage. In their opening match, Maniema Union played to a 0-0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, which extended their unbeaten streak to five games across all competitions.

Raja Casablanca lost 2-0 to FAR Rabat at home, putting them at the bottom of the group. However, they are unbeaten in their last three away games and hope to use that to turn their season around.

Both teams have had a hard time scoring, with most of their recent goals coming in the second half. This match will test their determination and finishing skills as they try to rise in the standings.

**FAR Rabat vs. Mamelodi Sundowns: The Leaders Face a Tough Match**  

FAR Rabat, currently leading the group, aims to keep its perfect record against a strong Mamelodi Sundowns team.

Rabat scored two goals in their opener, thanks to Ahmed Hammoudan and Khalid Aït Ouarkhane. They are unbeaten in their last 21 home matches across all competitions.

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw against Maniema Union in their first match but have scored 12 goals in their last six games. They are ready to challenge Rabat’s strong defence.

With so much at stake, this weekend promises excitement as all four teams compete for crucial points.

**Group B Fixtures:**  

– Saturday, 07/12/2024: Maniema Union vs. Raja Casablanca (13:00 GMT)  

– Saturday, 07/12/2024: FAR Rabat vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (19:00 GMT)