Category: Sport News

Ex-Milan star Rodney Strasser feels 'honored' to be among the greats at the FIFA Congress.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rodney Strasser feels ‘honoured’ to be at FIFA Congress

Ex-AC Milan star Rodney Strasser expressed his honour at being the first Sierra Leonean football legend to represent his country at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The 74th FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 17th May 2024, gathering delegates from 211 member associations at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for a five-day international event.  

One of the main agenda items will be the confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. This will mark Thailand’s first time hosting a FIFA Congress, making it a significant event for the country.  

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.

He highlighted the importance of showcasing the work of the Rodney Strasser Foundation and advocating for professional football players and children in sports in Sierra Leone.  

He stated, “My journey is not just about me, but about the countless young athletes and communities who deserve support and recognition. At the FIFA Congress, I aim to share our foundation’s initiatives, promote the development of football in Sierra Leone, and network with global leaders in the sport. I aspire to inspire change, foster collaboration, and bring hope to those who need it most.”

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Sierra Leone draw Guinea, Mauritania and Liberia in WAFU U20
by FSL News

Sierra Leone draw Guinea, Mauritania & Liberia in WAFU U20

The Sierra Leone U20 Women’s team has been grouped with tough opponents Mauritania, Liberia, and Guinea for this year’s tournament in Thiès, Senegal, from May 20 to 30. Photo Credit Kemokai Sportgraphy

The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women’s Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.

Eight out of nine teams will participate in this women’s soccer tournament. The participating teams are Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. Cape Verde will not be participating.

Sierra Leone has started their preparations under the watchful eyes of head coach Fatmata Turay, who is optimistic about the team’s spirit. She has already expressed confidence in their ability to excel and highlighted the selection of 20 talented players from various clubs who will represent Sierra Leone in the competition.

The team is enthusiastic about impacting the regional stage and demonstrating the increasing talent in women’s football in Sierra Leone.

The SLFA fully supports the team’s endeavours and is confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.

The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women's Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.
The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women's Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.
Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orihuela’s Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June qualifiers

Spanish club Orihuela C.F. has confirmed that midfielder Alusine Koroma from Sierra Leone has been called up for the June World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Burkina Faso. 

Koroma has been an important player for Sergi Guilló and is performing well with his new team as they aim for promotion in the Second RFEF.

Sierra Leone will play their next qualification matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso next month at the Stade El Abdi and Stade du 26 Mars in Morocco and Mali, respectively.

Last Sunday, Koroma played for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their Segunda RFEF promotion playoff first-leg match. Juanmi Callejón scored the only goal for the home team, giving them an advantage in the promotion race. The stadium atmosphere was incredible, with fans supporting the team led by Sergi Guilló.

Koroma has played in 26 matches across all competitions since joining the club. He will be looking to contribute significantly to help his team win in the second leg on Sunday, May 19.

Orihuela CF achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against San Roque de Lepe, thanks to a double from Miguel Ángel De Las Cuevas Barberá, leading them to the playoff final.

Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
Indy Eleven striker named in USL Championship Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Indy Eleven striker Augustine Williams in USL Team of the Week

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams has been selected for the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.

Williams scored a brace for Indy Eleven in their 3-1 victory against Miami FC. He took a season-high nine shots overall and won 3 of 4 aerial duels.

It was hs fifth of the season as they defeated Miami 3-1 in the ongoing season. 

His teammate defender Aedan Stanley was voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording the first two-assist game of his career and helping lead Indy to a 3-1 victory against Miami FC on Sunday night, extending the club’s current undefeated run.

Indy Eleven remains unbeaten in six consecutive matches, including four in USL Championship play, following their victory over Miami FC, an Eastern Conference opponent.

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
Rodney Strasser donates generator to help solve electricity issues
by FSL News

Rodney Strasser donates generator to help solve electricity issues

Ex-Sierra Leone and AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser has generously donated a generator with a plate number of 100KVA, valued at over $20,000, to the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) ‘Cottage Hospital’ in Freetown through his Rodney Strasser Foundation. 

The hospital received a donation of a generator along with 325 litres of diesel fuel to help with their electricity issues.

A gesture was made in collaboration with the Sick Pikin Project to improve essential health services at the hospital, which has been affected by unreliable electricity supply.

The donation was made following pleas on social media about the lack of electricity at the hospital, and Strasser, who was born at the PCMH/Cottage Hospital, responded with a generous and timely gesture to improve the conditions at the facility. 

The staff at the hospital appreciated the donation, describing it as thoughtful and timely.

The staff at the hospital appreciated the donation, describing it as thoughtful and timely.
The staff at the hospital appreciated the donation, describing it as thoughtful and timely.
Sierra Leone U-20 female preparing for the WAFU U-20 Tourney
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U20 start groundwork for WAFU Tourney in Senegal  

On Monday, the Sierra Leone Women’s National Team had their first training session at the SLFA Academy for the upcoming WAFU U-20 Women’s Tournament in Senegal.

The organisers have confirmed that the draw for the U20 Girls SENEGAL 2024 tournament will take place this Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 at the headquarters of the FSF in Dakar. 

It will be broadcast live on all digital platforms in the area: Facebook and YouTube WAFU. Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal will join five other WAFU nations in this tournament.

Head Coach Fatmata Turay is optimistic about the team’s performance in the tournament and expressed confidence in their ability to excel. She also highlighted the selection of 20 talented players from various clubs who will represent Sierra Leone in the competition.

The team is set to undergo rigorous training and preparations leading up to the tournament, scheduled from May 20th to 30th this year.

The squad is eager to make a mark on the regional stage and showcase the growing talent in Sierra Leonean women’s football. The SLFA fully supports the team’s efforts and is confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.

WAFU 2024 Women's U20 Dakar, Senegal
WAFU 2024 Women's U20 Dakar, Senegal
Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal will join five other WAFU nations in this tournament.
Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal will join five other WAFU nations in this tournament.
Sierra Leone's Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account 

New York City FC achieved a remarkable 3-2 victory against Toronto FC in an away game on Saturday night. The MLS side’s Sierra Leonean player, Malachi Jones, scored his first goal for the team.

City took the lead in the first half with a penalty kick by Santiago Rodríguez. Just before halftime, Malachi Jones scored his first MLS goal with an impressive finish but went off due to injury. 

Although Federico Bernardeschi scored a goal for Toronto in the 55th minute, Andrés Perea restored City’s two-goal lead in the 77th minute. 

Toronto managed to score again in the 89th minute thanks to Raoul Petretta, but Perea’s first goal of the season was enough to secure City’s win.

Malachi Jones, who was picked as the eighth overall pick in the First Round from Lipscomb University, joined New York City after making 35 appearances for the Bisons over two seasons, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists. 

In the past season, he led the NCAA ASUN Conference in total assists and assists per game, earning him United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team Honors and being named First Team All-ASUN for the second consecutive season.

Chaabani & Gomes expressed their desire for better performance in Cairo
by FSL News

Chaabani, Gomes call for more fireworks in Cairo

Both coaches of the teams that played in the CAF Confederation Cup Final first leg at the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Sunday evening have urged their players to perform even better in the return leg set for Sunday, 19 May in Cairo.

Despite RS Berkane’s victory in the match, their coach, Mouin Chaabani in the Photo, warned his players against complacency in the return leg. He admitted that although they had a good first half, there was visible laxity in the second half, which they need to improve.

Chaabani also acknowledged that they must work on their strategy and rectify their mistakes to get positive results in the next game.

Zamalek coach José Gomes expressed his disappointment over the team’s loss and said that they need to be better prepared for the return leg in Cairo.

Although they did not play badly, they did not play as well as they had hoped. Gomes also mentioned that the team had prepared well for this game and they plan to do the same for the next one.

RS Berkane secured the victory – thanks to two first-half goals by captain Issoufou Dayo and Adil Tahif. Zamalek’s only goal came from Seifeddine Jaziri in the 46th-mnute second half.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Final 

Sunday, 12 May 2024 (First Leg)

RS Berkane 2-1 Zamalek SC

Sunday, 19 May 2024 (Second Leg)

17h00 GMT | Zamalek SC vs RS Berkane

On Sunday, Renaissance Berkane defeated Zamalek 2-1 in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup final at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.
On Sunday, Renaissance Berkane defeated Zamalek 2-1 in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup final at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.
On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their promotion first-leg tie.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alusine Koroma’s Orihuela win RFEF playoff first-leg 

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their Segunda RFEF promotion playoff first-leg tie. 

In a closely contested match at Estadio Municipal Los Arcos stadium, Juanmi Callejón scored the sole goal for the home team, providing them with an advantage in the promotion race.

The stadium atmosphere was incredible, with fans offering their undivided support to the team captained by Sergi Guilló.

Koroma has played in 26 matches across all competitions since he joined the club.  He will be hoping to make a significant contribution to help his team win in the second leg on Sunday, May 19.

Orihuela CF achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against San Roque de Lepe, thanks to a double from Miguel Ángel De Las Cuevas Barberá. This result has led them to the playoff final.

RS Berkane edged Zamalek 2-1 to set up a tricky tie in Cairo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Berkane edged Zamalek 2-1 to set up a tricky tie in Cairo

On Sunday, Renaissance Berkane defeated Zamalek 2-1 in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup final at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.

A second-leg contest is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at 7:00 PM GMT in Cairo.

Hosts scored twice, with a penalty by skipper Issoufou Dayo in the 13th minute and a header at the back post by Adil Tahif in the 32nd minute, doubling their lead.

After the halftime break, the Egyptian team came back with a more organized strategy and started recovering positions as they reduced the deficit. 

The Egyptians managed to score thanks to Seifeddine Jaziri’s quick thinking in the 46th minute. A momentary lapse of concentration just after the resumption of play resulted in Ahmed Sayed making his fifth assist of the competition. 

He found Seifeddine Jaziri, who scored with a powerful header that hit the bottom left corner of the net.

The return leg in Cairo next Sunday will see Berkane, winners in 2020 and 2022, aiming for a third triumph in the continent’s secondary club competition.

Lineups:

RS Berkane: Hamza Hamiani – Issoufou Dayou, Abdelhak Assal, Hamza El Moussaoui, Adil Tahif – Ayoub Khairi, Mohamed El Mourabit, Yassin Labhiri, Tuisila Kisinda – Youssef Mehri, Youssef Al Fahli, Paul Bassene

Zamalek: Mohamad Awaad – Ahmed Fattouh, Hossam Abdel-Meguid, Omar Gaber, Hamza Mathlouthi – Mohamed Shehata, Nabil Emad, Ahmed Hamdi –  Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed, Samson Akinyoola, Seifeddine Jaziri.