Category: Sport News

Coach Amidu Karim makes Two Changes for Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Coach Amidu Karim makes three Changes for Burkina Faso

Abdul Jarju Kabia, Hapoel Kfar Saba defender, has been reinstated to the back four for the match day four tie against Burkina Faso. He joined Curtis Davies, Emmanuel Samadia, and skipper Osman Kakay in the defensive lineup.

Defender J Kabia was previously suspended for the Djibouti game but is now back in action.

In a tactical change, Abu Dumbuya has replaced Mustapha Bundu, and Daniel Kanu has come on for Amadou Bakayoko in the attack for Sierra Leone. Defender J Kabia in for midfielder Mahamed Kabia.

Davies, a seasoned player who first represented the England under-21 team in 2006, will make his second international appearance for Sierra Leone against the Stallions of Burkina Faso after scoring his first international goal against Djibouti.

The kickoff at the Stade du 26 Mars is at 19:48 as both West Africans meet for the second time in their history.

Attacker Joshua Abdulai Koroma, who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Huddersfield Town, is named on the bench.

Coach Karim has stressed the crucial importance of securing a victory for qualification and has spoken highly of the players’ preparedness to showcase their best performance.

The nine group winners will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one spot in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Monday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 19:48 | Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako Mali
Coach Amidu Karim has made two changes for Burkina Faso.
Coach Amidu Karim has made two changes for Burkina Faso.
Mogbwemo Queens win second straight Sierra Leone Women's league title
by David Lebbie

Mogbwemo Queens rout Mena Queens to win 2nd straight title

Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.

The skipper, Kadiatu M Kamara, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, leading the team to an outstanding performance in this season’s campaign.

Salamatu J. Kamara doubled the visitors’ lead, followed by Mariama Sembu scoring a brace, and Kadiatu M. Kamara completing her double in the 82nd minute.

The team has won 20 and drawn 1 of their 21 league matches, and they are one match away from securing an Invincible record.

Adama Paulina Suma, the Head Coach, expressed her happiness and emphasized the team’s hard work and consistency.

The team captain, Kadiatu M Kamara, highlighted the importance of teamwork and tolerance within the team.

They will face Albitaya Queen next weekend at Rutile Field in Mogbwemo.

Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women's Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.
Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women's Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.
Sheikh Sesay's last-minute goal helps Liberia win against Sao Tome
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal helps Liberia defeat Sao Tome

Late Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for Liberia against Sao Tome and Principe in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In the first Matchday 4 game, Liberia’s win moved them to third place in Group H with seven points, while Sao Tome and Principe remain at the bottom without any points after four matches.

The game saw both teams struggling to find a breakthrough in the first half, with few clear-cut chances created.

Liberia made crucial substitutions early in the second half to inject fresh energy into their side.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Liberia’s decisive substitution of Sheikh Sesay for Terry Sackor proved to be a game-changer. In the 90th minute, Sesay scored a dramatic late goal, giving Liberia the lead and securing the three points.

Despite a late push from Sao Tome and Principe, Liberia held on for the victory, propelling them to third place in Group H. Sao Tome and Principe will need to regroup after another disappointing result.

In other Group H matches Namibia played to a goalless draw against group leaders Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea and Malawi are set to face off on Monday.

Algeria's Lahlou Benbraham to officiate Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone
by FSL News

Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham to officiate Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone

Algerian referee Lahlou Benbraham is the centre man to officiate the match between Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone on Monday’s Match Day four of the Fifa World Cup qualifier in Bamako, Mali.

Kickoff at the 26th of March Stadium is slated for 19.00 hours.

Experienced Benbraham, 38, who is also part official for the upcoming Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024, will be supported by fellow Algerian officials: Abane Adel as referee one, Bouzit Hamza as referee two, and Match official Boukhafa Nabil.

The match’s referee assessor is Aguidissou Crespin from Benin, and the match commissioner is Sere Rene William from Ivory Coast.

This upcoming match at the 26th of March Stadium will be the second meeting between the West African nations – Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso last played each other almost 30 years ago.

MD 4 2026 World Cup Qualifier
MD 4 2026 World Cup Qualifier
Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Showdown in Bamako as Sierra Leone eye second win

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso recently lost 2-1 to Egypt, so they will surely be looking for a win against Sierra Leone. The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, on the other hand, registered their first 2-1 victory over Djibouti in Matchday three of the qualifiers.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team needs to either win or avoid defeat against Burkina Faso to keep their World Cup hopes alive. A loss will significantly reduce the Leones Stars’ chances.

This upcoming match at the 26th of March Stadium will be the second meeting between the two West African nations, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso last played each other almost 30 years ago.

Sierra Leone won with a score of 2-1, thanks to Mohamed Kallon’s winning goal at the 1996 Nations Cup in South Africa. Now, both teams are set to meet again in Bamako for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. What will the outcome be this time?

Burkina Faso is coming off a defeat to Egypt but started their World Cup qualifying journey with a draw against Guinea-Bissau and a victory over Ethiopia.

On the other hand, Sierra Leone’s recent 2-1 win against Djibouti brought an end to their four-match winless run.

This victory has moved Sierra Leone to fourth place in the group standings, just behind Burkina Faso on goal difference.

Despite the recent defeat, Traore was a standout performer for Burkina Faso against Egypt, and he is expected to lead the attack again.

Monday – 10 June, 2024

  • Somalia v Botswana (Group G) | 1300 | Maputo, Mozambique
  • Equatorial Guinea  v Malawi  (Group H) | 1300 | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 
  • Madagascar v Mali (Group I) | 1300 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Guinea Bissau v Egypt (Group A) | 1600 | Bissau, Guinea Bissau
  • Benin v Nigeria (Group C) | 1600 | Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
  • Uganda v Algeria  (Group G) | 1600 | Namboole, Uganda
  • Guinea  v Mozambique (Group G) | 1900 | El Jadida, Morocco
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
The Gambia secured their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by defeating Seychelles 5-1.
by FSL News

Gambia thrash Seychelles in coach Mckinstry’s first game

The Gambia secured their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by defeating Seychelles 5-1 under new head coach Johnathan Mckinstry.

The resounding win lifted The Gambia in Group F, while Seychelles remain without any points after three matches.

The home team wasted no time asserting their authority, with Muhammed Badamosi opening the scoring in the 10th minute.

After the recess, the Gambia continued their dominant play, with goals from Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh, Badamosi, and Adama Sidibeh.

Despite efforts, Seychelles struggled to contain The Gambia’s attacks.

The comprehensive victory boosts morale for The Gambia as they prepare to face Gabon. At the same time, Seychelles will need to regroup quickly as they host Burundi, seeking their first points of the campaign.

Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier

Cameroon’s Captain Vincent Aboubakar scored two goals as the team defeated Cape Verde Islands 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier, putting them level with Libya at the top of Group D with seven points.

Center-back Michael Ngadeu made a strong comeback, scoring in the 13th minute to give Cameroon the lead.

Ngamaleu provided the assist for the second goal 12 minutes later, and Jamiro Monteiro scored for the opposing team in the 37th minute.

But a foul on Ngamaleu by Deroy Duarte three minutes later gave Cameroon a penalty that Aboubakar converted to restore their two-goal lead.

The Indomitable Lions went 4-1 up when a 54th-minute cross into the opposing box was headed forward by Ngadeu and finished off by Nouhou Tolo.

The home side’s day was complete when Onana saved a stoppage-time penalty from Kevin Pina.

With the most World Cup appearances among African countries, Cameroon faced a threat to their 2026 bid due to a conflict between the football federation and sports ministry.

The government appointed a new coach without consulting the federation president, leading to disputes and power struggles. After weeks of tension, a compromise was reached.

Morocco beat Zambia as South Africa & Nigeria draw in Uyo
by FSL News

Morocco defeat Zambia as Nigeria & South Africa draw in Uyo

Morocco defeated Zambia 2-1 with an early penalty by Hakim Ziyech and a goal by Eliesse Ben Seghir, while Zambia managed a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya.

Nigeria and South Africa played to a 1-1 draw, with Themba Zwane scoring for South Africa and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalizing for Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday.

Cote d’Ivoire secured a 1-0 victory over Gabon with a goal from Seko Fofana, maintaining their lead in Group F.

Morocco 2 – 1 Zambia

In the match between Morocco and Zambia, an early penalty scored by Hakim Ziyech gave the Atlas Lions the lead. Eliesse Ben Seghir extended their lead after the break, but a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya in the 80th minute reduced Zambia’s deficit. This result propelled Morocco ahead of Zambia in Group E. 

Cote d’Ivoire 1 – 0 Gabon

Seko Fofana’s goal helped the Elephants secure a narrow victory over Gabon, maintaining the reigning African champions’ winning streak in Group F and their position at the top.

Nigeria 1 – 1 South Africa

In Uyo, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced South Africa, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Themba Zwane scored for Bafana Bafana in the 29th minute, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized for Nigeria shortly after the break.

Lesotho top Group C after win over Zimbabwe as Mozambique edge Somalia
by FSL News

Lesotho top Group C as Mozambique edge Somalia

Lesotho secured a significant 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon to lead Group C of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Rethabile Rasethuntsa opened the scoring for Lesotho in the 21st minute, while Jane Thaba Ntso doubled their advantage just ten minutes later, securing the win.

With this impressive win, Lesotho now sits atop Group C with five points from three matches, while Zimbabwe is at the bottom with just two points.

In another match, Mozambique secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Somalia, with goals from Alfons Amade and Stanley Ratifo, moving them level on points with the group leaders.

Elsewhere, Kenya and Burundi played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested match.

These results will have a significant impact on the standings and the hopes of each nation to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

How qualifying works

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden

Norwich City FC striker Abu Kamara made his England men’s U20 debut in Croatia as they defeated Sweden 2-1 at Stadion ŠRC Sesvete on Friday.

Kamara played 66 minutes before being replaced by Millwall winger Romain Esse.

In their first game this month, Ben Futcher’s team secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Will Alves and Dane Scarlett.

Alves scored early, and Scarlett added another goal just before the hour mark. Sweden scored a late goal, but England held on for the win.

England: 1 Jed Ward (Bristol Rovers), 2 Kellen Fisher (Norwich City), 5 Ben Nelson (Leicester City), 7 Abu Kamara (Norwich City), 8 Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), 9 Dane Scarlett (Tottenham Hotspur) ©, 10 George Earthy (West Ham United), 14 Kaelan Casey (West Ham United), 16 Noel Buck (New England Revolution), 18 William Alves (Leicester City), 23 Ben Christie (Aston Villa)

Substitutes: 4 Samuel Braybrooke (Leicester City) for Buck 50, 17 Martial Godo (Fulham) for Alves 50, 6 Charlie Hughes (Wigan Athletic) for Bellingham 55, 15 Bradley Hills (Norwich City) for Nelson 55, 3 Archie Brown (K.A.A. Gent) for Casey 55, 21 Alex Matos (Chelsea) for Chrisene 55, 20 Romain Esse (Millwall) for Fisher 65, 19 Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri (Sheffield Wednesday) for Earthy 65, 12 Roman Dixon (Everton) for Scarlett 65, 11 Benico Baker-Boaiter (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Kamara 65

Substitutes not used: 13 Tommy Simkin (Stoke City), 22 Tommy Setford (Ajax), 23 Ben Cisse (West Bromwich Albion)

Interim head coach: Ben Futcher

Goals: William Alves 11, Dane Scarlett 59