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.

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.
Uncertainty grips Sierra Leone FA after chaotic Congress
by Football Sierra Leone

Uncertainty grips Sierra Leone FA after chaotic Congress

In the highly anticipated Football Congress of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, FIFA and CAF representatives witnessed severe violence and misconduct.

Just prior to the start of the congress, there were several injured individuals, including the President’s Personal Assistant, David Turner. This unexpected act of violence, unprecedented in any sporting event in Sierra Leone, resulting to Ordinary Congress was aborted.

The congress was intended to elect various independent committees for a four-year mandate, specifically the Ethics Board, the SLFA Appeals and Disciplinary Committees, the newly proposed Audit and Compliance Committee, and the electoral bodies.

It was also slated to review and approve newly proposed football statutes, as well as other agenda items typical for annual ordinary congresses, such as the approval of the annual audit report and the budget for the upcoming year.

The behavior of delegates and supporters at the congress has been condemned by a significant portion of Sierra Leoneans, as well as by global football pundits and analysts. It has embarrassed the nation and raised concerns about FIFA’s next steps.

During the congress, there was evident animosity and division within the Executive Committee (EXCO), political divides among delegates, and a desperate scramble for power among leading aspirants. The involvement of government officials and security forces, who appeared to incite problems in favor of certain candidates, further exacerbated the situation.

According to a reliable and knowledgeable source, the only viable option for FIFA in this context is to establish a Normalization Committee due to the level of conflict and incidents that violate FIFA’s policies against third-party interference.

Normally, FIFA would refer such matters to the General Secretary of FIFA and CAF to determine a new attempt at convening the congress. However, due to the extensive violence, reported divisions among EXCO members, and inappropriate behavior towards FIFA and CAF representatives, it is likely that the FIFA Secretariat, responsible for operational affairs and decision-making in the absence of a FIFA Council meeting, will move towards implementing a Normalization Committee.

The source explained that a Normalization Committee would be authorized by FIFA statutes and would be supervised and directed entirely by FIFA. Unlike an elected executive, this committee would be accountable only to FIFA.

The only other alternative would be a more lenient approach involving one more attempt to convene the congress, which is typically pursued when issues are less severe than those currently faced in Sierra Leone.

The source concluded that the FIFA General Secretariat would probably wait for reports from the FIFA and CAF representatives, as well as the General Secretary of the SLFA, before consulting with the Head of the African Division and the CAF General Secretary for a final decision, which could be expected before the end of the week.

SLFA boss Thomas Daddy Brima released after meeting bail conditions
by Football Sierra Leone

SLFA boss Thomas Daddy Brima released after meeting bail conditions

A significant development has occurred in Sierra Leonean football following the release on bail of SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima, Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, and Finance Manager Ibrahim Bah, who were arrested on corruption allegations.

Mr Brima and co meet bail conditions of 500 million old Leones each and two sorties each. Residing in the Western Area – The SLFA congress is expected to go ahead as planned on Saturday.

The trio was taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday, causing a stir in the nation’s football community just days before the highly anticipated SLFA congress.

Their release, confirmed by ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala at a press conference, ensures that they will attend the congress scheduled for Saturday in Freetown. The arrests sparked controversy, prompting the Union of Premier League Clubs to dramatically withdraw from the Sierra Leone Premier League in protest.

This situation has drawn comparisons to past incidents, particularly the legal troubles of former SLFA President Isha Johansen, which ultimately resulted in Sierra Leone’s suspension by FIFA in 2018.

As the congress approaches, all eyes will be on the SLFA leadership. Will they be able to restore stability and prevent external sanctions, or is Sierra Leonean football facing yet another crisis? For now, the football community waits in anticipation for the next chapter in this ongoing saga.

Listen to the SLFA boss after he was released

SLFA boss Daddy Brima detained as entire executive goes under investigation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA boss detained as entire executive goes under investigation

The president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Thomas Daddy Brima slept overnight at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as the country’s anti-corruption commission (ACC) investigated their executive.

All three individuals are expected today at the Anti-Corruption Commission office for further scrutiny.

The ACC has confirmed that the investigation is underway and is inviting the media to imminently reveal further details that remain unclear.

The detention of the FA boss Thomas Daddy Brima, Mr Bawoh and the Finance officer comes just three days before the much-awaited SLFA Congress which is a stage that will gauge the atmosphere ahead of the next election.

Fifa delegates are also expected in Sierra Leone ahead of the SLFA congress on April 5th.  This recent development has left uncertainty regarding how FIFA will respond. In 2018, FIFA suspended Sierra Leone from international football due to government interference in the management of the country’s football association.

The ban follows a decision by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which barred two leading officials from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) from entering the governing body’s offices.

FIFA stated, “The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognized leadership have confirmed to FIFA that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts, and communication channels are once again under their control.”

Egypt edge Sierra Leone in close contest in Cairo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt edge Sierra Leone in close Cairo contest

Egypt emerged victorious against Sierra Leone with a score of 1-0 in Cairo. The winning goal was scored by Ahmed Sayed, better known as Zizo, during stoppage time in the first half at the Cairo Stadium. This win strengthened Egypt’s position in World Cup qualifiers Group A.

Consequently, they have opened a five-point gap at the top of Group A in the race to qualify for the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Egypt, the leaders of Group A, controlled the first half, but Sierra Leone held strong under pressure for a full 45 minutes during their match on Tuesday, which was part of matchday six of the World Cup qualifiers.

Omar Mamoush and Mohamed Salah had slim opportunities in the first 30 minutes, but the Sierra Leone defense and goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay kept them at bay, sticking to their tactical approach.

MLS veteran Kei Kamara also had a half chance in the 40th minute when a long cross from Emmanuel Samadia was diverted by a defender just before he could reach it.

Marmoush had a shot that missed the target before Zamalek’s Ahmed Sayed, known as Zizo, found the net during first-half stoppage time, scoring at the near post after receiving a brilliant through ball from Trezeguet.

Following the break, Egypt nearly doubled their advantage when Attia struck a powerful shot that hit the post. Soon after, Sierra Leone had a chance when Nathaniel Jalloh mishandled his shot inside the box, but substitute striker Alie Conteh managed to intercept a deflected ball and sent another powerful shot just wide of the post.

Sierra Leone made a strong effort to equalize, as both teams played actively throughout the match. However, no goals were scored in the second half, although Sierra Leone showed significant improvement during this period.

Currently, Sierra Leone is in third place in the group, with eight points after playing six matches.

90+3 Substitution: Egypt’s Mahmoud Saber replaced Omar Marmoush.

90+3 Substitution, Egypt: Mostafa Fathi replaced Trézéguet.

88′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Momoh Dumbuya replaced Nathaniel Jalloh.

84′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Mohamed Bangura replaced Abu Dumbuya.

74′ Substitution, Egypt. Mohamed Shehata replaces Zizo.

74′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Musa Kamara replaced Kei Kamara.

58 a substitution, Egypt. Hamdi Fathy replaced Mostafa Mohamed.

Substitution

46′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Alie Conteh replaced Momoh Kamara.

Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie

Sierra Leone’s coach, Mohamed Kallon, implemented three changes for the sixth matchday of the World Cup qualifier against Egypt, introducing MLS icon Kei Kamara, Momoh Kamara, and Emmanuel Samadia, who plays in the USA, into the starting eleven.  

This new trio took the places of injured player Mustapha Bundu, Mohamed Bangura, who made his debut in the victory over Guinea Bissau, and Musa Noah Kamara, who scored the second goal for the Leone Stars against Guinea Bissau.  

Coach Kallon, making his second appearance in charge for Sierra Leone at the Cairo International Stadium, retained the same defensive line along with Tyrese Foirnah and Abu Dumbiuya in their defensive positions.Sierra Leone coach makes three changes for Egypt contest.

Like their hosts, the Leone Stars enter this match after a solid 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau, marking a strong debut for head coach Mohamed Kallon. Sierra Leone has achieved two wins in three matches, with captain Mustapha Bundu scoring first and Ibrahim Turray sealing the victory in stoppage time.

They currently sit third in the table with eight points, just five behind leaders Egypt. Egypt extended their lead at the top of Group A to 13 points after a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, nearing their first World Cup appearance since 2018.

Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie
Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie