Category: International, National Sport News Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Sports, football, players abroad, International and African news website is passionately on all topics of National and International news, identifying our soccer stars.

Sierra Leone edge closer to U20 AFCON Quater-final spot after defeating Tanzania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone becomes the first to reach AFCON U-20 Quarter-finals

In Group A, striker Samuel Gandi scored in the 37th minute to lead the Shooting Stars to a 1-0 victory over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Saturday.

With one draw and two victories against the hosts, Egypt, and Tanzania, the Shooting Stars accumulated a total of seven points, securing their advancement with one game remaining in the group stage.

Matchday three between Tanzania and Sierra Leone got off to a scrappy start, with both sides struggling to take control. After a couple of missed passes and a slow tempo, Sierra Leone almost broke the deadlock when skipper Momoh I Kamara made a run but misplayed his pass to midfielder Salieu Bah in the 16th minute.

Immediately following that, Tanzania caught Sierra Leone’s midfield and defense off guard when striker Bakari Msimu missed an open net after completely missing the ball.

However, Sierra Leone took the lead in the 37th minute after a rebound found striker Samuel Gandi, who tapped in the opener.

After the break, Sierra Leone looked more comfortable on the ball in the opening minutes, but Tanzania responded with urgency, pressing higher and dominating possession. Jammy Simba and Ahmed Pipino both came close to equalizing, with Simba narrowly missing a header and Pipino firing a free kick just off target.

As the clock wound down, the East Africans continued to press. Substitute Vedastus Masinde’s shot was blocked, and Anthony Mlingo’s late attempts failed to find the back of the net as Sierra Leone held firm defensively.

Sierra Leone could have doubled their lead on the counter, with Momoh Kamara and Sulaiman Kargbo both seeing their efforts blocked in the dying minutes.

The result sees Sierra Leone temporarily top the group with six points, ahead of Egypt’s clash with Zambia later tonight. Meanwhile, Tanzania, still without a goal or a point, faces an uphill battle going into their final group match.

Read Egypt and Zambia share Group A U20 Cup of Nations Spoils 
Back-to-back wins for the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone, as skipper Momoh I. Kamara was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive time
Back-to-back wins for the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone, as skipper Momoh I. Kamara was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive time
Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah set for WAFCON Preparation Course
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah set for WAFCON Preparation Course

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially extended an invitation to Aminata Fullah, one of Sierra Leone’s most distinguished central referees, to partake in the prestigious Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Preparation Course in Egypt.

Scheduled to take place from May 25th to May 29th, 2025, this essential course is part of CAF’s unwavering commitment to uphold and enhance officiating standards ahead of the highly anticipated WAFCON tournament.

This significant invitation not only underscores Aminata Fullah’s exceptional talent but also marks a proud milestone for Sierra Leonean football, demonstrating the increasing acknowledgment and appreciation of our officials on the continental stage.

The referee from Magburaka is now seen as one of the best in Sierra Leone. She is known for being decisive and handling pressure confidently and professionally. These qualities have helped her officiate matches in both the senior men’s and women’s leagues in Sierra Leone.

CAF recognised one of Sierra Leone's finest female referees Aminata Fullah
CAF recognised one of Sierra Leone's finest female referees Aminata Fullah
Coach Kamara Makes Two Changes for Sierra Leone U20 Match Against Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Kamara Makes Two Changes for Sierra Leone U20 Match Against Egypt

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, has made two changes to his squad ahead of their U20 Cup of Nations tie against Egypt tonight at the Suez Canal Stadium.

Injury concerns led to the replacement of Mohamed Fofanah with Sulaiman Kargbo, and Santigue was substituted out for Mohamed Bai Kamara for tactical purposes.

Impressive debutant goalkeeper Mamadou Wurie Jalloh retains his position in goal, while the defensive line of Alpha Turay, Nathial Jalloh, Saidu Bangura, and Amara Keita will look to maintain another clean sheet.

The midfield trio consists of Alpha Kabia, Mohamed Bai Kamara, and Momoh I Kamara, who will provide support to the attacking front of Sulaiman, Saliue Bah, and Samuel Gandi.

Sierra Leone is seeking their first win in the ongoing competition after an impressive goalless draw against Zambia on Sunday. The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations began on April 27 and will end on May 18.

Injury concerns led to the replacement of Mohamed Fofanah with Sulaiman Kargbo, and Santigue was substituted out for Mohamed Bai Kamara for tactical purposes.
Injury concerns led to the replacement of Mohamed Fofanah with Sulaiman Kargbo, and Santigue was substituted out for Mohamed Bai Kamara for tactical purposes.
AFCON U20 Match-Day Two Preview Sierra Leone v Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Sierra Leone Battle Host Egypt in AFCON U20 Match Day Two

On Wednesday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Sierra Leone and host country Egypt will square off during the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Scheduled start time for the game is 21:00 local (18:00 GMT).

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara is expected to make a few changes to the starting lineup against Zambia, aiming for positive results against the host nation.

“We will make one or possibly two tactical adjustments for our next match against Egypt. Coach Kamara briefly explained that his side have been focused on converting goal chances, unlike in our first game.”

Without a doubt, the Shooting Stars will be looking for their first win after playing their opening match to a goalless draw. By contrast, Egypt, who won 1-0 against South Africa in their opening match on Sunday, will be hoping for back-to-back victories.

This is Sierra Leone’s first show in the tournament, and their first match ended in a 0-0 draw against Zambia.

Egypt has warned players about collective formation as the national under-20 team wraps up training in Ismailia under technical director Osama Nabiyeh. They are preparing for their second match in the African Cup of Nations against Sierra Leone.

Nabiyeh emphasized the need for adherence to technical instructions and encouraged a fighting spirit, which was key in their 1-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match. He noted that the tournament is tough, with all teams closely matched, and success will come from effort and perseverance.

Egypt’s last match against a team making its tournament debut was in the 2005 semi-finals against Benin, which also ended in a 1-1 draw before Egypt won on penalties.

Historically, Egypt has encountered tournament debutants ten times since 1979, resulting in three wins, four draws, and three losses.

Without a doubt, the Shooting Stars will be looking for their first win after playing their opening match to a goalless draw.
Without a doubt, the Shooting Stars will be looking for their first win after playing their opening match to a goalless draw.
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰
by FSL News

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰

Sierra Leone U20 head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara spoke after Sunday’s goalless draw against Zambia in their opening match of the CAF TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reflecting on the result, Kamara admitted that no team wants to start a tournament without a win. He said: “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔.”

The head coach emphasized the need to understand why, despite dominating possession, his side struggled to score. Looking ahead, Kamara acknowledged the challenge of facing hosts Egypt but remained determined. “𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 o𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅. 𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆. 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓,” he added.

Meanwhile, IF Bromby goalkeeper Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, who made his CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations debut, expressed satisfaction with his performance. Wurie backed his team to go all out for wins in the upcoming matches, confident they can reach the next round of the tournament.

Sierra Leone’s next match is against the host nation Egypt, who defeated South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, topping the table.

Suez Canal Stadium to host Sierra Leone, Zambia U20 AFCON Opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Suez Canal Stadium to host Sierra Leone, Zambia U20 AFCON Opener

The 2025 U20 African Cup of Nations will kick off in Ismailia, Egypt, on Sunday, April 27, with debutant Sierra Leone set to face Zambia at 15:00 GMT (18:00 local time in Egypt).

Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has stated that his team is fully focused on the upcoming challenge. “Zambian youth teams have always been a difficult opponent, but we are here to make history and represent ourselves well,” Kamara said during the pre-match press conference.

With the recent arrival of three foreign-based players—Osman Kamara from Arsenal, Abraham Kanu from Reading, and forward Kevin Bobson Kargbo from RWDM—Coach Kamara now has a fully fit squad to choose from for the opening match.

The 17th edition of Africa’s premier youth competition is set to run from April 27 to May 18, 2025, featuring 13 countries competing across three cities: Cairo, Ismailia, and Suez. Matches will be held at three stadiums located in these cities.

Opposition: Zambia

The Zambia U20 Men’s National Team has received a boost ahead of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON with the arrival of three foreign-based players: Frank Chileshe and Bonephanseo Phiri from Georgia, and Aaron Mbemba from Spain. This brings the total number of players in camp to 23, with only Brazil-based striker Andrew Mulenga yet to arrive.

Meanwhile, host nation Egypt will face South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium. The top four semifinalists from this tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, which will be held in Chile from September 27 to October 19.

Stadium Background

The Suez Canal Authority Stadium, which is also used by Olympic El Qanah, will host the games. The stadium underwent a complete renovation between 2019 and 2022, during which it was demolished and rebuilt from scratch. Originally accommodating 10,000 spectators, it now has a capacity of 22,000 and is an all-seater venue designed by Ahmed Ragab, the Head Engineer of the Suez Canal Authority.

Groups for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025

Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania  

Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco  

Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana  

SLFA's Reconvened Ordinary Congress concludes in Freetown
by Football Sierra Leone

SLFA’s Reconvened Ordinary Congress concludes in Freetown

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) held its reconvened Ordinary Congress on Saturday, April 26, at the CATCO International Hotel on Wilkinson Road in Freetown. Delegates from across the country gathered to discuss key issues that will shape the future of football in Sierra Leone.

A significant topic of discussion was the adoption of the revised SLFA Statutes; however, the majority of delegates ultimately rejected these proposals after thorough deliberation.

Additionally, the Congress successfully elected the SLFA Electoral Committees, an important step in preparation for the Association’s upcoming elective congress.

The proceedings were observed by the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, FIFA representative Ahmed Harraz, and WAFU Zone A representative Mapathe Gaye, ensuring transparency and adherence to international standards.

This Congress marked a significant milestone as the SLFA continues its efforts to strengthen football governance and promote democratic processes in the country.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚: “𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲”
by Football Sierra Leone

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚: “𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲”

Ahead of Sierra Leone’s opening match against Zambia at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara addressed the media at the Suez Canal Stadium.

Kamara acknowledged the tough competition in Group A but expressed pride in his team’s spirit and preparation. “𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐔𝟐𝟎 𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐎𝐍 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲,”

he said. The squad includes 26 players—17 homegrown and 9 based abroad—whom Kamara described as the best talents Sierra Leone has to offer.

With eyes firmly set on World Cup qualification, Kamara emphasized that reaching the semifinals is the team’s main goal. “𝐖𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡,” he added.

Speaking about opponents Zambia, Kamara praised their strength but insisted Sierra Leone is ready for the challenge. “𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲, 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞.”

Team captain Momoh I. Kamara reinforced the team’s focus and fitness, promising a committed performance.

Coach Kamara also thanked the Egyptian Football Association for the excellent facilities and warm hospitality at the Suez Canal Stadium.

SLFA Media Department

Sierra Leone Gear Up for U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Gear Up for U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt

Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars has intensified training for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they will face hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.

Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has named 25 promising home-based players for the training camp. He will finalize his squad in the coming days. This important phase in the team’s preparation is designed to enhance the players’ fitness, skills, and teamwork as they strive for success in the tournament.

This championship is scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025. Thirteen teams will compete in the tournament.

Group B has Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco while Group C comprises Senegal, Central Africa Republic, Congo DR and Ghana.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

The four highest-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will take place from September 27 to October 19

The draw establishes the atmosphere for what promises to be another memorable edition of one of Africa’s top youth competitions.

Groups for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025

Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania

Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco

Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars has intensified training for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt
Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars has intensified training for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt
Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.
Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.
Sierra Leone players getting ready for battle against some top African sides in U20 AFCON
Sierra Leone players getting ready for battle against some top African sides in U20 AFCON
Sierra Leone draw host Egypt, Zambia and South Africa in Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone draw tough AFCON U20 opponents including host Egypt in Group A

The redraw for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cairo on Sunday has placed Sierra Leone in Group A alongside host Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.

Sierra Leone was originally placed in Group C, alongside Senegal, Kenya, and Zambia. However, the initial draw for Ivory Coast has been cancelled because the former host has decided to withdraw at the last minute.

The Shooting Stars from Sierra Leone are preparing to compete against hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa as well as Tanzania. This championship is scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025. Thirteen teams will compete in the tournament.

Group B has Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco while Group C comprises Senegal, Central Africa Republic, Congo DR and Ghana.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

The four highest-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will take place from September 27 to October 19.

Kenya will represent the CECAFA region with Tanzania, as both teams reached the qualifiers final in Dar es Salaam last October. Tanzania won that match 2-1, but both teams qualified for the tournament.

Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.
Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.