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"The win will give us confidence," said Osman Kakay
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

“The win will give us confidence,” said Osman Kakay

Sierra Leone’s right back, Osman Kakay, is thrilled with the Leone Stars’ 2-1 victory over Djibouti and sees it as a powerful motivation for their crucial match against Burkina Faso in Mali on Monday. (Photo Credit SLFA)

Kakay led coach Karim’s side to a well-deserved win against Djibouti on match-day three of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.

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

“It was our first win in the group, a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey to qualify for the global tournament. We are delighted to have secured our first win in the group.

The team performed well, and while no game is easy, our main objective was to secure the result, which will boost our confidence for Monday,” Kakay shared.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is focused on diligently preparing for the upcoming match against Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali on Monday.”

After three matches in the group stage, Egypt leads with 9 points, Guinea-Bissau has 5 points after drawing with Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone have 4 points each, and Ethiopia is on 2. In contrast, Djibouti has yet to earn a point.

Wednesday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Sierra Leone's head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s 2-1 win against the Sharks of Djibouti in their match-day three 2026 World Cup qualifier in Morocco – on Wednesday.

It was his first win in the group. The victory marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s quest to secure a spot in the global tournament. However, Karim also urged his players to remember that African football is rapidly improving.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is set to continue their preparations for the upcoming match against the Les Étalons of Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali, on Monday.

Karim’s squad is set to receive a substantial boost with the acquisition of Huddersfield Town’s attacker, Josh Koroma. His arrival is poised to provide essential momentum for the team as they gear up for a challenging match against Burkina Faso.

“I was pleased with the victory as it was much-needed. However, as I’ve always said, teams in African football are rapidly improving,” Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“I understand that fans were expecting more goals from the team, but the determination from the players was evident. Djibouti proved to be a tough side, but we fought back and secured the win.

“In today’s African football landscape, there are no underdogs. Djibouti’s recent performance exemplifies this shift. As we prepare to face Burkina Faso, we recognize the need for a revised game plan, and we are committed to beginning our preparations as soon as we arrive in Mali.”

Monday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali

 

Debutant Curtis Davies nets as Sierra Leone register first win In Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies nets as Sierra Leone register first win

Curtis Davies made history as the oldest international debutant to score for a national team in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. This happened after a tense 2-1 victory against Djibouti at Stade El Abdi on Wednesday night.

The Leone Stars started the brightest as they took the lead in the 12th minute, capitalizing on their early pressure with a goal scored by 39-year-old Curtis Davies, marking his competitive national team debut.

Following a defensive blunder by coach Amidu Karim’s side, Djibouti was awarded a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Emmanuel Samadia was handballed inside his penalty area. Gabriel Dadzie stepped up to take the penalty and successfully sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The game entered a scrappy period towards the end of the first half, with neither side creating clear goal-scoring chances.

In the 51st minute of the match, the Leone Stars increased their lead when Augustus Kargbo successfully found the back of the net.

Despite this, Djibouti persisted in their efforts to score a second goal, while Sierra Leone responded by making defensive substitutions in an attempt to control the game.

Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.

Sierra Leone: Kamara, Davies, Kabia, Kakay, Alusine Koroma, Samadia, Kaikai (D Kanu 67’), Bakayoko (A Conteh 67’), Bundu (Dumbuya 79’), Alhassan Koroma (Sillah 88’), Kargbo (Michael 79’)

Djibouti: Luyima, Farada, Siad, Abdi (Omar 72’), Hamadou, Mohamed, Elabeh (Elmi 90’), Aden (Ramadan Abillahi 73’), Akinbinu, Dadzie, Abdillahi

Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.
Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.
Coach Amidu Karim speaks on Sierra Leone and Djibouti qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Karim speaks on Sierra Leone and Djibouti qualifier

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, is confident about his team’s chances as they gear up for the World Cup qualifier against Djibouti.

Karim’s 24-man team is currently in Morocco, undergoing intensive training and preparation for their crucial match on June 5th against Djibouti. This match holds immense significance as it is a crucial step in their journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Their ambition is to secure a spot in this prestigious global tournament, and they are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to achieve this goal.

Karim has opted for consistency by maintaining the same squad for the upcoming matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso. He is relying on the experience of players like Steven Caulker and Curtis Davies to guide the younger members of the team.

Expressing his optimism, Karim stated, “I am confident that we will achieve the desired results. The players are highly motivated and ready to give their best on the field.”

“We need their experience and expertise in guiding the younger players because they have gone through that stage at some point in their career.”

He emphasized the importance of winning for qualification and highlighted the players’ readiness to deliver their best performance.

The coach also noted that many players have had a successful season with their respective clubs, which adds to the team’s strength from a technical standpoint.

In the latest standings, Egypt is leading Group A, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Both Sierra Leone and Ethiopia have managed to secure one point each. Regrettably, Djibouti hasn’t yet earned any points after losing their first two games.

Sierra Leone World Cup Match Day Three Opponent

Group A – Djibouti is ranked 192, 66 places below the Leone Stars. After losing their first two Group A matches, Djibouti is currently at the bottom of the standings.

They suffered a 6-1 defeat to Egypt and a 1-0 home loss to Guinea-Bissau in November 2023.

In their preliminary AFCON qualifier against Liberia in March, Lone Star captain Murphy Dorley scored one of two first-half goals as the Lone Stars defeated hosts Djibouti 2-0 in the opening leg in Marrakech.

Mohammed Sangare opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute, followed by Dorley calmly converting Sebastian Teclar’s cross 12 minutes later. The match ended in a goalless draw in Liberia, leading to their elimination.

Sierra Leone’s Last three Games L-L-L

Djibouti’s Last Three Games D-L-D

Wednesday – 05 June 2024

  • Sierra Leone v Djibouti (Group A) | 1600 | El Jadida, Morocco 
Sierra Leone during their third training session in Morocco ahead of taking on Djibouti's Shoremen of the Red Sea clash.
Sierra Leone during their third training session in Morocco ahead of taking on Djibouti's Shoremen of the Red Sea clash.
In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.
In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.
SLFA and CAF come together to Empower Women in Football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA and CAF come together to Empower Women in Football

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), with support from CAF, is organizing a week-long training program for female football administrators and coaches at the Police Hall in Kingston.

This ground-breaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.

The event’s opening was graced by distinguished personalities including Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, CAF Female Coaching Instructor Mrs. Majidah Nantanda from Uganda, Female Administrative Instructor Thubaelihle Bridgette Sibanda from Zimbabwe, SLFA Technical Director Ibrahim Bah, and other esteemed individuals.

This program marks a significant milestone for CAF in Sierra Leone, achieved through the dedicated efforts of SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima and his Executive Committee. It represents a pivotal moment for women involved in football administration and coaching.

The enthusiasm demonstrated by both CAF experts and SLFA leaders underscores the importance of this initiative in enhancing the confidence and skills of women in football.

Collectively, there is a steadfast commitment to ensuring that women have a prominent role in the development of football in Sierra Leone.

This groundbreaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.
This groundbreaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.
Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers

Experienced defender Curtis Davies has discussed possibly making his official Sierra Leone international debut at 39.

He expressed his excitement, stating that it would be a significant moment for him and his family.

“If I make my international debut for the team, it will be a great honour. My father will fly out for the games, and he is as excited as I am. If I am selected, it will be a significant moment for my family,” Davies told Football Sierra Leone.

“For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game.”

While acknowledging his advanced age, Davies did not rule out the possibility of participating in the World Cup, although he recognized that it would be a challenging goal.

Davies emphasized the importance of securing three points for the nation and getting their World Cup qualifications back on track. He mentioned the upcoming games and the need to focus on the team’s game plan during training.

Davies previously made his debut for the England under-21 team in 2006 and was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for friendly matches in 2023.

Sierra Leone must start winning in their upcoming matches to improve their standing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They will face Djibouti and Burkina Faso in their next matches.

The squad includes midfielder Rodney Michael, who has been in good form and excludes Augustine Williams, despite his impressive goal-scoring record for the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

Egypt leads Group A in the current standings, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."
Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."
John Keister's Bo Rangers set for third successive league title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

John Keister’s Rangers set for third successive league title

John Keister and his team, Bo Rangers, are focused and determined to secure a victory and claim their third straight title this weekend as they face Old Edwardians in their 29th league match at the Southern Arena.

His team may encounter a formidable challenge when they face the May Park Boys, particularly after their remarkable 4-3 comeback victory against FC Kallon in the previous game. This result may have boosted the confidence of the Edwardians.

The Southern league leaders are 17 points top of the table, and a win against the Edwardians will secure them 69 points to lift the title under his leadership with five games to spare.

Rangers have consistently performed well in the Sierra Leone Premier League since the new administration under chairman Babadi Kamara took over in 2019.

“Recent results in the league, such as Bhantal’s defeat to Ports and FC Kallon’s match against Edwards, have put us in a better position to achieve our goal of winning the title,” Keister to Football Sierra Leone. 

“However, we have to keep our focus and stay grounded. I have been involved in football long enough to know that you can’t take anything for granted. We need to respect Edward. We have to approach this match with total seriousness.”

The former Sierra Leone coach is aiming for his second top-flight title after winning his first with East End Lions in 2019 when he went unbeaten.

“Securing this title would be an incredible achievement for Bo Rangers, benefitting the club, the fans, and all those affiliated with it. The chairman, executives, and players have played pivotal roles in driving the team’s success.”

Link to The Sierra Leone Premier League Standings

The upcoming match could potentially determine the title winner if Bo Rangers can secure the maximum points.
The upcoming match could potentially determine the title winner if Bo Rangers can secure the maximum points.
Samuel Gandi’s hat-trick helps Edwards to a comeback victory
by FSL News

Samuel Gandi’s brace helps Edwards to comeback victory

Old Edwardians staged a remarkable comeback to defeat FC Kallon 4-3 on Wednesday at the SLFA academy playing field.

Despite Kallon taking an early three-goal lead in the first 30 minutes, the May Park Boys put on an impressive performance, scoring four goals to secure the win.

Abu Bakarr Jallon opened the scoring for Kallon in the 2nd minute, and Sam Komba Sylla added two more goals in the 25th and 30th minutes, seemingly securing the home side’s bright start.

In spite of everything, the Edwardians demonstrated resilience and character during the last hour of the game. Alusine Kamara, who was named Man of the Match, initiated the comeback for the May Park Boys in the 31st minute when he capitalized on a loose ball to beat the Kallon keeper.

Samuel Gandhi Impressively scored a brace. The best of his goals came in the 70th minute when he outpaced his marker and unleashed a fine strike to beat the Kallon keeper.

This victory moved Old Edwardians to fourth place, leaving Kallon trailing by seventeen points behind the league leaders, Bo Rangers.

The Edwardians’ next match is against the runaway leaders Bo Rangers, who could clinch the title with maximum points at the South Arena on Saturday, 1st June 2024.

View the Sierra Leone Premier League standings 

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ports Authority striker Musa Noah Kamara nets second hat-trick

On Tuesday, Ports Authority’s top scorer, Musa Noah Kamara, scored a hat-trick to lead the team to a 3-1 triump over Bhantal.

The Sierra Leone International recorded his eleventh goal of the season, helping his side move to 12th place on the table. 

Kamara, a former Bo Rangers attacker, is the first player of the season to achieve back-to-back hat-tricks. He is a well-known player in the Sierra Leone topflight league, having previously won the top scorer awards with East End Lions and Bo Rangers.

In January of this year, the Ports Authority officially unveiled their new talisman, Musa Noah Kamara, after the Sierra Leone Football Association confirmed his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), making him eligible to play for the club. 

His arrival was expected to strengthen the Ports’ attack, and he has already demonstrated his capabilities on the pitch.

Custis Davies named to Sierra Leone squad for the June qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies named in Sierra Leone squad for crucial qualifiers

Curtis Davies has been named to the Sierra Leone squad for the June World Cup qualifiers. Head Coach Amidu Karim has announced his 24 players for the upcoming double-header, which will be the Leone Stars’ third and fourth in the 2026 Africa World Cup qualifiers next month.

According to our source, Davies, 39, has been cleared by FIFA to represent Sierra Leone. The Cheltenham Town defender played in 39 matches across all competitions last season as the team was relegated from English League Two.

Davies made his England under-21 debut on 28 February 2006 against Norway U21s. He was capped three times by the England under-21s from 2006 to 2007.

In October 2023, Davies was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for their friendly matches against Benin and Somalia. He played against Somalia in a non-Fifa-sanctioned friendly.

Sierra Leone, having lost to Egypt and a goalless draw against Ethiopia in their opening two matches, must start winning in their third and fourth matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Leone Stars will host Djibouti on June 5th at the Stade El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco. They will then play against Burkina Faso on the 10th at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

Midfielder Rodney Michael, who scored against Morocco and Ivory Coast in January friendlies, was also named to the squad.

Indy Eleven striker Augustine Williams, who has scored seven goals in the last thirteen matches for the USL Championship side, has been left out again.

In the current standings, Egypt is leading Group A with six points, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau with four points each. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Head Coach Amidu Karim has announced the 24 players for the upcoming double-header against Djibouti and Burkina Faso
Head Coach Amidu Karim has announced the 24 players for the upcoming double-header against Djibouti and Burkina Faso