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Sierra Leone wrap up training for Ivory Coast friendly.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone wrap up training for Ivory Coast friendly

The Sierra Leone side, predominantly local stars, concluded its training at San Pedro field as they ready to tackle Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast on Saturday.

The newly built 20,000-seater Laurent Pokou Stadium will host the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone encounter on January 6 ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Skipper of Leone Stars, Kwame Quee, acknowledged that it is going to be difficult but added, “They are determined to make a difference in their friendly with Ivory Coast tomorrow.

“Even though football has three aspects; win, lose or draw but we are ready to win the match.”

Head coach Alhaji Foray said he has good players who are well-focused and ready to showcase their talents. He expressed optimism going into tomorrow’s fixture.

Foray added that the match is very important for them as a team, noting that it gives opportunities to the players to prepare for the CHAN competition and the upcoming matches in the AFCON qualifiers in March.

The host will test against Sierra Leone as they prepare for the 34th edition of AFCON to run from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo.

Both sides played to a 2-2 draw in the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon at the Stade de Japoma, Douala 16, January 2022, but they thrashed Sierra Leone 5-1 during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Group D at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan in 2014.

In Group A, the Ivorians are to start their Afcon campaign against  Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, on January 13 before facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their second match.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News, Ivory Coast.

East End Lions strengthen squad with Ghana-born Samuel Armah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions strengthen squad with Ghana-born Samuel Armah

East End Lions have confirmed the signing of Ghanaian-born striker Samuel Armah days after they acquired another Ghanaian, Isaac Kofi Sarfo, as head coach.

The Eastern giant club has said their new talented striker, formerly showcasing his prowess with Legon Cities FC, the 2016 Ghana Premier League Champions.

Samuel is only 23 and has a wealth of top striker experience.

After a difficult start to their campaign, Lions will be hoping their former Inter Allies, Accra Great Olympics man, is set to revamp their attacking force.

Meanwhile, last month, they sacked coach Charlie Wright following a defeat to Ports Authority, their first defeat in seven Sierra Leone Premier League games.

The Lions stand 15th on eight points after nine league games thus far, a statistic that doesn’t go down well with the club’s management.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Premier League and East End Lions. 

Bo Rangers thrash Mighty Blackpool to maintain lead at the top
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers thrash Mighty Blackpool to maintain top spot

Reigning Champions Bo Rangers inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Blackpool to maintain their Leone Rock Premier League Lead at the Southern Arena in match-day nine of the season.

Former Blackpool winger Yusuf Santigie Sesay opened the scoring 20 minutes into the first half when he volleyed Amadu Mansaray’s cross into the back of the net.

He then doubled the Invincible Champions lead from a set piece at the edge of the penalty box 24th-minute as they held on to their lead into halftime.

Substitute Suffian Kalokoh was on the score sheet, scoring Ibrahim Turay’s cross after replacing Abu Komeh.

Speaking to Football Sierra Leone, Bo Rangers Head Coach John Edward Keister said they are pleased to bounce back after a horrible and difficult moment (Bai Bureh Warriors defeat) from Port Loko. We are just happy to win here.

“We play the way we train and we are just trying to win Matches, every football Match we are going to is not different so this is not different as well.”

“People sometimes talk about Bo Rangers which they don’t know, I was Born in Bo and I happy to play my own part in the development of the team and am here to make my own contribution,” He noted.

Mighty Blackpool are on a six-game run without a win, securing only a point. However, Tis Tas Boys head coach Alusine Bala Kargbo referred to it as unfortunate and promised to turn things around in the not-too-distant future.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Premier League and Bo Rangers.

Sierra Leone suffer third straight defeat to Liberia in U17 MRU Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone suffer third straight defeat to Liberia in U17 MRU Cup

Sierra Leone suffered a third-straight defeat after another 3-2 scoreline to Liberia at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

On Saturday, Liberia defeated their Sierra Leonean counterpart 3-2 in the 2023 Mano River Union Men’s Under-17 Peace Cup encounter. 

It was a third straight defeat for the Sierra Leone U17 side following a 6-2 thrashing on Wednesday and a 3-2 defeat on Thursday in the opening two matches, respectively.

Emmanuel Sieh’s brace and Alhaji Samukai scored another to give the host a 3 -1 lead into the break at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Sierra Leone Idrissa Swarray pulled one back late in the 88th minute, but was not enough to get at least a draw.

On Sunday, Sierra Leone to host Liberia in the final match at the Tusa Field. In this tie, they will be playing for pride after losing all three matches in the competition.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News, Mano River Union Men’s and U17 Sierra Leone News. 

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone friendly 

The newly built 20,000-seater Laurent Pokou Stadium will host an Ivory Coast friendly match against Sierra Leone on January 6 ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Sierra Leone Football Association announced the friendly on Wednesday.

Ivory Coast initially arranged to face the Mambas of Mozambique, but the Mozambicans withdrew in November.

Sierra Leone will travel with a 21-man sqaud predominately home-based players for the duel.

The host will test against Sierra Leone as they prepare for the 34th edition of AFCON to run from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo.

Both sides played to a 2-2 draw in the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon at the Stade de Japoma, Douala 16, January 2022, but they thrashed Sierra Leone 5-1 during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Group D at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan in 2014.

In Group A, the Ivorians are to start their Afcon campaign against  Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, on January 13 before facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their second match.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. 

Sierra Leone will travel with a 21-man squad predominately home-based players for the duel.
Sierra Leone will travel with a 21-man squad predominately home-based players for the duel.
Mogbwemo Queens begin the title defence with a 1-0 win
by David Lebbie

Mogbwemo Queens begin title defence with a 1-0 win 

Mogbwemo Queens defeated Ram Kamara 1-0 as they began their title defence in the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League on Saturday.

Kadiatu M Kamara’s 25th-minute goal secured all three points for Champions Mogbwemo Queens as they continued dominance over Ram Kamara Female.

Mabinty Sesay (Ram K) was awarded Woman of the Match. Mogbwemo Queens FC’s next match will be at home against the Correctional Sports Club.

Speaking to Football Sierra Leone, head Coach Adama Polina Suma of Mogbwemo Queens described the win as vital. 

“To open with maximum points is very important. I give credit to my team and they are top of their game and are set for the next game”.

“We always respect our opponent playing away to Ram Kamara whom have the home support and everything we have to expect the resistance from them and infact we were expecting much more from them, playing against us the Champions you may want to prove all best,” Coach Musa Stated. 

However, she stated that although they have other players on the sideline, they remain focused on defending their title.

On her part, Coach Fatmata Turay of Ram Kamara said the result was not a good one for them based on what they did in training and on the pitch, they deserved more.

“We went wrong in the preparation for this match moreover, we never trained on the pitch all that affected us. Our next game is against Kahunla Queens let’s see what will happen there but the competition is still open and I am confident of winning.” she noted.

Meanwhile, Mogbwemo Queens are unbeaten in three meetings with Ram Kamara (Two wins and a draw).

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, Womens Premier News, Mogbwemo Queens and  Ram Kamara.

East End Lions sack Wright after first defeat in seven games
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions sack Wright after first defeat in seven games

Struggling East End Lions parted ways with Coach Charlie Wright on Wednesday, a day after they suffered their first defeat in seven Sierra Leone Premier League games.

Wright was appointed in October with the expectation to lead the club to glory this season. The Eastern giant club suffered a 1-0 defeat to rivals Ports Authority on Tuesday at the Attouga Mini Stadium.

Lions stand 10th on eight points following five draws, one win and one defeat this campaign, a statistic that doesn’t go down well with the club’s management.

The club confirmed it was a mutual agreement to let Coach Charlie Wright depart, effective immediately. They also handed the mantle to assistant Coach Raymond Gerard Hunter, who will take over as interim coach during the transition.

“The decision to part ways with Coach Wright was made after careful consideration, recognizing and appreciating his significant contribution and dedication to the club during tenure,” Lions noted. 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, Nation News East End Lions. 

SLFA successfully concludes two two-day CAF Club License
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA successfully concludes CAF Club License training

Top club administrators in the country took part as the Sierra Leone Football Association, SLFA, in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), successfully concluded a two-day (11 & 12) training workshop for Club Licensing Officers.

On Tuesday, the SLFA said the Training-of-Trainers workshop benefited over 50 male and female Premier League club administrators at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown.

The club licensing idea was introduced to navigate the recently launched Club Licensing Online Platform to ease the system of club licensing and stadium inspection across the continent. 

Addressing the trainees, Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi, on behalf of his colleague CAF instructors Hamza Sorouri and Francis Essah Adu, commended the participants for their commitment and passion shown towards the training.

Adu furthered that he and his colleagues were impressed with how fast the participants grasped the concept, “You made the job easy for us,” he noted. 

In his closing remarks, Vice President Harold Nat-Johnson thanked the CAF instructors for their diligent work in successfully introducing the online platform to local men and women Club Licensing Officers. 

He encouraged all participants to stage workshops at their club levels to ensure the knowledge gained filtered down to other football administrators. 

Mr Nat-Johnson seized the opportunity to update the gathering about the rapid progress in the ongoing construction of five artificial turf pitches across the country, including Port Loko Town Field, Bo Coronation Field, Sierra Leone Football Association Academy, and Approved School Playing Field in Freetown. He noted confidently that “By June 2024 all SLFA sanctioned competitions will play on standard pitches across the country.”

Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, in a brief statement, noted that the training is timely as global football is fast going digital and Sierra Leone has to stay up to speed. He further urged the participants to embrace the platform and always visit it as ‘practice makes perfect.’

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, National News and SLFA News.

East End Lions record first League win on Wednesday
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions record first win of the season

One of Sierra Leone’s most decorated clubs, East End Lions, secured their first win on Wednesday after five matches, breaking a streak of four consecutive draws.

As a result, they moved up to eight as the victory added three crucial points to their tally of 7 points from 5 matches.

At the Trade Centre playing field, in the 28th minute, Sulaiman Kargbo opened the scoring before Ibrahim Bangura levelled for the visitors just before the break.

After the recess, the homes showed composure and determined to secure their first win with two more goals from Alie Conteh and Kandeh Turay.

Elsewhere, Mighty Blackpool faced a setback, losing to Ports Authority 2-1 at the Attouga Mini stadium. 

The defeat marked Mighty Blackpool’s second consecutive defeat following their 2-0 defeat to Lamboi FC in Lungi over the weekend.

Despite the defeats, they maintain a standing of 9 points from 5 matches.

Connect with us @football_sierra – on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, National Premier League and National News. 

Sierra Leone Premier League Week Five Matches, Results and Table
Sierra Leone Premier League Week Five Matches, Results and Table
Sierra Leone line-up friendlies for World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone nosedive five places in latest Fifa ranking

Sierra Leone has plummeted five places from 122 in October to 127 in November’s FIFA ranking after their two 2026 World Cup opening qualifying matches.

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone played to a goalless draw against Ethiopia and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Egypt this month – they were ranked 122 before the 2026 World Cup qualification started.

November’s Fifa ranking also affected the West African nation’s place in the continent as they dropped to 36th place from 32nd in October with 1138.53 points scored globally.

In Africa, Morocco ranked as the best football team in the continent after its victory against Tanzania in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, seeing the Atlas Lions maintain the 13th spot globally.

Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso make the top ten. 

England impressively climbed to third in the Fifa world rankings after completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign for Euro 2024.

Argentina, France, England, Belgium and Brazil sit top of the World.  

Connect with us @football_sierra – on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and National News & Fifa Ranking News. 

Sierra Leone nosedived five places from 122 in October to 127 November in the latest Fifa ranking
Sierra Leone nosedived five places from 122 in October to 127 November in the latest Fifa ranking