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Musa Tombo makes history after third Golden Boots Award
by FSL News

Musa Tombo makes history by winning third Golden Boot Award

Musa Noah ‘Tombo’ Kamara, a well-known striker in the Sierra Leone Premier League, has achieved a significant milestone in the competition’s history, Mohamed Fajah Barrie reports.

He has clinched the highest goal scorer award an impressive three times, making him the only player to achieve this feat since the inception of the national top-flight league in 1980.

In the recently concluded 2023/2024 season, Musa Tombo secured the coveted Golden Boot by scoring an outstanding 15 goals, including two hat-tricks for Ports Authority, despite joining the team midway through the season.

What sets Musa apart is his remarkable goal-scoring abilities and his consistency in achieving this feat with different clubs. He initially claimed the top goal scorer title with East End Lions in 2019, contributing 15 goals to the team’s unbeaten league victory.

Subsequently, in the 2021/2022 season, he achieved the same feat with Bo Rangers, scoring 19 goals and guiding the team to their first premier league title. Now, with Ports Authority FC, Musa Kamara has once again displayed his exceptional talent.

In another success story, Bo Rangers were officially crowned champions of the 2023/2024 Sierra Leone Premier League after a 5-1 victory over Lamboi FC of Lungi, securing their third consecutive league title and their third championship in the club’s history.

The grand celebration at the Southern Arena was a fitting conclusion to their exceptional season, having clinched the title with three games to spare.

On the other hand, newcomer Kahunla Rangers of Kenema bid farewell to their debut season in the Premier League after being relegated before their final game over the weekend.

Shifting the focus to the women’s category, Mogbwemo Queens of Rutile mirrored Bo Rangers’ success by retaining their women’s premier league title, maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the season.

A standout individual achievement in the women’s league was witnessed with FC Kallon’s Kumba Zainab Brima securing the league’s best player award and claiming the Golden Boot for the second season in a row with an impressive 39 goals, setting a new record for the highest goal tally by an individual in a single season across all categories, 13 more goals than last season.

Sierra Leone up four places in latest FIFA World rankings
by FSL News

Sierra Leone up four places in latest FIFA World ranking

Sierra Leone rose to 122nd from 126th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings after securing four points in World Cup qualifiers in June.

A slow improvement also saw them move from 35th in Africa to 34th place.

Neighbours Liberia has made the biggest climb in the latest FIFA Rankings, jumping 10 spots from 152 to 142.

After a 2-1 win over Djibouti and a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso in June’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, the team moved up to 122nd, just behind Camoross, Togo and Sudan, respectively.

During the June international break, Coach Amidu Karim’s team secured a win and a draw in their last two qualifying games.

Sierra Leone achieved their best-ever ranking in August 2014 when they gained 14 places, entering the top 50 for the first time in their history.

At the time, the Leone Stars ranked 50th globally and was in the continent’s top seven places in 2014. 

Meanwhile, In Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Cameroon, Mali and South Africa make the top ten. 

In the global rankings, the top three remain the same, with Argentina (1st), France (2nd), and Belgium (3rd) maintaining their positions.

However, the rankings behind them have shifted, as Brazil (4th, up 1) and England (5th, down 1) swapped places.

Portugal (6th), the Netherlands (7th), and Spain (8th) retained their spots in the top ten, while Croatia (9th, up 1) surpassed Italy (10th, down 1), who still hold onto a place among the leading teams.

For the full FIFA Men’s Rankings click here.

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July
by FSL News

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July

Sierra Leone will find out their group opponents for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. (Photo Credit SLFA)

The draw will take place at SuperSport studios in South Africa at 14:30 local time (15:30 Cairo time, 12:30 GMT).

The Leone Stars did not qualify for the AFCON in Ivory Coast as they finished third in Group A behind Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

This time, the Leone Stars are expected to be in Pot Three. A total of 48 nations, including four preliminary round winners, will be drawn into 12 groups, with each group consisting of four teams.

The qualifiers will begin in September 2024 to determine the initial 24 nations competing in Africa’s largest event.

The event will feature CAF legends, team representatives, and members of the Local Organizing Committee.

A Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.

This victory gave the Southern Province side an insurmountable fifteen-point lead over their closest rivals, Bhantal FC.

Since 2019, they made history as the first team from outside the capital city of Freetown to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League three consecutive times.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to claim a league-and-cup double when they face East End Lions in the FA Cup final, pending a decision on the date by the authorities.

Suffian Kalokoh and Kwame Mketiah each scored a goal, giving Bo Rangers a two-goal lead before Wusum’s Paul Jackson Kama netted one back in the 72nd minute. Despite this, Bo Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and secure maximum points.

Coach John Keister reflected on the success, expressing his pride in being a title-winning coach once again.

He acknowledged the challenges of leading a club that had previously won the title twice, but he emphasized the collective pride in their achievements. Keister also shared his personal satisfaction in accomplishing this for the people of Bo City.

Bo Rangers have now secured their third title since the revamp of the Sierra Leone top tier in 2019, with Keister securing his second title in the same period.

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Josh Koroma makes Sierra Leone's debut in World Cup qualifier
by FSL News

Josh Koroma makes Sierra Leone debut in World Cup qualifier

Josh Koroma, a striker for Huddersfield Town, made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso in match day four of the FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

At 25 years old, Koroma was a late addition to coach Amidu Karim’s squad and was substituted into the match in the 78th minute, replacing Augustus Kargbo.

A fantastic goal by striker Amadou Bakayoko secured a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. Bakayoko came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place, while Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Next up, Burkina Faso will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while Sierra Leone will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Striker Amadou Bakayoko rescues against Burkina Faso in Bamako
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko rescues Sierra Leone against Burkina Faso

Striker Amadou Bakayoko’s fantastic goal saved a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. He came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

Burkina Faso had a strong start, with Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, making a couple of good saves. The Stallions also hit the post through their top striker, Lassina Traoré.

But a strong show from the Leone Stars saw Burkina Faso lose a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali on Monday.

The Leone Stars were under pressure from the start and conceded in the 42nd minute when Dango Ouattara beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara to make it 1-0 to Burkina Faso after being set up by Stephane Aziz Ki.

The Stallions maintained their momentum after scoring the opening goal and extended their lead through Lassina Traore in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a penalty. Burkina Faso led 2-0 at the break.

Despite this, the visitors managed to score against the run of play in the 58th minute when Augustus Kargbo found the net, narrowing the score to 2-1.

The Comeback

In a strategic move, Coach Amidu Karim introduced Amadou Bakayoko with four minutes left, and the 28-year-old proved to be an inspired substitute by scoring in the 88th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place as Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Looking ahead, the Stallions will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while the Leone Stars will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Burkina Faso (2) 2 (Ouattara 41′, L. Traore 45’+2)

Sierra Leone (0) 2 (Kargbo 58′, Bakayoko 88′)

Burkina Faso: Nikiema, Tapsoba, Nagalo, Yago, Ouedraogo, Banse, Ki (Sampore 69′), Badolo (Toure 89′), Bande (H. Traore 80′), Ouattara (Bouda 88′), L. Traore (Konate 69′).

Sierra Leone: M. N Kamara, Kakay, Samadia (R Michael 86′), Kabia, Davies, Dumbuya (Conteh 69′), Alhassa Koroma, Alh Koroma, Kanu (Bakayoko 86′), Kaikai (Bundu 69′), Kargbo (J. Koroma 78′).

Coach Amidu Karim makes Two Changes for Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Coach Amidu Karim makes three Changes for Burkina Faso

Abdul Jarju Kabia, Hapoel Kfar Saba defender, has been reinstated to the back four for the match day four tie against Burkina Faso. He joined Curtis Davies, Emmanuel Samadia, and skipper Osman Kakay in the defensive lineup.

Defender J Kabia was previously suspended for the Djibouti game but is now back in action.

In a tactical change, Abu Dumbuya has replaced Mustapha Bundu, and Daniel Kanu has come on for Amadou Bakayoko in the attack for Sierra Leone. Defender J Kabia in for midfielder Mahamed Kabia.

Davies, a seasoned player who first represented the England under-21 team in 2006, will make his second international appearance for Sierra Leone against the Stallions of Burkina Faso after scoring his first international goal against Djibouti.

The kickoff at the Stade du 26 Mars is at 19:48 as both West Africans meet for the second time in their history.

Attacker Joshua Abdulai Koroma, who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Huddersfield Town, is named on the bench.

Coach Karim has stressed the crucial importance of securing a victory for qualification and has spoken highly of the players’ preparedness to showcase their best performance.

The nine group winners will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one spot in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Monday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 19:48 | Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako Mali
Coach Amidu Karim has made two changes for Burkina Faso.
Coach Amidu Karim has made two changes for Burkina Faso.
Mogbwemo Queens win second straight Sierra Leone Women's league title
by David Lebbie

Mogbwemo Queens rout Mena Queens to win 2nd straight title

Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.

The skipper, Kadiatu M Kamara, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, leading the team to an outstanding performance in this season’s campaign.

Salamatu J. Kamara doubled the visitors’ lead, followed by Mariama Sembu scoring a brace, and Kadiatu M. Kamara completing her double in the 82nd minute.

The team has won 20 and drawn 1 of their 21 league matches, and they are one match away from securing an Invincible record.

Adama Paulina Suma, the Head Coach, expressed her happiness and emphasized the team’s hard work and consistency.

The team captain, Kadiatu M Kamara, highlighted the importance of teamwork and tolerance within the team.

They will face Albitaya Queen next weekend at Rutile Field in Mogbwemo.

Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women's Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.
Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women's Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.
Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Showdown in Bamako as Sierra Leone eye second win

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso recently lost 2-1 to Egypt, so they will surely be looking for a win against Sierra Leone. The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, on the other hand, registered their first 2-1 victory over Djibouti in Matchday three of the qualifiers.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team needs to either win or avoid defeat against Burkina Faso to keep their World Cup hopes alive. A loss will significantly reduce the Leones Stars’ chances.

This upcoming match at the 26th of March Stadium will be the second meeting between the two West African nations, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso last played each other almost 30 years ago.

Sierra Leone won with a score of 2-1, thanks to Mohamed Kallon’s winning goal at the 1996 Nations Cup in South Africa. Now, both teams are set to meet again in Bamako for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. What will the outcome be this time?

Burkina Faso is coming off a defeat to Egypt but started their World Cup qualifying journey with a draw against Guinea-Bissau and a victory over Ethiopia.

On the other hand, Sierra Leone’s recent 2-1 win against Djibouti brought an end to their four-match winless run.

This victory has moved Sierra Leone to fourth place in the group standings, just behind Burkina Faso on goal difference.

Despite the recent defeat, Traore was a standout performer for Burkina Faso against Egypt, and he is expected to lead the attack again.

Monday – 10 June, 2024

  • Somalia v Botswana (Group G) | 1300 | Maputo, Mozambique
  • Equatorial Guinea  v Malawi  (Group H) | 1300 | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 
  • Madagascar v Mali (Group I) | 1300 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Guinea Bissau v Egypt (Group A) | 1600 | Bissau, Guinea Bissau
  • Benin v Nigeria (Group C) | 1600 | Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
  • Uganda v Algeria  (Group G) | 1600 | Namboole, Uganda
  • Guinea  v Mozambique (Group G) | 1900 | El Jadida, Morocco
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order

On Friday, a significant development unfolded for the Sierra Leone Football Association as their administrative office was ordered to be sealed by the High Court. This action is likely to have a substantial impact on the operations and activities of the association.

The football body revealed that law enforcement, acting on the High Court’s instructions, closed their office, leaving their staff unable to access the premises.

SLFA’s President Thomas Daddy Brima, currently with the Sierra Leone national team for World Cup qualifiers, has assured that the issue would be resolved swiftly and called on staff to respect court orders.

This follows a case involving allegations of match-fixing against former Internationals Ibrahim Koroma and Samuel Barley.

In 2014, both players were implicated in a match-fixing scandal resulting in their indefinite suspensions, along with 13 others. Solicitors to the claimants are unavailable for comments.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso on match day four, scheduled for Monday. All team activities will be outside the country, but the Secretariat’s functions will remain critical.

Winning at the Stade du 26 Mars would significantly enhance the Leone Stars’ chances of earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.