Author: Football Sierra Leone

Raja Casablanca suffer defeat to FAR Rabat as Pirates edge Belouizdad
by Football Sierra Leone

Raja Casablanca suffer defeat to FAR Rabat as Pirates edge Belouizdad

FAR Rabat shocked Raja Casablanca with a 2-0 win in a heated Moroccan derby at the Stade Larbi Zaouli during the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Tuesday.

Ahmed Hammoudan scored the first goal in the 41st minute after a defensive mistake. Raja missed a chance to equalize when Sabir Bougrine’s penalty shot was saved. Khalid Aït Ouarkhane secured the win in stoppage time after a counterattack.

This victory marked FAR Rabat’s first win over Raja since 2020 and puts them at the top of Group B, while Raja needs to regroup after a tough start.

  • **Orlando Pirates Beat Belouizdad in Algiers**

Orlando Pirates returned to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962.

Mohau Nkota shone with two first-half goals, scoring in the fifth and 27th minutes. Belouizdad pulled one back with a header from Khanyisa Mayo, but the Pirates’ defense held strong for the win.

This result places Orlando Pirates tied with Al Ahly at the top of Group C, with Al Ahly leading on goal difference.

  • **Esperance Tunis Defeats Djoliba in Tunis**

Esperance Tunis won convincingly, defeating Djoliba 4-0 at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi.

Raed Bouchniba opened the scoring in the fourth minute, followed by a goal from Elias Mokwana. Oussama Bouguerra added a header for a third while Koussay Maacha scored in stoppage time.

Djoliba struggled to keep up with Esperance, who now shares the top spot in Group D with Pyramids FC after strong opening matches.

Defending champions Al Ahly wallop Stade d'Abidjan in Cairo
by Football Sierra Leone

Defending champions Al Ahly wallop Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo

Group C, Defending champions Al Ahly began their pursuit of a third consecutive TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title with a decisive 4-2 victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo on Tuesday.

Al Ahly took control in the first half with a 3-1 lead, featuring two goals from Kahraba and one from Mohamed Magdi Kafsha.

Stade d’Abidjan responded with a goal from Kassoum Koné, but Kahraba sealed the win in the second half, despite a late goal from Roger Assalé.

In Group B, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by DR Congo debutants Maniema Union.

Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, including a shot that hit the crossbar, the Sundowns could not find the net.

Looking ahead, the tournament will feature the anticipated Moroccan derby between Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat, as well as a match between CR Belouizdad and Orlando Pirates in

In Group D, Pyramids FC delivered an impressive 5-1 triumph over Angola’s Sagrada Esperança at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium.

Ibrahim Adel starred with two goals, including a stunning opener. Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Hamdy, and Ahmed Atef also contributed, while Sagrada managed a late consolation from Cachí.

Esperance will also face Djoliba in the final Group D fixture later this evening.

Algeria thrash Liberia to end AFCON qualifying campaign unbeaten
by Football Sierra Leone

Algeria thrash Liberia to end AFCON qualifying campaign unbeaten

Algeria thrashed Liberia 5-1 and finished their Group E CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers unbeaten as Togo won 3-0 against Equatorial Guinea in Lomé on Sunday.

Algeria had already secured first place in Group E and continued to play strongly at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium. They have not lost in their last 19 AFCON qualifiers.

Liberia surprised the home crowd with a goal from Sampson Dweh in the sixth minute. Algeria quickly equalized with a goal from Aïssa Mandi in the 20th minute. Riyad Mahrez then put Algeria ahead with a header in the 29th minute.

The second half was all Algeria, with goals from Baghdad Bounedjah, Amine Gouiri, and Mohammed Amoura. Gouiri’s goal was particularly impressive, a perfect shot into the bottom left corner.

Algeria finished the group with 16 points, scoring 16 goals and allowing just two. Their unbeaten record and solid defence make them one of the favourites for Morocco 2025.

Meanwhile, In Lomé, Togo ended their qualifiers with a strong 3-0 win over Equatorial Guinea. They had already been eliminated from the tournament, but the Sparrowhawks played well, breaking a three-game losing streak.

Yaw Annor scored the first goal in the 14th minute. Kevin Denkey scored a long-range shot early in the second half. Annor scored again in the 87th minute.

Equatorial Guinea did not need to worry about the loss, as they had already qualified for AFCON 2025. Still, the defeat ended their 10-game unbeaten streak in qualifiers, showing some areas that need improvement before the tournament.

Lesotho beat CAR as Gabon qualify for Morocco 2025 AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Lesotho beat CAR as Gabon qualify for Morocco 2025 AFCON

Lesotho secured a 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, aiding Gabon’s qualification for next year’s tournament in Morocco.

The tie played at the Free State Toyota Stadium, was decided by a goal from Neo Mokhachane in the 51st minute. Morocco leads Group B with a perfect record, followed by Gabon with seven points.

Lesotho’s win positions them third, while CAR remains at the bottom with three points. Gabon is guaranteed a top-two finish, as Lesotho cannot surpass them, even with one match remaining.

Although Lesotho could finish level on points with Gabon, they would lose out on the head-to-head rule. Both teams faced challenges in creating clear scoring opportunities, with Lesotho’s defence successfully neutralizing CAR’s attacks. Louis Mafouta nearly equalized for CAR, hitting the post in the 73rd minute.

Overall, Lesotho’s victory elevates them to third in the group, but their chances of qualification have ended, leaving CAR at the bottom.

Mo Sangare's late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo
by Football Sierra Leone

Mo Sangare’s late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo

On Wednesday, Liberia defeated Togo 1-0 to move to third, three points behind second-place Equatorial Guinea in Group E in the race to Morocco at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

The Lone Star’s first victory at home since 2019 after a late penalty from Mo Sangare secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Liberia.

The home side achieved their first win of the campaign, much to the delight of home fans. This victory brought Liberia to third in the group with four points, while Togo fell to the bottom with two points.

Both teams struggled to create clear chances, with Togo applying early pressure but unable to penetrate Liberia’s resilient defence. Liberian goalkeeper consistently thwarted Togo’s Kodjo Laba and Kévin Denkey.

The turning point came in the 83rd minute when Togo’s captain, Djené Dakonam, handled the ball in the penalty area. Sangare confidently converted the penalty, giving Liberia the lead.

In the closing minutes, Togo searched for an equalizer, but Denkey’s shot was saved, and Laba missed another chance high and wide. With this win, Liberia boosted their morale under interim coach Thomas Kojo, while Togo’s hopes of qualification ended as they sit five points behind second-placed Equatorial Guinea.

Sierra Leone XI: Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone XI: Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD

Striker Amadou Bakayoko and Major League Soccer legend Kei Kamara to start against the Les Sao of Chad at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Wednesday. Kick-off 19 hours local time.

Kamara, 40, who is one of 13 players to have scored 100 goals in MLS history, has been picked for his experience and aerial prowess.

Bakayoko, who scored the winner against Ivory Coast last month, will be hoping to continue his fine run with the national team under coach Amidu Karim.

Cesena attacker Augustus Kargbo, who missed the Ivory Coast game through injury, is back on the left flank while Mustapha Bundu plays from the right.

Midfielder Tyrese Fornah from Salford City FC will combine with Abu Dumbuya to cover for the defence. Skipper Steven Caulker, Abdul Jarjue Kabia, Emmanuel Samadia, and young Nathanial Jalloh was part of the Sierra Leone team qualified for the U20 AFCON next year, in the back four.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is aiming to reach their fourth continental competition by winning their remaining games and hopes other results favour them.

Zambians will be hoping for a draw between Sierra Leone and Chad today to lighten the pressure on their chances of qualifying for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

So far, only seven teams have qualified for the tournament, joining hosts Morocco. These teams are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Angola, Cameroon, the DRC, Egypt, and Senegal.

Group G Fixtures: 

13.11.2024 – CHAD v Sierra Leone

15.11.2024 – Zambia v Cote d’Ivoire

Sierra Leone XI: Amadou Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD
Sierra Leone XI: Amadou Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD
Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar
by Football Sierra Leone

Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar

Egyptian newcomers FC Masar achieved a remarkable upset in their CAF Women’s Champions League debut, defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in a thrilling Group B match held in Casablanca on Sunday.

The winning goal came from a penalty taken by Sandrine Niyonkuru just before halftime. This unexpected victory shocked everyone in the tournament.

Masar, part of the Right to Dream Academy community, entered the game as the underdogs against the experienced Sundowns. However, their young team, an average age of only 20.6, stood strong and played with good strategy.

FC Masar, a new Egyptian team, surprised everyone by defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in their first CAF Women’s Champions League match in Casablanca on Sunday.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Sundowns couldn’t break through Masar’s strong defence. Goalkeeper Maya Abouelwafa and defenders Aisha Nantongo and Hasnath Ubamba made key saves and blocks.

Just before halftime, Sundowns were penalized for a handball, allowing Niyonkuru to score and give Masar a surprising lead. Sundowns pushed for an equalizer but faced tough resistance, including a late missed opportunity by Tiisetso Makhubela.

 

This win is a significant step for FC Masar in Egyptian women’s football, following their first domestic title last season. They are now optimistic about upcoming matches against Nigeria’s Edo Queens and Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank.

Sundowns start title defence, while CBE and Edo Queens are set to make their debut
by Football Sierra Leone

Sundowns start title defence, while CBE and Edo Queens are set to make their debut

The Women’s Champions League continues on Sunday in Casablanca, Morocco. The defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, will play against the newcomers, FC Masar.

Day 02 of the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 starts on Sunday, November 10, with Group B matches led by Mamelodi Sundowns, CAF reports. 

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies vs. FC Masar

In Photo, FC Masar from Egypt will make their debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League. They face the reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, in a key match.

Despite the challenges, FC Masar’s coach, Ahmed Ramadhan, is confident. He said, “We want to show our potential. Playing against Mamelodi Sundowns is a great chance for us to test ourselves against the best.”

Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach, Jerry Tshabalala, reminded his team to focus on the present. He said, “We have a title to defend, but we must not compare ourselves to the past. We have learned from previous experiences and have prepared well.”

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia vs. Edo Queen

The other Group B match will see two first-time teams, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Nigeria’s Edo Queens, compete in their openers.

Edo Queens’ coach, Moses Aduku, emphasized the team’s focus. He said, “This is a great chance for us to measure ourselves against top teams. We’ve played well in qualifiers, and we are ready to give our best.”

CBE coach, Heye Gizaw Birhanu, expressed pride in qualifying after three attempts but stressed the need to keep working hard. He said, “Qualifying is good, but we must not take it for granted. Now that we are here, we must keep competing and improving.”

Victor Osimhen scores brace to help Galatasaray defeat Tottenham
by Football Sierra Leone

Victor Osimhen scores brace to help Galatasaray defeat Tottenham

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen scored two goals, leading Galatasaray to a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, marking Tottenham’s first loss in the Europa League this season.

The match took place in Istanbul on Thursday evening in the UEFA Europa League. Teenage striker Will Lankshear netted his first goal for Tottenham, equalizing the score after Yunus Akgun’s impressive opening goal. Unfortunately for Tottenham, Lankshear received two yellow cards in the second half and was sent off.

Akgun scored the first goal in the sixth minute, and Osimhen added two more goals within eight minutes, giving Galatasaray a solid lead by halftime.

Tottenham struggled against the Turkish champions, who created numerous scoring opportunities but were unable to score again due to outstanding saves from Fraser Forster and some missed chances.

After Lankshear’s dismissal, Tottenham rallied, and Dominic Solanke came off the bench to score, narrowing the deficit. Ultimately, Galatasaray appeared more relieved when the final whistle blew.

Young prospect Mohamed Kader Meïté pens first pro contract
by Football Sierra Leone

Young prospect Mohamed Kader Meïté pens first pro contract

Seventeen-year-old Mohamed Kader Meïté has signed his first professional contract with Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais, marking an important step in his career.

Meïté, who also plays for France’s U17 team, will stay with the club until 2028. This move reflects the club’s belief in his talent and commitment to developing young players.

After signing, Meïté expressed his happiness, saying, “I feel a lot of joy; it’s a childhood dream come true. I will work hard to repay the trust placed in me. My goals are to improve and score goals.”

Meïté has impressed the youth teams with his skills and ambition. Stade Rennais is excited to see how he performs in professional football.

The club is exploring changes to its coaching staff and may consider Senegalese manager Habib Beye, who recently led Red Star FC to promotion.

With his contract secure, Meïté aims to contribute to the club’s success, working hard to help Rennes achieve its goals. Supporters and club officials will watch his progress closely, hoping he follows in the footsteps of successful players.