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Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa's win over Republicans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa’s win over Republicans

Luawa head coach Sebastian Bowles was pleased to see his team start the new campaign with a win by defeating Real Republicans 1-0 on Friday.

It took a first-half goal from Abubakar Sheriff in the 24th minute to seal the victory for the Cacoa Boys at the Angola playing field.

“A tough game away against Real Republicans. I am satisfied with the win, but we can and will play a lot better,” Bowles told Football Sierra Leone.

“We were sucked in the game too much and didn’t play the way we have been training, but the players fought hard and well to claim the victory.

Sometimes you win nice, sometimes ugly. The most important thing is the three points. We will enjoy our fundraiser dinner tomorrow and start focusing on Old Edwardian’s next match.”

Elsewhere on Friday, Freetownians SLIFA opened their 2023/24 campaign with a vital home win over Diamond Stars at the Trade Center playing field. 

Meanwhile, despite a high court injunction, the league is set to continue today with three matches across the country.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone statement reads, “The High Court of Sierra Leone has this evening granted an injunction against the SLFA and the Sierra Leone Premier League Board stopping all Premier League games from being played until the High Court determines the issues of irregularities in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

The matter was filed by Alusine Kamara and Ahmed Musa through Teddy Koroma and Associates, on behalf of Kamboi Eagles. 

Matter adjourned to 10th November for further proceedings.”

However, the Sierra Leone Premier Board has announced matches will go ahead according to schedule.

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SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence

The Leone Rock Premier League in Sierra Leone kicks off on Friday with Freetonians SLIFA facing one-time back-to-back champions Diamond Stars.

Last season’s sixth-placed SLIFA hosted the Diamond Boys from Kono at the Trade Center Field in Freetown.

Elsewhere on the same Friday, 2022/23 campaign fourteen-place finisher, Real Republicans to welcome hard-nut Luawa FC at the Angola Filed.

Last season, Luawa won the first meeting, but Real People rallied back to win the second leg. An intestering contest awaits later this afternoon in the Western Part of Freetown.  

On Saturday, November 4th, will see three different fixtures as the Killers East End Lions travel to battle newly promoted Bhantal FC at Angola Filed, Goderich. 

In Makeni, Wusuma Stars will welcome Old Edwardian, who have secured the signing of former Leone Stars assistant coach Dominic Junior Konneh.

The match of the day will witness a long-awaited traditional Derby known as the Northern Derby as Bai Bureh Warriors tussle with newcomers Khlofia Stars at the Port Loko Field – in Port Loko.

On Sunday, Bo Rangers kick off their defence of the Sierra Leone Premier League title at home against Wilberforce Strikers as the newly appointed head coach, John Keister, starts a new adventure.

The League holder and Charity Shield winner will start an unprecedented three-straight Sierra Leone top-flight title chase.

Still riding the wave of winning the Charity Shield, newly appointed coach John Keister will be at the dugout. He previously had a successful spell with East End Lions after winning the title with them.

Coach John Keister is highly expected to repeat the same fate with Bo Rangers, who are the outright favourite to retain the league crown but must handle the expectation and pressure this season. 

Having failed to perform the magic with the country’s senior national team, Leone Stars led to the non-renewal of his contract. 

The other matches of the day will see Lamboi FC host last season’s runners-up Mighty Blackpool at Lingi Field and CAF Confederation Cups representative FC Kallon hosting Port Authority at Angola Field, promoted Kahunla Rovers hosting Freetown City FC at Kenema Field.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Sahr Morris Jr National Football News and Premier League. 

Bo Rangers win maiden Sierra Leone Community Shield
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers beat Blackpool to lift Community Shield

Ten-man Bo Rangers defeated Mighty Blackpool to start the 2023/24 season with silverware as they bookmarked their third accolade in two seasons after a back-to-back Sierra Leone Premier League title. 

Skipper Saidu Bah Kamara scored a 55th-minute close-range header to give Bo Rangers their first silverware – the Sierra Leone Community Shield as they defeated Western giant Mighty Blackpool on Saturday.

In a parked Southern Areana in Bo City, the goal came through Abass Kamara’s perfect set piece at the edge of the Tis Tas boy’s penalty box, converted by Kamara in the second half.

Rangers defender Eshike Kamara was sent off for a reckless challenge on Blackpool forward in the 67th minute. However, Rangers held on with a classic performance.

Assistant Coach Kabineh Kamara was pleased with his performance and attitude towards the victory.

“We are all excited about the victory becasue it was a difficult match, but we planned and prepared for the win. Blackpool is a very good side and we as defending champions, we must always find a way to win against the best teams.”

On leading his side to the victory, Kabineh stated, “It is a record and big achievement that has been added to my career and the team as well.”

The head coach of Mighty Blackpool, Alusine Bala Kargbo, appreciated his team’s performance despite the defeat.

“Bo Rangers is a team that is returning from continental competition (CAF Champions League) holding them this way shows how solid our team is.”

Coach Kargbo also noted that his side was without five starting players. However, they introduced five new players in Today’s match as they continued the rebuilding process.

The Sierra Leone Community Sheild contest will be a traditional curtain-raiser between the Premier League winner and Riunners-Up every season ahead of a new campaign.

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Bo Rangers and Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena for the Community Shield on Saturday
Bo Rangers and Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena for the Community Shield on Saturday
2026 World Cup Qualifying Groups Africa Zone Opponents Group A Sierra Leone, Egypt, Burkina-Faso Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

World Cup Q: Ethiopia to host Sierra Leone in Morocco

The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca will host Sierra Leone’s 2026 World Cup opening qualifier against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia on Wednesday, 15th of November 2023, the SLFA have announced.

The Leone Stars’ second match in the race to the USA, Mexico and Canada is against the Pharaohs of Egypt. The tie is set to be played in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, on Sunday, 19th November 2023.

Group A comprised of Egypt, Burkina-Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. 

During the 2022 World Cup preliminary, Liberia eliminated Sierra Leone 3-2 on aggregate after the Lone Star won the first leg 3-1 and suffered a 1-0 defeat in Freetown, both matches played in September 2019.

Sierra Leone played to a 1-1 draw against Benin on October 14th before defeating Somalia 2-0 in a recent training camp in Morocco three days later.

However, with the latest format of 48 teams competing with a minimum of nine African sides guaranteed places for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many Sierra Leoneans believe this is Leone Stars’ best chance ever.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted in three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States. 

The nine groups will play a home and away, starting in November this year. They will take place over ten matchdays during the next two years: 13-21 November 2023 – 3-11 June 2024; 17-25 March 2025; 1-9 September 2025; 6-14 October 2025; 10-18 November 2025 (Playoffs).

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net. National News.

Sierra Leone confirm 2026 World Qualifying dates and venues
Sierra Leone confirm 2026 World Qualifying dates and venues
Foreign scouts visit Sierra Leone football chief Daddy Brima.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Foreign scouts visit Sierra Leone football chief Daddy Brima

On Tuesday, International football scouts who were in Sierra Leone to witness the U17 and U19 talent Detection tournament organised by Star Sports Academy paid a courtesy call to the Sierra Leone football chief, Thomas Daddy Brima.

In a bid to expand the International football relationship, the Sierra Leone Football Association President, Daddy Brima, engaged the scouts from Türkiye, Slovakia, Sudan and Bulgaria at the FA secretariat.

President Brima was pleased and described their visit as ” timely and impactful towards the growth and development of players in the country.”

He further assured them of the Sierra Leone Football Association’s unreserved support and cooperation throughout their scouting activities within the country.

Meanwhile, Eight of the sixteen teams that participated were from outside Sierra Leone. Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.

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Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.
Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.
Coach Amidu Karim is pleased with Leone Stars' friendly results
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Amidu Karim reflects on first two games in charge

Amidu Karim says he was pleased with his opening two matches as head coach in charge of Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars for friendly games in Morocco.

On Tuesday, his preparation continued following a 2-0 win over Somalia in a tier-two friendly in Casablanca, Morocco. His first task was a 1-1 draw with Benin.

Leone Stars secured a pass mark unbeaten in their Morocco camp, a start to life the coach was pleased about. 

Under Karim’s guidance, Odense Boldklub striker Mohamed Buya Turay scored his first three International goals for Sierra Leone.

“Generally, the experience was a unique one, as a technical team, we are pleased with the outcome of both matches. I am pleased also because it is my first time as head coach – hence, starting well in charge was precisely the target.”

“In the competition proper, two games and four points will be immense for us. However, this is just a start – we remain focused and working on the areas to strengthen ahead of difficult matches in November. 

I was a bit disappointed not to win against Benin as we came very close. I must commend the players for their commitment as well. In Football, it’s not easy to get 100 per cent, but they’ve shown me a lot. We still have to make decisions for the success of Sierra Leone.”

The World Cup 2026 qualifiers will see Sierra Leone battle Ethiopia and Egypt in Group A doubleheader in November – these games will be the ultimate test in Karim’s reign. 

Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, powerhouse Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Djibouti all makeup Group A in the race to the 2026 World Cup.

The continental journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada will begin in November 2023. 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net. National News.

Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John Keister

Reigning Sierra Leone Premier League champions Bo Rangers has appointed John Keisrer as its new head coach.

Keister, who guided Sierra Leone to their third African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, unbeaten in the qualifiers, will start his new role on the 1st of November.

It means he will not be in the dugout but in the stands when Rangers take on Mighty Blackpool in the Community Shield clash on the 28th of October at the Southern Arena.

On Wednesday, the club said they are thrilled to announce the official signing of Coach John Keister as the new head Coach.

“With an impressive track record and a wealth of experience in the football industry, Coach Keister brings a dynamic approach and a new spirit to accelerate the club’s growth. 

His tenure will commence on the 1st of November 2023, and the entire club is eager to witness the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in leading the team to new heights of success,” the Southern Province outfit revealed. 

The former East End Lions coach is charged with the new responsibility of defending a back-to-back title.

Rangers fans will be hoping their new coach can replicate what he did during the 2019 season, winning the title unbeaten with the Easter giant side.

Bo Rangers to kick-off their title defence against Freetown City FC on the 5th of November at the Southern Arena.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1714732798420897862

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net. National News. Bo Rangers 

Sierra Leone ease past Somalia Blue Stars in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone ease past Somalia in Morocco

On Tuesday, Sierra Leone continued their World Cup preparation with a pass mark after securing a 2-0 win over Somalia in a tier-two friendly in Casablanca, Morocco.

Cheltenham defender Curtis Davies, 38, and HSV Hoek center-back Augustine Loof, 27, both made their debut for Sierra Leone in the win as they played the full throttle of the contest.

Having secured a 1-1 draw against Benin in coach Amidu Karims’s first outing with the Leone Stars on Saturday, striker Mohamed Buya Turay opened the scoring for Sierra Leone from the spot.

Coach Karim’s side was awarded a penalty after the Somalia keeper Bilaal Njie brought down the Odense Boldklub striker in the box in the 24th minute.

Turay comfortably converted the spot kick for his second Leone Stars goal in Morocco before completing his brace after a scintillating pass from the right wing in the 58th minute.

Tuesday’s win was the first for the new Leone Stars technical as they continue preparation for World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Somalia were not a threat to Sierra Leone for most of the game. However, they’ll face a much tougher test against Ethiopia and Egypt in the November World Cup doubleheader.

Sierra Leone in Group A against Ethiopia, powerhouse Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Djibouti are the others in the race to the 2026 World Cup.

The continental journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada will begin in November 2023. 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net. National News.

Sierra Leone ease past Somalia Blue Stars in Morocco.
Sierra Leone ease past Somalia Blue Stars in Morocco.
Sierra Leone had a successful camp in the International window in Morocco
Sierra Leone had a successful camp in the International window in Morocco
Sierra Leone Premier League seal 80k Leone Rock sponsor
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Miners Leone Rock seal $80k Sierra Leone Premier Leone deal

Sierra Leone Football Association and the Premier League Board have secured an $80,000 dollar Leone Rock Metal Group deal for the upcoming season.

The deal is for refinement of the 2023/24 campaign after the League was renamed the Leone Rock Premier League as the first-ever sponsorship from a mining company, it was revealed on Monday in a joint presser at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.

The occasion was graced by the Minister of Sport, Augusta James Teima, the Sierra Leone Football Association VP 1 Harold Nat Johnson, members of the press and other dignitaries.

“The company supported the Sierra Leone Premier League season with $80,000 Eighty United States Dollars. The League is now officially known as the Leone Rock Premier League for the 2023/2024 season,” the miners have confirmed.

Additionally, according to the first female Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta Tema, Leone Rock Metal Group is the first mining company to set the record of a full sponsorship to the men’s top-tier football club competition.

She, therefore, thanked and appreciated the only reliable mining company for such a wonderful gesture.

The season will kick off on November 3rd – the winner will pocket 500 million Leones, and the runners-up will get 250 million Leones as per the Board’s announcement.

SLPLB say they’ll give each club 80 million Old Leones before kick-starting the season as a booster. 

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The League is now officially known as the Leone Rock Premier League for the 2023/2024 season
The League is now officially known as the Leone Rock Premier League for the 2023/2024 season
Benin and Sierra Leone play out a 1-1 stalemate in a friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Benin and Sierra Leone play out a 1-1 friendly stalemate

On Saturday, Coach Amidu Karim started his Sierra Leone reign with a 1-1 draw with Benin at the Stade Khouribga in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo Credit SLFA)

Sierra Leone drew with Benin 1-1 after Cheetah’s last-gasp 98th-minute leveller by Cedric Hountondjito to cancel out Odense Boldklub striker Mohamed Buya Turay’s first Sierra Leone goal since his debut in 2018 against Ethiopia. 

Odense Boldklub striker Mohamed Buya Turay opened the score line with his 32nd goal after he dribbled past his marker to slot home at the bottom right for his first Sierra Leone goal. 

It was a brilliant start for new provisional head coach Amidu Karim after back-to-back defeats for Leone Stars against Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau in their match day five and six of the Afcon 2023 qualifiers in June and September, respectively.

Sierra Leone’s keeper Ibrahim Sesay was brilliant through the full throttle of the match following his bravery with a couple of saves over 90 minutes.

Despite a slow start, Karim’s men capitalised on Turay’s 32nd-minute goal and held on to their lead at the break.

After the recess, Sierra Leone continued their brilliant defending as they grew in confidence and composure as they fought for every loose ball. It became intense as Benin rallied for an equaliser – tension mounted from both sides – the referee a couple of times had to intervene.

Cedric Hountondjito slotted in a cross from the left to beat the Leone Stars keeper Ibrahim Sesay for the first time in the match.

The Leone Stars will take on Somalia on Tuesday in their second friendly.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1713429308193059162

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Sierra Leone starting Eleven against Benin at the Stade Khouribga in Casablanca, Morocco.
Sierra Leone starting Eleven against Benin at the Stade Khouribga in Casablanca, Morocco.