Author: Football Sierra Leone

Morocco book last eight FIFA U-20 World Cup spot after win over Korea Republic

10/10/202510/10/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco book last eight U-20 World Cup spot after win over Korea Republic

Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 with a commendable 2–1 victory over the Korea Republic in Rancagua on Thursday evening.

This achievement came through goals from Yassir Zabiri and an own goal by a Korean player. As a result, the Atlas Cubs are set to face the USA in the quarter-finals on Sunday, continuing their notable performance in South America.

The match commenced with an early threat from Korea as Kim Taewon’s powerful shot was expertly cleared off the line by Ismael Baouf within the first three minutes. However, Morocco quickly responded and gained the advantage shortly thereafter. An acrobatic attempt from Yassir Zabiri, which seemed destined to miss, was unfortunately deflected into the net by Shin Minha, putting the North Africans ahead early in the contest.

Morocco demonstrated strong control in their match against Korea, utilizing disciplined defense and rapid attacks. A key moment occurred when Othmane Maamma assisted Zabiri in scoring Morocco’s second goal.

Despite Korea earning a late penalty from Kim Taewon, it only served as a consolation as Morocco won the match, advancing to the quarter-finals under coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

Post-match, Maamma praised the team’s resilience and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for future games. Notably, Morocco has now defeated an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nation in three consecutive tournament editions.

Cape Verde closs-in on first-ever World Cup qualfication

09/10/202509/10/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Cape Verde close in on first-ever World Cup qualification

Cape Verde could rewrite their own history by reaching the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico if they can win against Eswatini next week.

Cape Verde’s admirable fightback has them two points clear at the section’s summit. Libya now need a miracle to reach the next stage of qualifying.

The Mediterranean Knights exploded out of the blocks. Fadel Mansour played a crisp one-two down the right, and his cross was turned into his own net by the outstretched leg of Pico.

The Blue Sharks responded when Telmo Arcanjo headed home Jamiro Monteiro’s devilish delivery, but Ezzeddin El Maremi stabbed home to restore the hosts’ advantage.

A spectacular, swerving free-kick from El Maremi seemingly put the contest to bed, but an error from goalkeeper Murad Alwuheeshi gave Cabo Verde hope before Willy Semedo scrambled home a leveller.

They’ll host Eswatini at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde stadium, and a win will surely see them making it to the 2026 World Cup as Group D winners.

Libya 3-3 Cabo Verde

Libya goals: Pico OG (2), El Maremi (42), Al-Shalwi (58)

Cabo Verde goals: Arcanjo (30), Lopes Cabral (76), Semedo (82)

Meanwhile,Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Madagascar and Niger claimed crucial wins in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying as Angola, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Sierra Leone were eliminated.

03/10/202505/10/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria record first Group F win in the U20 World Cup

Nigeria scored a last-minute penalty to eliminate Saudi Arabia, South Africa netted five goals against New Caledonia, and a resolute Norway defense managed to hold Colombia to a goalless draw.

In a thrilling match in Talca between two teams eager to recover from initial losses, Nigeria clinched a 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia with a late penalty conversion at theEstadio Fiscal de Talca on Friday.

Nigerian goals from Nasiru Salihu and Amos Ochoche, positioned around a clever dink from Amar Al Yuhaybi, concluded an exhilarating first half with Nigeria leading 2-1.

Just six minutes into the second half, Talal Haji, who came on as a substitute at halftime, connected with a lobbed pass from Mohammed Barnawi and sent a header over Ebenezar Harcourt to equalize for the second time.

As the match seemed poised for a draw, Nigeria was awarded a late penalty, which captain Daniel Bameyi successfully converted in the fourth minute of injury time. This victory places the Flying Eagles in third position in the group, while Saudi Arabia faces elimination.

Quotes – “The players determined that they needed to give their all for the three points today, and that commitment is what drove them. Now it’s clear that we need to strive for the three points against Colombia; it’s that simple,” said Aliyu Zubair, the coach of Nigeria.

Nigeria 3-2 Saudi Arabia

Nigeria goals: Nasiru Salihu (10), Amos Ochoche (38), Daniel Bameyi (90+4) Saudi Arabia goals: Amar Al Yuhaybi (21), Talal Haji (51)

Sierra Leone's Alhassan Koroma pens deal with UAE pro-side Baniyas

02/10/202502/10/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Alhassan Koroma pens deal with UAE pro-league side Baniyas

Baniyas Sports & Cultural Club has announced the signing of Sierra Leone international Alhassan Koroma.

Koroma, who played a key role as an attacker for the Qatari club Al Shahaniya, has now joined the Baniyas side based in Abu Dhabi. The team competes in the UAE Pro League.

“Bani Yas Club has officially signed player Hassan Kroma, a 25-year-old talent who joins from Al-Shahaniyah club in Qatar, with Mr. Saqr Al-Muskari, the executive manager of the club’s football company, in attendance.

Kroma stood out in the Qatar league last season, taking part in 22 matches of the Qatar Star League, where he scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists, totaling 13 contributions to the attack, showcasing his exceptional skill.

Hassan Kroma is also recognized as a key international player for the Sierra Leone national team, and his vast experience on both the international and regional stages makes him a valuable asset to the “Celestial” squad.”

28/09/202528/09/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Defeat for Egypt against Japan in FIFA U20 World Cup opener

Egypt's U20 national team kicked off their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign in Chile with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Japan early at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on Saturday 27 September.

A penalty by Rion Ichihara and a expertly executed shot by Hisatsugu Ishii secured a victory for Japan against Egypt in Santiago.

Japan’s opener – Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when defender Rion Ichihara from RB Leipzig converted a penalty kick.

Shortly after halftime, Shonan Bellmare striker Hisatsugu Ishii extended Japan’s lead with a powerful finish, assisted by Shunsuke Saito, which the Egyptian goalkeeper couldn’t stop.

Group A Outlook – Egypt now faces a tough road ahead in Group A, which also features hosts Chile and New Zealand. Chile is set to meet New Zealand in a match that could significantly influence the group standings.

Group A

Japan 2-0 Egypt

Japan goals: Rion Ichihara pen (29), Hisatsugu Ishii (48)

Mohamed Bangura nets a hat-trick as Bhantal eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup

27/09/202527/09/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Mohamed Bangura nets hat-trick as Bhantal eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup

Mohamed Bangura made a remarkable impact for Bhantal by scoring a brilliant hat-trick in their second-leg match against Hafia in the CAF Confederation Cup on Friday.

Despite facing a 3-2 setback in this return leg played in Ivory Coast, the Guinean football club Hafia has successfully progressed to the next round of the tournament on 5-3 aggregate.

Sierra Leone’s Bhantal emerged victorious in the game held in the Ivorian capital, but they could not advance, having lost the first leg 3-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

The Guinean side showed resilience and secured their place, and they are set to face the Algerian team CR Belouzdad in the upcoming round.

A lesson learned for debuntant Bhantal after showing more in the Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium. Bhantal’s performance in the win was commendable, demonstrating fighting spirit against formidable opponents.

Friday, 26 September 2025 Results

AS Fanalamanga (Madagascar) 1-2 Ferroviário Maputo (Mozambique) Ferroviario advance 3-2 on aggregate
Royal Leopards (Eswatini) 5-0 Young Africans (Namibia) Royal Leopards advance 7-0 on aggregate
KMKM (Zanzibar) 2-1 Port (Djibouti) KMKM advance 4-2 on aggregate
Hafia (Guinea) 2-3 Bhantal (Sierra Leone) Hafia advance 5-3 on aggregate
Al-Ittihad (Libya) 3-1 Welayta Dicha (Ethiopia) Al Ittihad advance 3-1 on aggregate
Coton FC (Benin) 4-1 Black Man Warrior (Liberia) Coton FC advance 4-1 on aggregate

Saturday, 27 September 2025 Fixtures

Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) v Kabuscorp (Angola)
NEC FC (Uganda) v Nairobi United (Kenya)
Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia) v Madani (Sudan)
Académie de FAD (Côte d’Ivoire) v Génération Foot (Senegal)
San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire) v Aigle Royal (Cameroon)
Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) v Rayon Sports (Rwanda)
Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) v Mighty Wanderers (Malawi)
SNIM (Mauritania) v Stade Tunisien (Tunisia)
Olympique de Safi (Morocco) v Nigelec (Niger)

Sunday, 28 September 2025

Azam (Tanzania) v El Merriekh Bentiu (South Sudan)
ZESCO United (Zambia) v FC Libreville (Gabon)
AS Otohô (Congo) v Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)
Gbohloe-Su (Togo) v USFA (Burkina Faso)
Kwara United (Nigeria) v Asante Kotoko (Ghana)
Al Akhdar (Libya) v Flambeau du Centre (Burundi)
Djoliba (Mali) v Abia Warriors (Nigeria)

Friday, 4 October 2025

Djabal (Comoros) v Simba (DR Congo)
Pamplemousses (Mauritius) v Maniema Union (DR Congo)

Benni McCarthy names Kenya final squad for FIFA World Cup qualifying ties

26/09/202526/09/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Benni McCarthy names Kenya final roster for FIFA World Cup qualifying ties

Benni McCarthy has revealed his final roster for Kenya’s last two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

Standing 11 points behind Ivory Coast, both games will take place away from home, signaling the end of the Harambee Stars’ qualification effort.

Kenya will first compete against Burundi on October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium, with the match scheduled to begin at 4pm EAT, followed by their final game against Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025, starting at 10pm EAT at Alassane Outtara Stadium.

Currently positioned fifth in the group with nine points, the Harambee Stars are eager to conclude their qualification journey positively. The squad will assemble for training in early October, with the final traveling squad to be confirmed after medical evaluations and fitness checks.

Final Squad;

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders

Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders

Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo

Wingers

William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers

Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth

26/09/202526/09/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

CAF Confederation Cup features exciting second-leg ties

There are exciting matches in today's second-leg matches of the first Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, as teams compete for spots in the final qualifying round in October.

Some clubs will return home with small advantages, while well-known teams must recover from losses in the first leg in front of their fans. After a weekend full of surprises and close games, these matches feel like knockout rounds: stay calm, manage the game, and you could reach the group stage in November.

Chiefs under pressure, Kabuscorp sensing an upset

Kaizer Chiefs lost 1–0 in the first leg and need to win against Kabuscorp from Angola, who will try to counterattack in South Africa. Mighty Wanderers have a 1–0 lead over Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana. If Wanderers score early, it will change the game; otherwise, expect strong pressure from the hosts.

Otohô’s 2–1 victory over Primeiro de Agosto in Angola was one of the standout results from the first leg. They need to stay organized and strong in the return match to advance.

Kotoko’s thrilling match continues in Ilorin

Few first legs were as exciting as the 4–3 game in Accra, where Kotoko narrowly won. Expect quick action from the start as Kotoko relies on James Ablorh’s runs during counterattacks, while Kwara needs to strengthen their defense to avoid being exposed again.

Kassi Théodore scored a neat goal in Cameroon, giving San Pedro a 1–0 advantage with an important away goal. Aigle Royal was unable to score in Yaoundé and must attack in Côte d’Ivoire, which could benefit San Pedro’s ability to use wide players.

Hafia and Stade Tunisien in control

Hafia has a strong lead after winning 3–0 against Bhantal in Sierra Leone. The Guinean team will play carefully at home. Stade Tunisien also has a 2–0 lead and controlled the midfield in the first leg. Though SNIM from Mauritania will have little to lose when they face Stade Tunisien, they need to be cautious.

East African derby remains tight

The thrilling 2–2 draw in Kampala between NEC from Uganda and Nairobi United sets up an exciting rematch. The Ugandan team plays aggressively and will try to capitalize on this in the return match.

FC Libreville’s 2–0 win over Zesco United came from a strong start and solid defense. The Zambians need to push the pace, but they also must be careful to defend against quick counterattacks. An early goal for Zesco could change the game’s atmosphere.

These second leg matches are scheduled from September 26 to 28. The aggregate winners will advance to the Second Preliminary Round on October 17-19 and 24-26, edging closer to the group stage on November 21.

24/09/202524/09/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Ruth Bawoh’s strike helps Sierra Leone girls closer to U17 glory

A dramatic equaliser in the 87th minute from Ruth Bawoh secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Senegal in the Liberian Capital on Tuesday.

Her pivotal performance not only saved a point but also earned her the Player of the Match title.

This result keeps Sierra Leone’s U17 girls unbeaten and solidly atop the standings with seven points from three games.

With only one match left against hosts Liberia, the situation is straightforward: a draw will suffice to make Sierra Leone champions in the inaugural WAFU A U17 Girls Championship.

This is a significant chance for the young team to make their mark in regional football.

On the other hand, Senegal is in second place with four points and must win their final match against Liberia.

To maintain their dwindling title chances, they require not just a win but also a favorable goal difference—a challenging feat considering the tournament’s competitive nature.

Juma Bah's Nice kick off UEFA Europa League against Roma

23/09/202523/09/2025 by Football Sierra Leone

Juma Bah’s Nice kick off UEFA Europa League campaign against Roma

The group stage of the UEFA Europa League is set to commence for a second season, with each team scheduled to play nine matches on Wednesday, September 24, and Thursday, September 25.

Sierra Leone International Juma Bah will be a key player in defence as two-time runners-up Roma kick off their season against Nice, a team they have never faced in any UEFA tournament before.

This Wednesday, OGC Nice will play its first match in the Europa League at home against AS Roma (kick-off at 9 p.m.). Take a look at images from today’s training session.

Bah, 19, has been a crucial player in Nice’s defence since his loan transfer from Manchester City, participating in every match this season.

On January 27, 2025, Manchester City announced that Bah was registered as a player for the club and revealed that he would be loaned to Ligue 1 team Lens in France. Later that same year, on June 25, he transferred to another Ligue 1 club, Nice, on loan for the 2025–26 season.

The French team has been experiencing mixed results since the start of the new Ligue 1 campaign, having recorded two wins and three losses in their first five matches.

The Italian team, on the other hand, recorded three victories and one loss in their first four Serie A league matches.