Author: Football Sierra Leone

Petro Atlético top Group D with a win over Simba  in Tanzania

Petro Atlético top Group D with a win over Simba  in Tanzania

On Sunday, Simba SC from Tanzania lost 1-0 at home to Petro de Luanda from Angola in a Group D match. Bernardo Dias scored the only goal in the 78th minute.

Petro Atlético secured the only away victory on Matchday 1, defeating Simba 1–0 in Dar es Salaam with a late goal from Benny, who finished calmly after a build-up involving Tiago Reis.

In another match, Esperance and Stade Malien played to a 0–0 draw in Tunis, positioning Petro Atlético as the early leaders in Group D.

Matchday 1 Results – Group D

• Simba 0–1 Petro Atlético

• Esperance 0–0 Stade Malien

Standings – Group D

  1. Petro Atlético – 3 pts
  2. Esperance – 1 pt
  3. Stade Malien – 1 pt
  4. Simba – 0 pts

Next Fixtures 

• Petro Atlético vs Esperance

• Power Dynamos vs Pyramids 

Burkina Faso eliminate Uganda on penalties to reach U17 quarter-finals

Burkina Faso eliminate Uganda on penalties to reach U17 quarter-finals

Uganda's impressive run in the FIFA U-17 World Cup ended sadly on Tuesday with a defeat to Burkina Faso in the Round of 16.

The match, held at the Aspire Zone on Pitch 5, ended in a 1-1 draw, but the Young Stallions advanced after winning 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

Entering this match with confidence high, Uganda had previously knocked out Senegal in the Round of 32.

Burkina Faso showed optimism after eliminating defending champions Germany, but faced challenges with injuries to key players Ashiraf Loukman Tapsoba and Isma Azelle.

Coach Brian Ssenyondo made one change to the lineup, bringing in Enock Bagenda to replace the suspended star forward, James Bogere.

The match was closely contested, with Burkina Faso having the edge in possession. Uganda had several chances, including a header from Isima Magala that hit the post.

In the 56th minute, Arafat Nkoola scored for Uganda, but Burkina Faso equalised through substitute Alassana Bagayogo. The match ended in a tie, prompting Coach Ssenyondo to substitute goalkeeper Adrian Mukwanga.

In the penalty shootout, Burkina Faso converted all their penalties, while only Derrick Ssozi missed for Uganda. Burkina Faso will face Italy in the quarterfinals after Italy’s 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan.

Nigeria U17 Women's knockout of Fifa World Cup following heavy defeat to Italy

Nigeria U17 Women’s knockout of Fifa World Cup following heavy defeat to Italy

Nigeria, the bronze medallists from 2022, have been knocked out of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday.

The Italians continued their stellar performance in the tournament, marking four wins from four games. The Flamingos approached the match with determination, eager to prove they deserved their spot in the Round of 16.

Captain Shakirat Moshood came close to scoring in the 24th minute, but her powerful strike was saved by Italy’s goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni. Just before half-time, Anna Copelli gave Italy the lead by skillfully bypassing Nigeria’s defence and scoring.

In the second half, Nigeria thought they equalised when Nguemo Terlumun scored, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review.

Italy then extended their lead with a stunning long-range strike from Caterina Venturelli, followed by a goal from Giulia Robino just five minutes later. Rachelle Giudici’s late goal was also confirmed by VAR, sealing Nigeria’s heavy defeat.

This loss ended Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco, but the Flamingos will now focus on the qualifying series for the next FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

World Cup playoffs - Nigeria face Gabon as Cameroon take on DR Congo

World Cup playoffs – Nigeria face Gabon as Cameroon take on DR Congo

Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo DR, and Gabon are the top runners-up in the CAF qualifiers and will compete in the African play-offs in November 2025. The winner advances to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026.

The CAF qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on October 14, with nine African teams qualifying directly. One more team will have a chance in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

To reach the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo DR, and Gabon will play in a continental play-off during the international window in November 2025.

The African play-offs will happen in Morocco, with the exact stadiums to be announced later. The matches will follow a knockout format, with semi-finals and a final.

The semi-finals will occur on Thursday, November 13, and the final will take place on Sunday, November 16.

How Teams 1 to 4 were determined

Teams 1, 2, 3 and 4 were determined according to the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking published on 17 October.

Team 1: the highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Nigeria (41) Team 2: the second highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Cameroon (54) Team 3: the third highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Congo DR (60) Team 4: the fourth highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Gabon (77)

MC Alger advance after goalless draw with Colombe Sportive

MC Alger advance after goalless draw with Colombe Sportive

MC Alger advanced to the group stage of the CAF Champions League after securing a goalless draw against Colombe of Cameroon in Algiers on Sunday night.

Mouloudia progressed on aggregate after last week’s 1-1 draw. The Algerian giants return to Africa’s top club competition with renewed confidence.

At the Ali Amar Stadium, MC Alger started strong, dominating possession but struggling with precision in their final passes. Colombe’s solid defense and alert goalkeeper thwarted many threats, forcing Mouloudia to keep recycling possession.

As the match continued, Colombe found their rhythm, aiming to control the game and counterattack, but they also struggled to create clear opportunities.

The second half of the match was marked by fouls and cautions, but neither team could find a decisive moment. MC Alger, despite not being at their best, achieved their goal of progressing to the next stage and joining the continent’s elite.

Now, they focus on the upcoming draw and aim for a deep run in the competition, 49 years after winning their first African title in 1976.

Colombe exits the tournament after a commendable two-leg effort, showing strong organization at home and resilience in Algiers. MC Alger will represent Algeria in the group stage alongside JS Kabylie, as both clubs seek success.

CR Belouizdad sink Guinea's Hafia to reach CAF Confed group stage

CR Belouizdad sink Guinea’s Hafia to reach CAF Confed group stage

CR Belouizdad advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a 2–0 home victory over Guinea’s Hafia, finishing the aggregate score at 3–1.

After a scoreless first half, the Algerian champions increased the intensity and found the net twice in a span of 14 minutes through Amir Meziane and Lamine Boussouar, effectively ending Hafia’s pursuit.

This outcome follows a 1–1 draw from the previous week away, where Belouizdad established the necessary foundation to complete the task in front of their fans.

Belouizdad initially demonstrated patience, moving the ball around and probing down both wings without overextending themselves.

Hafia, remaining compact and disciplined, attempted to counterattack and restrict the space in between the lines, a strategy that proved effective during a tight first 45 minutes that yielded few clear opportunities.

The hosts emerged from halftime with increased determination, pushed higher up the pitch, and circulated the ball more swiftly through the midfield, immediately putting pressure on the Guinean team.

The first goal came in the 54th minute when Abderrahmane Meziane finished off a right-side play with a composed shot, putting Belouizdad ahead 1–0 and increasing their aggregate lead.

The goal prompted Hafia to push for an equaliser, which Belouizdad exploited. In the 68th minute, Lotfi Boussouar extended the lead with a precise shot from the edge of the penalty area, finding the corner of the net.

CAF names continental referees for AFCON 2025 training in Cairo

CAF names continental referees for training in Cairo ahead AFCON 2025

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a selection of the continent's finest referees chosen for an elite training camp in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled from November 8 to 13.

The initiative aims to enhance the officials’ fitness, match management, and decision-making abilities in preparation for significant CAF tournaments.

The intensive program will include referees from Africa, such as Egypt’s Amin Omar, Senegal’s Issa Sy, Kenya’s Peter Waweru, Somalia’s Omar Artan, Ghana’s Daniel Laryea, Mauritania’s Dahane Beida, Algeria’s Mustapha Ghorbal, and South Africa’s Abongile Tom. Many other notable referees from across the continent will also take part.

CAF highlighted that the training will also include Video Match Officials (VMOs), trainers, VAR personnel, and members of its Referees Committee.

The Cairo camp is part of CAF’s wider preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Orlando Pirates suffer heavy CAF Champions League defeat

Orlando Pirates suffer heavy CAF Champions League defeat

Orlando Pirates are staring down the barrel of an early exit from the CAF Champions League after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat of the 2025/26 second preliminary round to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Sunday.

As a result, they’ll face a daunting task as they prepare to host Saint-Éloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, aiming to overturn a three-goal deficit.

This loss ended the Buccaneers’ impressive 11-match unbeaten streak across all competitions at the hands of the Congolese side in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie.

Last season, the Pirates made an impressive run in the CAF Champions League, reaching the semi-finals under coach Jose Riveiro before being eliminated by the eventual champions, Pyramids FC.

With new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at the helm, the Buccaneers have kicked off the 2025/26 season with great success.

They cruised through the first preliminary round, sweeping aside Lioli of Lesotho with a dominant 7-0 aggregate score, and bagged their fourth consecutive MTN8 title in South Africa.

Currently, the club sits third in the Betway Premiership, having accumulated 15 points from seven matches, which includes five wins and two losses.

In the latest rankings from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), published on October 14, the club was recognised as the seventh-best team on the continent.

Sierra Leone's referee Suliaman Santio Kamara to officiate WAFU A final in Mali

Sierra Leone’s referee Sulaiman Santio Kamara to officiate WAFU A final in Mali

Sierra Leonean referee Suliaman Santio Kamara will officiate the final match between Senegal and Mali in the U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers for Mali 2025.

This appointment comes from the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A. This eagerly awaited final is set to take place today, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 19:00 GMT in Bamako, Mali.

Kamara’s appointment to this prestigious match underscores his professionalism, consistency, and growing reputation as one of the top young referees in the subregion.

“It also underscores the confidence that CAF and WAFU have in Sierra Leonean match officials, the SLFA has said. 

The SLFA sends its heartfelt congratulations to Referee Kamara for bringing pride to the nation and wishes him the very best as he represents Sierra Leone in elite youth football across West Africa.

A recap of the WAFU A U17 qualifiers after two matches

A recap of the WAFU A U17 qualifiers after two matches

Sierra Leone U17 are bottom of Group B after their opening two matches in the ongoing WAFU A qualifiers.

In an evening match at the ongoing WAFU A U-17 boys tournament in Bamako, Mali, Guinea and Senegal battled to a 1-1 draw on Thursday.

Earlier that day, Sierra Leone faced Mauritania, suffering a 2-1 defeat after their opening draw against Senegal.

After two rounds of matches, the Sierra Stars find themselves at the bottom of the group with just one point, while Guinea tops the table with four points.

Mauritania holds second place with three points, closely followed by the defending champions, Senegal, who sit in third with two points.

In Group A, Mali sits at the top after two matches and will face The Gambia today at Mamadou Stadium. Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau will go head-to-head with Liberia at Ouezzin Coulibaly Stadium. Both matches are set to kick off at 16:00 as teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals.

Only the top two teams will move on to the semi-finals at the end of the group stage.

In Group A, Mali sits at the top after two matches and will face The Gambia today at Mamadou Stadium.
In Group A, Mali sits at the top after two matches and will face The Gambia today at Mamadou Stadium.