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Bo Rangers optimistic ahead of San Pedro Champions League tie

Bo Rangers optimistic ahead of San Pedro Champions League tie

Sierra Leonean champions Bo Rangers’ head coach has spoken ahead of their CAF Champions League Interclub 2024/25 Preliminary first leg at the Southern Arena in Bo against San Pedro of Ivory Coast.

The much-anticipated CAF Interclub tie is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, at 4 pm local time before the second leg next weekend in Ivory Coast. 

Providing background on his team’s preparation, John Keister stated that after winning the league, the players were given a two-week break. Upon their return, they have been working hard, and the coach is pleased with their response and efforts during training.

He said the team played some practice games to see how well they were doing in different situations. Keister stressed how important these matches were for checking the players’ and team’s condition before the CAF competition.

“We are satisfied with the team’s performance so far, and there is a great sense of optimism within the team as we head into the qualifiers,” Keister stated.

He acknowledged that Bo Rangers has previously struggled in the competition but expressed confidence in the team’s strength this time around. The coach emphasized the team’s determination to achieve positive results.

“The players are very optimistic and mentally strong. We are pleased with our preparation,” Keister said, acknowledging the historical challenges Sierra Leonean teams have faced against Ivorian counterparts.

However, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome these obstacles.

Mogbewmo Queens secure win to keep qualifying hopes alive

Mogbewmo Queens secure win to keep qualifying hopes alive

On Thursday, Mogbwemo Queens, the Sierra Leone Champions, secured a decisive 2-1 victory against Determine Girls at the Southern Arena in a WAFU A CAF Champions League match.

This win firmly maintains their tournament hopes, as they have maintained an unbeaten record in the qualifiers after playing three games.

In the 6th minute of the match, Nadi Quadé, a player from Guinea-Bissau, scored the first goal for Mogbwemo Queens with an outstanding assist from Sembu. This goal marked a significant milestone for Quadé as it was her first continental goal.

Despite Determine Girls equalizing in the 35th minute after extensive pressure on the home side, Mogbwemo Queens emerged victorious after captain Kadiatu M. Kamara secured the win with a long-range set piece, earning her the Woman of the Match award.

This win revived Mogbwemo Queens’ campaign in the qualifiers. If they win their final match against Red Scorpions and Determine Girls draw, Mogbwemo Queens will qualify from Zone A for the CAF proper.

Determine Girls coach Patience J Gwah expressed some disappointment with the result but promised that her team would return strong in their last game on Sunday.

Adama Paulina Suma, the coach of Mogbwemo Queens, applauded her players for defeating one of the tournament favourites, emphasizing that they are here for a reason.

Suma’s side has drawn two matches and won one, while Determine Girls have managed two wins and a draw.

The host team will play Gambian Champions Red Scorpions, and Determine Girls will face Senegal’s Ladies of Madina on Sunday.                   

Mogbewmo Queens beat Determine Girls to keep qualifying hopes alive
Mogbewmo Queens beat Determine Girls to keep qualifying hopes alive
Mogbewmo Queens in hunt for first win in WAFU women's qualifier

Mogbewmo Queens in hunt for first win in WAFU Women’s qualifier

Sierra Leone’s champions, Mogbewmo Queens are seeking their first win in the ongoing CAF WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifiers, which they must achieve against the table-topping Liberian team, Determine Girls, at the Southern Arena on Thursday.

The host’s hopes of qualification will be in jeopardy if they fail to win, having drawn their first two matches in the ongoing CAF WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

Mogbwemo Queens played to a goalless draw in the tournament opener against AS Mandé. Queens were then held to a 2-2 draw by the Senegalese Aigles de la Médina in their second match.

On Monday, Liberia’s Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three of the WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Bo, Sierra Leone.

This victory has propelled the 2022 regional champions to the top of the standings under the guidance of coach Patience J. Gwah, creating a significant lead over their main rivals.

On the same matchday, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbewmo Queens was held to a 2-2 draw against Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina, who are now on four points after.

The resilient Mogbewmo Queens side is still without a win, but with two matchdays remaining, the competition for the coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League is intensifying.

So far, the tournament has been full of surprises. Determine Girls’ rise to the top is the most notable.

Détermine Girls, the 2022 zonal champions, lead with six points after two wins – Aigles de la Médina and AS Mandé follow with four points each.

Mogbwemo Queens are fourth with two points, while Red Scorpion failed to score in the qualifying tournament for the CAF Women’s Champions League final phase.

Today's matches in CAF WAFU A Women's Champions League qualifiers
Today's matches in CAF WAFU A Women's Champions League qualifiers
Emergency Appeals Committee reverse Freetown City's judgement

Intriguing twist in Sierra Leone Premier League relegation battle

Freetown City and Wilberforce Strikers have been granted a replay by the Premier League Emergency Appeals Committee, overturning the previous decision.

However, no date was mentioned to replay the remaining minutes of June’s 30th top-tier football contest, which was later abandoned due to chaos.

The issue began on June 30, the second-to-last day of the league. A disputed penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute while FCFC was leading 1-0. This resulted in the match being stopped and eventually called off by the referee.

A replay win for Freetown City will mean Real Republicans are relegated from the Sierra Leone top-tier men’s football league.

The previous Ruling – On July 19, 2024, the Disciplinary Committee awarded three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers, claiming that FCFC fans, officials, and players had behaved improperly. FCFC denies this claim.

A recap of the Emergency Appeals Committee’s decision

The Emergency Appeals Committee’s report states that the remaining minutes of the match between Freetown City Football Club and Wilberforce Strikers should be played according to Rule 23.2 to Rule 23.2.8 of the SLFA Premier League Rules and Regulations 2023.

The report recommends lifting the fine imposed on Abdul K. Turay, the captain of Freetown City Football Club. The Committee did not find evidence supporting the claim that he assaulted the referee, besides the referee’s report.

New Premier League Emergency Appeals Committee ruling in full in case between Freetown City and Wilberforce Strikers
Southern Arena ready to host San Pedro as Rangers bolster squad

Southern Arena ready to host San Pedro as Rangers bolster squad

Bo Rangers, Sierra Leone’s reigning champions, have bolstered their team with the season’s top scorer, Musa Noah Kamara, and six new players.

In addition, the Confederation of African Football has approved the Southern Arena to host next month’s Interclub first-leg match against Ivorian side San Pedro, Football Sierra Leone Understands.  

The new additions to Bo Rangers’ squad include young left-back Idrissa Sesay from Freetonians SLIFA, versatile defender Edmund Momoh, Lamin Conteh from FC Johansen, goalkeeper Abubakarr Kamara from Wusum Stars, George Mattar, who was in Sweden and Michael Brima from Alpha Lions in Kenema, making the squad stronger – as they prepare for the upcoming CAF Champions League campaign in August.

Musa, the leading goal scorer this season, scoring 15 goals and winning the Golden Boot, has re-joined his former club and is the first player to achieve this award with three different clubs.

Bo Rangers will face the Ivorian team San Pedro in a crucial match during the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League next month for a place in the next round.

The tie will occur between the 16th and 18th of August, followed by a trip to Ivory Coast the following weekend.

It’s worth noting that since 1989, when Mighty Blackpool reached the Quarterfinal stage of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, no Sierra Leonean team has progressed to the group stages of Interclub competitions.

These upcoming competitions will provide a chance for Rangers and East End Lions to make a significant impact in continental football and rewrite history.

Sierra Leone Interclub representatives await CAF clearance to host matches

Sierra Leone await clearance to host CAF Interclub matches

Sorie Ibrahim Sesay, the Director of Competitions and a CAF-certified stadium Inspector for the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), diligently inspected the Southern Arena on Saturday, July 20th, to ensure it meets the standards required for CAF approval.

Sierra Leone stadiums were not included in the initial list of approved stadiums by CAF for the 2024/25 Inter-Club competitions.

In August, Champions Bo Rangers FC and East End Lions Football Club are scheduled to participate in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively.

There is a chance that these matches could occur in Sierra Leone. This will depend on the review of the pre-inspection report by CAF in the coming days, which will determine the eligibility of the Southern Arena stadium for these important matches.

In the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup, East End Lions will play against ASC Jaraaf from Senegal, and Bo Rangers will play against San-Pédro from Ivory Coast in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.

The first leg matches are scheduled for August 16th-18th – with the return fixtures taking place the following weekend.

Freetown City's relegation confirmed after the Disciplinary Committee's decision

Freetown City relegated after Disciplinary Committee’s decision

On July 19th, 2024, Freetown City suffered relegation from the Sierra Leone Premier League. This decision came after the league’s Disciplinary Committee awarded three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers.

On the second-to-last day of the league, a controversial penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute while FCFC was leading 1-0. As a result of this decision, the match was halted and subsequently abandoned by the referee.

FCFC has forfeited the match. As a result, 3 points and 2 goals have been awarded to Wilberforce Strikers FC by Rule 24.2 paragraphs b, c, and d, reports the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest Committee.

Several fines and suspensions were imposed on FCFC players, coaches, and management due to the incident. Additionally, FCFC has been fined 10 million Leones for the collective misconduct of its players, officials, and supporters.

The Secretary General of FCFC expressed disappointment with the decision and stated that the club will challenge it through established mechanisms to ensure justice.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1814606173993144383

New East End Lions Coach Mohamed Lamin aim to restore glory.

New East End Lions Coach Mohamed Kamara aims to restore glory

The newly appointed coach of East End Lions, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, has expressed his aim to bring the club back to its former glory of winning championships and consistently competing for honours.

“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mohamed Lamin Kamara (ML) as our new Head Coach on a two-year contract, with the option to extend for an additional year,” stated the management of the East End club.

Coach Kamara and his team will focus on helping the club as they prepare to face tough competition as they take on ASC Jaraaf from Senegal in the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup.

The first leg will be hosted by The Killers between the 16th and 18th of August, followed by a trip to Senegal to face Association Sportive et Culturelle Jaraaf the following weekend.

Speaking about the task ahead, Kamara emphasized the immense effort needed to build trust and confidence and deliver positive results.

“My leadership is open to collaborating with all those who are dedicated to the club’s success, in order to tackle these challenges to the best of our ability,” the former Wusum boss explained. “My vision is to rejuvenate the success of East End Lions at all levels, by establishing structures and achieving the required results.”

“I believe I have the necessary experience to lead the Lions, and with freedom in technical matters and support in other areas, our collective experience will help us reach our objectives.”

Lions also announced that the coach will oversee the backroom staff, focusing on player development, winning games and trophies, and maintaining discipline among players.

The club is fully committed to providing the necessary resources to support the coach and is confident that his leadership will lead to great success for the team.

In addition, one of Sierra Leone’s most distinguished clubs revealed that Abdul Karim Bangura (Mexes) will serve as Assistant Coach 1, Abdul Rahim Sheriff (Bellamy) as Assistant Coach 2, and former player Alie Jaward as the club’s new Goalkeeper Coach.

Bo Rangers face San Pedro as EE Lions meet ASC Jaraaf

Bo Rangers face San Pedro as EE Lions meet ASC Jaraaf

Sierra Leone’s East End Lions and Bo Rangers will play West African teams in the Caf Confederation Cup and Caf Champions League in August.

Get ready for an exciting match-up as the Sierra Leone Champions Bo Rangers take on the Ivorian side San Pedro in the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.

Mark your calendars for the matches scheduled between the 16th and 18th of August, with a thrilling trip to Ivory Coast the following weekend.

Under the guidance of Coach John Keister, the team aims to continue their winning streak and advance to the group stages of the prominent inter-club competition in Africa.

The winner between Rangers and San Pedro will face the winner between Al Hilal of Sudan and Libya 2 in the second round of the competition in September.

In the last competition’s second round, they were knocked out by Algerian team CR Belouizdad with a 6-2 aggregate score over two matches.

In the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup, East End Lions will be facing off against ASC Jaraaf from Senegal in the initial stage of the 2024/2025 Inter-club competition.

The first match will be hosted by The Killers from the 16th to the 18th of August, followed by a trip to Senegal to compete against Association Sportive et Culturelle Jaraaf the following weekend.

The victor between Union Touarga Sportif (UTS) or Racing Club d’Abidjan will confront the winner of East End Lions or ASC Jaraaf in the second-round qualifiers.

The CAF Interclub men’s competitions are gaining popularity in African club football, drawing larger global TV audiences due to the increasing quality of African football.

In the previous season, reigning champions Al Ahly SC extended their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title to a record-extending 12, while their arch-rivals Zamalek were crowned champions of the CAF Confederation Cup for the second time.

Full CAF Champions League first and second-round draws in the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Full CAF Champions League first and second-round draws in the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Full CAF Confederation Cup Draw in the first round preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Full CAF Confederation Cup Draw in the first round preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Southern Province side Bo Rangers have been placed in Pot three ahead of the draw of the Preliminary Stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Sierra Leone Champions Rangers in Pot 3 ahead of CAF CL draw

Southern Province side Bo Rangers have been placed in Pot three ahead of the draw of the Preliminary Stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Having won the Sierra Leone title back-back, coach John Keister’s team will now set their sight to make the group stages of the top-tier Inter club competition in Africa.

In the last competition’s second round, they were knocked out by Algerian team CR Belouizdad with a 6-2 aggregate score over two matches. The CAF Interclub men’s competitions are highly popular in African club football, with increasing global TV audiences due to the growing standard of African football.

The CAF Champions League will feature 59 clubs from 47 African countries, and the CAF Confederation Cup will include 52 clubs from 41 countries.

The draw for the Preliminary Stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub season will take place at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Its is scheduled to be broadcast live on CAF’s official YouTube channel, CAF TV, at 15:00 local time (noon GMT). The last competition was won by Al Ahly SC of Egypt.

The CAF Champions League will feature 59 clubs from 47 African countries.
The CAF Champions League will feature 59 clubs from 47 African countries.