Category: Sport News

by Football Sierra Leone

Star Sport Academy is in talks regarding a collaboration with Besiktas

After an official visit to Turkey, Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with top officials of the prestigious club Besiktas, marking a significant step toward international collaboration.

Productive meetings were held with club leaders during the visit, including Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy, and Yagiz Berke, Director of External Relations, which helped to get a possible cooperation between Star Sport Academy and Beşiktaş.

Long-term football growth, talent development, and knowledge sharing are among the goals of this possible cooperation.

Once completed, the collaboration is anticipated to provide fresh avenues for young athletes, coaching education, and worldwide exposure—a significant turning point in Star Sport Academy’s goal of worldwide athletic greatness.

Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy - Besiktas
Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy - Besiktas
Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with the Turkish prestigious club Besiktas
Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with the Turkish prestigious club Besiktas
Four Coach Educators from Liberia to lead a CAF D Diploma coaching course
by Football Sierra Leone

Four Coach Educators from Liberia to lead a CAF D Diploma coaching course

The Liberia FA has confirmed that following a formal request from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), four of their qualified Coach Educators will travel to Sierra Leone to help with CAF D License training.

Ten days over four locations will constitute the course’s span. The LFA confirmed that the delegation comprising Kesselee King Kanneh, Roberts N. Lartey, James Salinsa Debbah, and Sergeant Alhajee Omar Konneh will help to run a rigorous CAF D License Diploma coaching course.

This is a major stride for regional football growth and technical collaboration between the two Member Associations.

With a curriculum combining theoretical classroom teaching with on-field practical sessions, covering basic methods, tactics, and player management for young athletes, the CAF License D is an entry-level coaching qualification for grassroots and kids’ football.

Olympic Safi record vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Olympic Safi record a vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro

Olympic Safi asserted a significant home win following a thrilling match where they narrowly defeated San Pédro 2–1 in their CAF Confederation tie on Sunday.

The Moroccans started the scoring in the 29th minute as Salaheddine Errahouli finished a quick counter-attack, slamming a right-footed strike into the top corner from the left side of the box to put Safi a deserved lead at the half.

After the break, San Pédro showed more urgency and almost scored many times; most obviously, when Laciné Dosso struck the post from far range, and Alpha Karamoko compelled a strong save from goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani.

Late in the game, Olympic Safi increased their lead through the replacement Moussa Koné, who coolly fired home from close range in the 88th minute to give the hosts full control.

San Pédro pulled one back deep into stoppage time when Amalaman Allou converted from inside the box following an assist from Laciné Dosso, but the goal came too late to change the outcome as Olympic Safi held on for the win that puts them in second place behind USM Alger.

Olympic Safi 2–1 San Pédro
Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup

In a close Sunday evening match, Zamalek delivered a determined away showing to beat Al Masry 2–1 to maintained their grip at the top of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The guests assumed the lead in the 22nd minute when Hossam Abdelmaguid struck his shot low into the corner from the penalty spot following a foul in the box.

Respond positively, Al Masry was rewarded in the 32nd minute as Salah Mohsen calmly converted a penalty of his own to even things following a handball decision.

Both teams sought a decisive goal in the second half, with opportunities at either end and several interruptions breaking the flow of the game.

Eventually finding the breakthrough in the 75th minute, Zamalek reacted quickest to a corner and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from close range. Oday Dabbagh did so.

Late on, Al Masry searched for an equaliser, but Zamalek stood strong across seven minutes of additional time to grab all three points away from home.

Al Masry 1–2 Zamalek
Zambia's Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie
by FSL News

Zambia’s Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie

In the Group A other game, Power Dynamos claimed their first victory of the CAF Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Rivers United, condemning the Nigerian side to another frustrating night.

The decisive moment came five minutes after the restart when Kundwani Chiboni struck to secure all three points for the Zambian champions. The midfielder timed his run perfectly to meet a well-weighted pass from Prince Mumba before calmly slotting the ball into the net to silence the home crowd.

Rivers United sought their first win but struggled to turn possession into clear chances in the first half, while Power Dynamos maintained a disciplined defence.

After going behind, Rivers pushed for an equaliser in the second half, launching several attacks but failing to break through the strong Dynamos ‘ defence and composed goalkeeping.

Despite late efforts, Rivers managed few clear opportunities, and Power Dynamos secured a vital away win, rising to four points in Group A.

Rivers remain bottom with one point from four matches, putting their hopes of progression in jeopardy.

Rivers United 0–1 Power Dynamos
Pyramids close to cementing CAF Champions League quarter-finals spot
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids close to cementing CAF Champions League quarter-finals spot

Following a convincing 3-0 triumph over Morocco's RS Berkane in Cairo on Sunday, title holders Pyramids are close to cementing their spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Emphasising their increasing power in Africa’s leading club tournament, the Egyptian side gave a disciplined and precise performance at the Air Defence Stadium on Sunday to move clear at the top of Group A.

Early on, the pyramids set the tone, and in the 10th minute, Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez, also known as “Zalaka”, opened the scoring with a strong header from near range, thereby rewarding them. After a flawless delivery from Nasser Maher, whose impact would keep altering the match, the goal arrived.

Berkane attempted to respond after the break, but their efforts were thwarted by goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, as Pyramids continued to dictate the pace and exploit open spaces on the counterattack.

The crucial moment arrived in the 74th minute when Nasser Maher scored his first goal wearing a Pyramids shirt after an amazing performance. Latching onto a quick transition sparked by Zalaka, Maher finished confidently from inside the penalty area to double the lead and effectively extinguish Berkane’s hopes of a comeback.

Six minutes later, pyramids contributed even more gloss to the scoreboard. In the 80th minute, Ahmed Atef “Qatta” scored the third goal to cap a dominating evening for the home team and cement their superiority.

After four games, Pyramids moves to 10 points, three ahead of second-placed Berkane. The Egyptian team is on the verge of advancing to the last eight of the tournament.

Seven points put Berkane second, but their grasp on qualifying is now in danger as Zambia’s Power Dynamos are in the fight for the group’s second spot.

For Pyramids, the triumph is another declaration of intent as they strive for continental success, fusing attacking genius with rising tactical maturity at a pivotal point in the competition.

Daniel Kanu helps Walsall secure a point at Chesterfield
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Daniel Kanu helps Walsall secure a point at Chesterfield

After falling 2-0 down in the first half, Walsall made a comeback to tie Chesterfield 2-2 with Daniel Kanu of Sierra Leone on target.

Before Daniel Kanu and Albert Adomah attacked for the visitors to keep the four-point gap between the promotion rivals, goals from Will Grigg and Dilan Markanday put Chesterfield in command.

After a great pass from Tom Pearce, Grigg opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finding the net at his second attempt after Myles Roberts denied his first try.

Seven minutes later, Markanday propelled the hosts ahead, dispossessing Evan Weir before aiming towards the goal and scoring past Roberts.

In the 42nd minute, Walsall reduced the score when Kanu connected with Connor Barrett’s cross and headed powerfully into the top of the net. Change Finding the net from close range after Kanu headed on from a free-kick, Adomah equalised on the hour mark.

Kanu threatened with a driving run and a well-struck shot, which went wide, while, at the other end, Roberts got down well to save a low drive from Lee Bonis.

In the end, both teams shared the points in the 30th round of the English League Two.

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudanese side Al Hilal go top of Group C lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudan’s Al Hilal go top of Group C

On Friday night, Al-Hilal astonished South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 victory in Kigali to claim Group C in the CAF Champions League, thereby ending a long wait for a victory over their prestigious rivals.

Performed at the Amahoro Stadium, the Matchday 4 match swung on moments of ruthlessness from the Sudanese side, who capitalised on Sundowns’ errors to climb to the top of the table at the halfway stage of the group phase.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Al-Hilal struck first after referee Mahmoud Nagy gave a penalty following a costly error by veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

Mohammed Abdel Rahman, an international forward, stepped forward and held his nerves to send Onyango the wrong way, enabling the Sudanese champions a well-deserved halftime lead.

Al-momentum stayed with them after the restart, doubling four minutes into the second half.

Jean Claude Girumugisha grabbed a loose ball on the perimeter of the field and fired a low shot beyond Onyango, a finish highlighting Sundowns’ increasing uneasiness and their opponents’ sharpness.

Sundowns reacted by speeding their pace and found a lifeline just beyond the hour mark.

With a composed finish from inside the penalty area, Brazilian replacement Arthur Sales reduced the gap and inspired the South Africans, creating a nervous final half-hour.

Sundowns could not find an equaliser despite ongoing pressure.

Defending with discipline and resilience, Al-Hilal slowed the game at key times and guarded their slim lead to guarantee a statement triumph on neutral soil.

The outcome moves Al-Hilal eight points and alone atop Group C, putting them in a good place going into the critical phase of the tournament.

While Sundowns remain second with five points and will need a great response in the return games to reaffirm their eligibility.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures – (All times GMT)

Group C Result - Friday,  30 January — Al Hilal (SUD) 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
Group B - Saturday, 31 January
13:00 — Young Africans SC (TAN) vs Al Ahly SC (EGY)
19:00 — AS FAR Rabat (MAR) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)

Group A - Sunday, 1 February
16:00 — Pyramids FC (EGY) vs RS Berkane (MAR)
16:00 — Rivers United (NGA) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)

Group D - Saturday, 31 January
16:00 — Petro Atlético (ANG) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
Sunday, 1 February
13:00 — Simba SC (TAN) vs Espérance de Tunis (TUN)

Group C - Sunday, 1 February
19:00 — MC Alger (ALG) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
Callum Cesay's Salford City visit Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kallum Cesay’s Salford City visit Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two

Saturday afternoon, when Salford City visits Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two (KO 15:00 GMT), they will be hoping to get back on track.

Karl Robinson’s side heads into the match following their home loss to Chesterfield on Tuesday night. Even so, there were definitely advantages to be gained from the performance; the Ammies forced Zach Hemming into two superb first-half saves.

Ryan Graydon hit the woodwork in the second half and registered fourteen more shots on the Chesterfield goal before a late deflected shot in stoppage time dealt Salford’s first loss in ten contests.

The Stats between the two sides

Tranmere have lately dropped their last two EFL meetings with Salford (both in 2025 – 0-2 in February and 1-3 in September), but they only lost one of their first nine (W4 D4).

Following their 3-1 triumph at home earlier this season, Salford will be aiming to complete an EFL league double over Tranmere for the first time.

While Tranmere have not lost four in a row since January–February 2020, when they were in League One (a run of five), they have lost each of their last three home league games.

Having won their last three away league matches, Salford City last won four in a row in the same season in September/October 2022.

Sullay Kaikai's Cambridge United pushing for automatic promotion
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai’s Cambridge United pushing for automatic promotion

Following their most recent triumph over Shrewsbury Town, Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai and his Cambridge United are vying for an automatic promotional spot.

They face Oldham Athletic on Saturday at Boundary Park as they chase automatic promotion. However, they’ll find things difficult against the host.

Stats - Oldham Athletic versus Cambridge United

After their September 1-0 victory, Oldham are hoping to complete the double over Cambridge for the first time in the Football League since 1999–00.

Cambridge have won only one of their previous eight Football League (D3 L4) contests against Oldham, albeit it was on their most recent visit to Boundary Park in March 2021 (4-2).

Having lost two of their first three at Boundary Park this season (D1), Oldham have lost just one of their past ten home league games (W4 D5).

Cambridge has won the last two of their unbeaten six away league games (W3 D3). In April 2022, they last won three consecutive away from home.

Kaikai's Cambridge last encounter

Ben Knight’s late penalty earned Cambridge a League Two victory over Shrewsbury. Kaikai was part of the starting team that beat Town 1-0 at Cledara Abbey Stadium.

Until Luca Hoole handled Ben Purrington’s cross in the last minute of regulation, the game seemed set to finish goalless.

With five minutes of extra game play left, Knight sent Shrews’ goalie Matthew Cox the wrong way from the spot.

Six minutes into the game, when debutant stopper Cox flew out to stop Sullay Kaikai from scoring off a brilliant pass by Louis Appere, the best opportunity of the match to that point had come.

Shrewsbury’s only opportunity came after 55 minutes when Tom Sang’s corner found Josh Ruffels, who could only shoot wide of the post.

Twelve minutes from time, Knight got another opportunity for Cambridge when Shayne Lavery, a replacement, drew him back.

Cox saved easily, but his poor effort lacked power once more. There was still time for him to net his side’s amazing winner to catapult the U’s into the top three for the first time all season.