Category: International, National Sport News Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Sports, football, players abroad, International and African news website is passionately on all topics of National and International news, identifying our soccer stars.

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON

On Wednesday, Sierra Leone will face off against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium for a spot in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The match will kick off at 1 pm local time.

A win for the Shooting Stars would mean they reach the AFCON U20 tournament for the first time in the history of Sierra Leonean football.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.

The Gambia advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifiers after playing to a goalless draw with Mali on Sunday, September 22, at the SKD Sports Complex.

This result placed The Gambia in the second spot in Group B, alongside group winners Senegal. The next stage will involve the four qualifying teams competing for a place in the finals.

In Group A, Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars finished as group winners with seven points from three games. They will face The Gambia, who finished as runners-up in Group B, in the battle for one of the two AFCON slots.

Senegal finished at the top of Group B with four points from two games, while The Gambia secured qualification for the semifinals with just two points from two games. They put up a strong fight in their opening match against Senegal, forcing them to a 2-2 draw.

Guinea finished as runners-up in Group A with five points, a point adrift of hosts Liberia. They will face defending champions Senegal in the semifinals.

Wednesday Semi-final lineups

Senegal vs. Guinea

Sierra Leone vs. Gambia

The two finalists will automatically qualify for the 2025 U-20 AFCON Finals.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.
The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.
Sierra Leone down to 125 in Fifa Ranking after defeat to Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone down to 125 in Fifa Ranking after defeat to Zambia

Sierra Leone’s national football team, the Leone Stars, has experienced a significant decline in the latest FIFA rankings, dropping three places to 125th in the world and 35th in Africa.

The African Cup of Nations team had a goalless draw against the underdog team Chad in Liberia and suffered a 3-2 defeat to Zambia. As a result, the head coach, Amidu Kamara, has faced heavy criticism from soccer fans at home and abroad, with many calling for his immediate resignation.

The decline in ranking comes on the heels of the Leone Stars’ ongoing struggle in the CAF qualifiers, where they have failed to secure a win in their last three international matches.

Since his appointment by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), the coach has only managed to secure two wins out of eight games. Despite these setbacks, Sierra Leone still maintains a higher rank than countries such as The Gambia, India, and Rwanda.

The pressure is mounting on the Leone Stars squad to reverse their fortunes as they gear up for a crucial double-header against Ivory Coast in October as part of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

With about 95% of football pundits expressing doubt about the Leone Stars’ qualification prospects due to their recent poor performance, the team faces an uphill battle to turn things around.

Sierra Leone’s next outing is a back-to-back against reigning African Champions Ivory Coast next month as part of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

In the global rankings, Argentina remains in the top spot, followed by France, Spain, England, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Colombia, and Italy.

The next FIFA rankings will be released on October 24, 2024.

Sierra Leone through U20 semis after win over Guinea-Bissau
by @football_sierra

Sierra Leone through to U20 semis after win over Guinea-Bissau

In the AFCON U-20 WAFU A qualifiers at the SKD Annex Field in Monrovia, defender Nathaniel Jalloh scored a crucial 45th-minute goal, securing Sierra Leone U-20 a spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over a struggling 10-man Guinea-Bissau team.

Guinea Bissau’s team, the Young Djourtous, had already been eliminated after losing their first two matches, but they played for pride in the last encounter.

Their situation worsened when they were reduced to 10 men following a red card in the second half.

As a result, Sierra Leone topped Group A with 7 points, followed by Guinea with 5 points.

A victory in the semifinals will ensure the Shooting Stars’ participation in the upcoming African Cup of Nations U-20 category.

The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for exceptional performance.

In a post-match conference, Sierra Leone U-20 Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara expressed his confidence and trust in his team, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming semifinal match as a crucial moment for their AFCON U-20 aspirations.

“We are now focusing on our preparations for the semifinals,” Coach Kamara stated. “Our semifinal encounter is one of the most important matches for us, as it determines our hope to qualify for the AFCON U-20.”

The Shooting Stars are now gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal match in their journey.

The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for exceptional performance.
The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for exceptional performance.
Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier

On Tuesday, in a tense atmosphere, Zambia’s Chipolopolo secured their first victory in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

In the opening 25 minutes, Zambia dominated the game and scored their first goal with a header by Kennedy Musonda in the 28th minute. However, Sierra Leone equalized with a great strike by Augustus Kargbo in the 33rd minute after poor defending from the host team.

Both teams showed resilience after the 35th minute in the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifier match. Sierra Leone’s coach, Amidu Karim, made four changes to the starting lineup, resulting in a better performance, especially on the left wing of the team’s attack.

Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba, a substitute from Al Nasr Benghazi, put the home side back in the lead with a good strike in the 70th minute.

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha, coming off the bench, scored his first international goal, levelling the game 2-2 in the 73rd minute.

In the 85th minute, Kings Kangwa from Hapoel Beer Sheva scored with a clever free-kick, putting Zambia back in front for the third time after a handball from the Sierra Leone defensive, Ibrahim Sillah.

Zambia’s head coach Grant was delighted after the match and commended his players for their determination.

“It was a fantastic win; we played really well,” Grant told reporters after the match. “We created chances, but more importantly, we showed great mentality. Even after they equalized at 1-1 and then at 2-2, we never gave up. Two minutes after every goal they scored, we scored again. Many teams would have crumbled, but we kept playing and played well.”

He added, “Similarly to our performance in Ivory Coast, the players are displaying a lot of character, fighting spirit, and commitment, and I am very happy about that.”

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast defeated Chad 2-0 with goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso in the 45th minute and Oumar Diakité at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Cameroon to stay top of the group with six points ahead of October’s doubleheader against Sierra Leone.

Ivory Coast continues to lead, with Zambia close behind at three points, Sierra Leone at two, and Chad with one point.

Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
SIERRA LEONE STARTING XI FOR ZAMBIA (1)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Four changes to Sierra Leone Starting XI for Zambia

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim has made four changes from the Chad opener in today’s starting line-up for Leone Stars’ second match in the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifying against Zambia.

Kick-off at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is 21 hours local as coach Avram Grant’s side hosts their West African Counterparts.

With Injury to Qatar-based midfielder Alhassan Koroma, the Gaffer has opted to bring in Holland-based midfielder Ibrahim Sillah in his place. Furthermore, Bo Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara and Cambridge winger Sullay Kaikai are in for Daniel Kanu and Plymouth Argyle’s Mustapha Bundu.

The same back four in Ankara Keçiörengücü‘s defender Steven Caulker, Dinamo Brest centre-back Jarju Kabia, Hartford Athletic‘s Emmanuel Samadia and Osman Kakay.

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who made his International debut in the draw against Chad, started from the bench.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh replaced Jose Koroma to team up with Italy-based Augustus Kargbo, Bo Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara and Cambridge United Sullay Kaikai in attack.

A must-win game or worse case, Sierra Leone must avoid defeat at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Sierra Leone Subs: 23 Francis Koroma, 16, Isaac Caulker, 17, Yeami Dunia, 20 Saidu Mansaray, 13 Josh Koroma, 3 Sallie Tarawallie, 27 Hindolo Mustapha, 22 Kamil Conteh, 10 Mustapha Bundu, 14 Daniel Kanu, 12, Jonathan Morsay, 4 Saidu Fofana

One game cannot decide AFCON spot - Skipper Steven Caulker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Skipper Steven Caulker’s report card ahead of Zambia tie

Skipper Steven Caulker emphasized that one game cannot determine the AFCON spot. He expressed the Leone Stars’ determination to confront a formidable Zambia team and uphold the pride of Sierra Leone.

Caulker is set to captain the Leone Stars in a crucial match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Tuesday as part of the journey to Morocco 2025 at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium.

“We were absolutely clear that we intended to secure all three points against Chad, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. I firmly believe that our performance against Chad was not bad.

We created several chances but couldn’t capitalize on the day. However, the very fact that we were able to create chances is a positive sign, Caulker rightly pointed out.

Defensively, clinching a clean sheet is a major accomplishment for us, and we are fully committed to elevating our performance from one to three points against Zambia, despite the challenging nature of the upcoming game against a formidable opponent.

Qualifying for the next AFCON will not be determined after just one game but after six games. That will be the real test. We secured one point and currently hold the second position in the table – providing us with a solid foundation to build on.”

Everyone is filled with positivity and we are prepared to give our all for Sierra Leone on Tuesday.”

Both teams faced challenging starts, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

We know their weaknesses - Avram Grant on Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

We know their weaknesses – Avram Grant on Sierra Leone

Avram Grant, the Zambia head coach, spoke ahead of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as he prepares his team to play against Sierra Leone on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium.

Both teams had a rough start, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Grant is committed to securing Zambia’s qualification for a back-to-back AFCON, despite the team’s four consecutive losses and winless streak since November 2023.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match, Grant promised a new game plan and expressed optimism, stating that the technical bench has thoroughly studied Sierra Leone’s tactics and they are prepared to demonstrate Zambia’s strength as a team.

“We are well-informed about the opponent. We have shared our insights with the players and thoroughly analyzed all of the opponent’s recent games. Everyone, including the staff, has reviewed this information,” he stated.

“We have identified their weaknesses and strengths. While they are a very good team – our objective is to demonstrate that we are also a strong team.”

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home

In Friday’s match, Sierra Leone missed an opportunity to secure a win as they settled for a goalless draw against Les Sao of Chad in the Group G opener at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia.

The visitors put up a solid fight in the Liberian capital as Sierra Leone failed to create decisive chances in the opening hour of the tie.

The Leone Stars in most of the game, struggled to assert themselves, facing relentless pressure from Chad. Chad maintained a persistent offensive, repeatedly testing Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara, who made several outstanding saves.

A missed opportunity arose for Sierra Leone when substitute Musa Noah Kamara’s presence led to a promising chance, only for Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu to falter late in the game.

Musa struck another shot in the final two minutes of extra time, but it was an easy save for the Coton Sport keeper, Allabatina Allamtana Gabin

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who received his first International call, made his Sierra Leone debut.

This outcome makes it imperative for both Sierra Leone and Chad to pursue a win in their next matches: Sierra Leone will face Zambia, while Chad will host defending champions Ivory Coast, both on Tuesday.

Sierra Leone has failed to secure victories in their last three opening recent Cup of Nations qualification matches against Lesotho and Nigeria, the 0-0 result against Chad.

In the meantime, the other teams in the group, Ivory Coast and Zambia, will confront each other at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké later this evening.

Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home
Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim has named his starting squad for the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifying opener against Chad at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who received his first International call, is starting from the bench.

The Gaffer has opted for experience in defence with Ankara Keçiörengücü‘s defender Steven Caulker, Dinamo Brest centre-back Jarju Kabia, Hartford Athletic‘s Emmanuel Samadia and Osman Kakay as his back four.

First start for Huddersfield attacker Jose Koroma, who will team up with Italy-based Augustus Kargbo, Mustapha Bundu and Daniel Kanu to find goal access over 90 minutes of football.

In Midfield, Twin brothers -Alusine and Alhassan Koroma must create cover and process attacks for the team.

The Leone Stars – ranked 56 places higher than their opponents, must lay down an early statement against the Central African nation at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium on September 6th.

A win will significantly increase the squad’s belief when they engage Zambia’s Chipolopolo on the 9th for the second match day at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad
Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad
We cannot underestimate Chad - Coach Amidu Karim
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Amidu Karim: We cannot underestimate Chad

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim has asserted that his team will not underestimate Friday’s opponent, Chad or any present-day African football team.

Karim is gearing up to kick off the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers with a match against Les Sao of Chad in Liberia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium on Friday.

A strong start is crucial for the Leone Stars to show their determination after missing out on the last AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The Leone Stars find themselves in Group G, which poses a tough challenge with the presence of the defending champions Ivory Coast, Zambia’s Chipolopolo, and the underdog Chad, all vying for two qualifying spots.

Sierra Leone has a chance to win if they improve their defense as they have conceded in five straight matches. Chad also needs to address their defensive problems after conceding in ten consecutive away matches.

Karim discussed his team’s aspirations for qualification in an interview with www.footballsierraleone.net.

“I have closely observed Chad’s gameplay, they are a formidable team. They are not to be underestimated. We have put every modality in place to secure a victory this Friday.

With regards to Zambia, we all know they are a top-notch team, but in African football, no team should be underrated. Football in Africa has moved to different heights.”

Last Meetings – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa 1st round 1st Leg

Oct 10, 2015. – Chad 1 – 0 Sierra Leone

Oct 13, 2015, Africa, FIFA World Cup Africa 1st round 2nd Leg

Sierra Leone 2 – 1 Chad