Author: Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U17 in Group B against Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 qualifiers: Sierra Leone to meet Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea in Group B

Sierra Leone has been drawn into Group B for the upcoming WAFU-A Zonal Tournament, which serves as the qualifying competition for the prestigious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17) football championship.

In this competitive group, Sierra Leone will face off against formidable opponents, including Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea, in Group B.

Group A includes Mali, Liberia, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, competing to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the top teams advancing to the tournament.

The tournament is set to take place from October 3 to October 18, 2025. Matches will be held at three key venues in Mali, which include: Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako, renowned for its modern facilities and capacity to host large crowds.

Stade Ouezzin Coulibaly, also located in Bamako, is known for its vibrant atmosphere during local and international matches.

Stade Mamadou Diarra H in Koulikoro, which offers a unique setting for both players and fans alike.

This tournament is crucial for these young athletes, as their performance could secure a spot in the continental competition, showcasing their talent on a larger stage and providing valuable experience in international football.

Cameroon's André Onana’s Manchester United exit is imminent
by Football Sierra Leone

Cameroon’s André Onana’s Manchester United exit is imminent  

André Onana’s tenure at Manchester United seems to be coming to an end after conflicts with manager Ruben Amorim reached a critical point.

According to English outlets, the relationship between the Cameroonian goalkeeper and the Portuguese coach has deteriorated in recent weeks, resulting in them no longer speaking to each other.

Amorim has reportedly criticised Onana’s professionalism, particularly his choice to participate in a local match in Cameroon during his vacation on a pitch deemed hazardous.

Reports indicate that Onana is close to finalising a transfer to Turkish side Trabzonspor, with his departure regarded as nearly certain.

Tension grew between Onana and Amorim before the international break, with Amorim accusing Onana of lacking commitment in training. Relegated to the bench, Onana was never seen as part of the coach’s long-term plans. The situation worsened after Onana’s mistakes in Manchester United’s surprising cup loss to Grimsby.

These errors reinforced Amorim’s belief that the goalkeeper could no longer be trusted at the highest level. Additional criticism was directed at Onana’s performances for the Cameroon national team.

His recent performance in the loss against Cape Verde faced significant scrutiny, with some observers blaming him for the outcome. These challenges have reinforced Amorim’s belief that the player’s departure is essential for restoring balance within the squad.

Now, with Trabzonspor looking to make a move, his time at Old Trafford appears set to conclude sooner rather than later.

Senegal leapfrog DR Congo after comeback win in Group B
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal leapfrog DR Congo after comeback win in Group B

In Group B, Senegal staged a thrilling comeback in Kinshasa and moved ahead of DR Congo with goals from Pape Gueye 39’, Nicolas Jackson 53’, and Pape Sarr 87’

DR Congo jumped to a two-goal lead with Bakambu’s goal and Wissa’s follow-up. Senegal responded with a goal from Pape Gueye, narrowing the gap before halftime.

They levelled the score when Jackson scored from a rebound and took the lead with Pape Sarr’s goal late in the match.

Senegal now tops the group ahead of their upcoming matches against South Sudan and Mauritania. DR Congo needs to regroup quickly for their matches against Togo and Sudan to keep their hopes alive.

DR Congo 2–3 Senegal – Scorers: Cédric Bakambu 26’, Yoane Wissa 33’ (DRC); Pape Gueye 39’, Nicolas Jackson 53’, Pape Sarr 87’ (Senegal)

Elsewhere, matchday 8 of Africa’s qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 brought exciting moments and important outcomes.

Cape Verde won 1-0 against Cameroon, putting them at the top of their group. In Johannesburg, South Africa, and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw in a close match. Egypt and Burkina Faso ended in a 0-0 tie, while Togo celebrated their first victory by beating Sudan 1-0.

In a tightly contested match, South Africa and Nigeria settled for a 1-1 draw. South Africa took the lead with an own goal from Troost-Ekong, but Nigeria responded just before halftime with a goal by Bassey.

In the second half, both teams created chances, with Nigeria looking more dangerous on counterattacks. The draw keeps South Africa well-positioned for automatic qualification, while Nigeria needs to win their remaining matches to stay in contention.

In Group A, Egypt missed a chance to secure qualification, playing to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso. An early injury to Omar Marmoush hampered their attack, and despite Salah having a goal ruled out for offside, they couldn’t break through a solid Burkina Faso defence. With two matches left, the group’s outcome remains up in the air.

Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive

The Liberian Capital will host an intriguing Group A matchday eight 2026 World Cup qualifying tie as host Sierra Leone face off against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia. Kickoff 13hrs GMT

Sierra Leone must win to ignite their chances of a runners-up spot later this afternoon. Only a win will keep the West Africans’ hopes alive, especially after Guinea-Bissau’s 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday.

Coach Mohamed Kallon’s side must head into their final three games of CAF qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with only one mindset: to bag nine points if they are to have any chance of making it to the playoff spot.

In Group A of the CAF qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Burkina Faso sits second on 14 points but well adrift of Egypt at the top of the group. Behind the Burkinabe outfit, Guinea-Bissau, having played a game more, on ten points, overtook Sierra Leone with their 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday.

Sierra Leone is five points adrift of the runner-up spot and a potential playoff berth, but a win will keep their dreams alive going into the final round of matches in October against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.

Key Stats

Sierra Leone has won two, drawn three and lost two in their last seven matches in the World Cup qualifiers (W2 D3 L2).

Ethiopia have won only one of their last seven World Cup qualifying matches (W1 D3 L3).

Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive
Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive
Uganda keep tabs on Algeria in Group G race for top spot
by Football Sierra Leone

Uganda keep tabs on Algeria in Group G race for top spot

Uganda kept their hopes alive following matchday eight of Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Group G as Algeria settled for a draw against Guinea.

Malawi staged a strong comeback against Liberia, Madagascar triumphed over Chad, and Guinea-Bissau found new optimism with their victory against Djibouti.

In the match between Uganda and Somalia, Uganda emerged victorious with a score of 2–0. Scorers: Allan Okello (6 pen), Jude Ssemugabi (39) – responding to Mozambique’s earlier win, Uganda clinched a crucial victory in Kira Town.

Allan Okello netted a penalty just six minutes into the game, and Jude Ssemugabi followed up with another goal before the halftime whistle. This win places Uganda level on points with Mozambique in second place in Group G, trailing only leaders Algeria – a team they will face in a pivotal match next month.

Guinea 0–0 Algeria

Algeria’s usually strong offence struggled in Casablanca. They did not score in a World Cup qualifier for the first time in 37 matches. Guinea’s goalkeeper, Alexis Guendouz, performed well, while Mohamed Amoura missed Algeria’s best chance. Djamel Belmadi’s team remains at the top of Group G with 19 points, but needs to wait until October to secure qualification.

Malawi 2–2 Liberia

Scorers: Gabadinho Mhango (72), Chawanangwa Kawonga (80) for Malawi; Ayouba Kosiah (4, 61) for Liberia  

Ayouba Kosiah scored twice for Liberia, including a bicycle kick in the fourth minute, putting them ahead. However, Malawi fought back. Gabadinho Mhango reduced the gap before Chawanangwa Kawonga equalised eight minutes later, earning a point for Malawi in a thrilling match.

Madagascar 3–1 Chad

Scorers: Warren Caddy (51), Rayan Raveloson (68), Hakim Abdallah (90+3) for Madagascar; Yves Allarabaye (24) for Chad  

Chad took the lead with a goal from Yves Allarabaye. However, Madagascar rallied after halftime. Warren Caddy equalised, Rayan Raveloson put them ahead, and Hakim Abdallah scored in stoppage time to secure the win. This victory places Madagascar at the top of their group alongside Ghana with three games left to play.

Guinea-Bissau register second World Cup qualifying win in Group A
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinea-Bissau register second World Cup qualifying win in Group A

On Monday, Guinea-Bissau improved its chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by earning a 2-0 win against Djibouti at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.

Following a 1-1 draw with Sierra Leone, new coach Emiliano Té led his team to their second win in the qualifiers after eight matches.

The victory came thanks to two second-half goals: Iano Inbeni scored in the 52nd minute, followed by a header from Fali Cande in the 82nd minute, much to the delight of the home fans.

As a result, the win moves them into third in Group A, at least until Sierra Leone faces Ethiopia on Tuesday in the Liberian capital, Monrovia.

With two international windows remaining, nine CAF group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, and the four best runners-up will enter a playoff.

Morocco and Tunisia lead the way as qualified teams ahead of the final rounds. 

Ghana face Mali in a crucial Group I World Cup qualifier in Accra
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana set for Mali cracker in crucial Group I tie in Accra

Ghana is set to reignite their fierce rivalry with Mali in the Group I qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This exciting showdown will take place on Monday in Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana, at the Accra Sports Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 40,000 spectators.

Having recorded five wins, one draw and a defeat, the Black Stars are unbeaten in their last two games in the competition from Group I.

With 16 points from seven games, Ghana is at the top of the Group I standings; the West African giants will book their finals position if they collect at least seven points in their final three games.

“I can’t claim we played well or perfectly since it was a draw [against Chad]. The outcome is all. Ghana coach Otto Addo informed reporters. “We had a lot of corners; we did nothing from that.”

Usually, we win this game; this season, we had many shots, shots on goal, and a lot of ball possession. Ultimately, surely, it is not good enough,h and we have to develop, above all, in our implementation.”

Mali, on the other hand, ended a two-match winless run across all events when they humiliated a hapless Comoros team 3-0 in a Group I match at home on September 4.

Having garnered 12 points from seven games, the Eagles are ranked third in the Group I standings. The West African team must win to have a decent chance of finishing in the top two positions as either group winners or as one of the four best runners-up; their final three games are must-wins.

Bryan Mbeumo helps Cameroon keep tabs on leaders Cape Verde
by Football Sierra Leone

Cameroon ease past Eswatini to keep tabs on leaders Cape Verde

Cameroon extended their unbeaten record in the group with a convincing 3-0 win against Eswatini at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.

The Indomitable Lions got off to a flying start when Gift Gamedze put the ball into the back of his own net in six minutes, and quick-fire goals from Georges-Kevin N’Koudou (25′) and Arthur Avom (28′) sealed all three points.

Bryan Mbeumo helped Cameroon stay close to Cape Verde in their group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

In the sixth minute of the match in Yaounde, Mbeumo passed the ball into the box. It deflected off Gift Gamedze’s head and went over the goalkeeper for the opening goal.

Mbeumo then crossed the ball to Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, who scored a header in the 25th minute. Three minutes later, Arthur Avom scored to make it 3-0.

Andre Onana, the goalkeeper for Cameroon, had an easy game but did fumble one long-range shot in the first half, which he recovered on the second attempt.

Cameroon remains just a point behind Group D leaders Cape Verde, who won 2-0 against Mauritius on Thursday.

Gabon thrash Seychelles to go top of Group F in World Cup Qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Denis Bouanga nets a hat-trick as Gabon thrash Seychelles to top Group F

Gabon secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Seychelles in Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the neutral venue of the Cote d Or Sports Complex in the Mauritian city of Saint Pierre,

Denis Bouanga shone with a first-half hat-trick, scoring in the 4th minute and twice more before halftime, effectively sealing Seychelles’ fate early on.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sidelined by injury, Bouanga capitalised on the opportunity, with his second goal coming in the 38th minute, assisted by Guelor Kanga.

Debutant Yannis M’Bemba rounded off the scoring with a late header from a corner. This win places Gabon at the top of Group F, two points ahead of the Ivory Coast, who face Burundi next before meeting Gabon on September 9 in a crucial match.

Senegalese international Formose Mend joins Watford on loan
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese international Formose Mendy joins Watford on loan

Watford has officially completed the signing of Formose Mendy on loan from Lorient, bolstering their defence as they push for success in the EFL Championship.

The 24-year-old Senegalese international has joined the Hornets on a loan deal that runs until the season’s end, with the option for a permanent transfer.

The club expressed their excitement in a statement, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Formose Mendy to Watford from Lorient!” Watford’s Assistant Sporting Director, Valon Behrami, shared insights on the club’s decision, emphasising, “Formose was our top target, so we’re over the moon to finalise this deal. We’ve had our eye on him for a while, especially given the interest from several clubs.”

Mendy, a right-sided defender standing at 6ft 3in, will don the number 27 shirt at Vicarage Road. His football journey began at the Darou Salam Academy in Dakar before he progressed through the youth ranks at FC Porto and Club Brugge.

He went on to make 68 appearances for Amiens SC in Ligue 2 before moving to Lorient in 2023, where he made 42 appearances in total and played a crucial role in the club’s Ligue 2 title win in 2024/25.

Having already earned 10 caps for Senegal, Mendy was part of the Lions of Teranga squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, further showcasing his growing credentials on the international stage.