Category: Sport News

SLFA's president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA’s president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance

Presently in Kampala, Uganda for the CAF Impact Strategic Roundtable workshop, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara, together with Acting General Secretary, Ｍohamed Benson Bawoh, join global heads.

This event marks the inaugural appearance of the new SLFA president at a continental gathering that unites African football executives, focusing on governance, sustainable development, and initiatives aimed at transforming the game across the continent.

For the first time, CAF will bring together all 54 Presidents of Member Associations alongside their General Secretaries to a practical workshop aimed at strengthening financial governance, promoting youth competitions and driving impactful community outreach initiatives.

The participation of SLFA highlights President Kamara’s commitment to making Sierra Leone pivotal in the continent’s football reforms and developmental projects.

President Kamara is anticipated to meet with CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and other leaders of CAF Member Associations for a face-to-face strategic meeting on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This important meeting will coincide with the final of the CHAN Tournament.

The discussions in Nairobi will cover various crucial topics essential to the advancement of African football.

The CAF IMPACT sessions, held in three separate groups, will offer practical guidance on program goals, the rights and responsibilities of Member Associations, financial contributions and reporting, and measures to prevent the misuse of CAF IMPACT funds.

Sarah Mukuna, Director of Member Associations at CAF, stated: “This CAF IMPACT workshop is unprecedented, uniting Presidents and their administrative teams to collaboratively enhance governance and impact.

It demonstrates CAF’s dedication to providing our leaders with the necessary tools to make African football competitive and self-sustaining on a global scale.”

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria

Sudan continued their impressive journey in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a stunning quarter-final win over Algeria in Zanzibar.

The match ended 1-1, with Sudan triumphing 4-2 in penalties, showcasing their discipline, tactical pragmatism, and unwavering belief, according to CAF Technical Study Group member Michael Amenga Okoth.

Despite Algeria entering as heavy favorites, Sudan’s strategy involved selective pressing and compact defensive organization, which led to an own goal early in the second half after Musa Hussien’s shot was parried.

Amenga emphasized that this reflected a clear tactical plan from coach Kwesi Appiah, as Sudan focused on resilience over possession.

Even after Algeria equalized through Soufiane Bayazid, Sudan’s defense remained steadfast, expertly blocking central access and maintaining composure under pressure. When the match went to penalties, goalkeeper Mohamed ‘Abooja’ Alnour Adam Saeed saved two spot-kicks, helping Sudan advance to the semi-finals.

Sudan’s impressive physical conditioning allowed them to compete fiercely for 120 minutes, and their disciplined midfield play was crucial in thwarting Algeria’s attempts to dominate. The players’ emotional drive, fueled by their challenging circumstances back home, added an extra layer of motivation, leading to their unforgettable semi-final matchup against Madagascar.

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis
by FSL News

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis

Defending champions Senegal overcame co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in the quarter-final match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Oumar Ba scored the decisive goal shortly after the 60-minute mark, showcasing Senegal’s tournament experience against a passionate crowd of over 35,000.

The goal came from a cross by Libasse Guèye that found Ba at the far post, allowing him to place a low shot past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

While Uganda fought valiantly, becoming the first team to reach the knockout rounds, they struggled to convert opportunities. Allan Okello had a powerful shot saved, and Gavin Kizito just missed with a header.

Senegal’s strong defense, led by goalkeeper Marc Diouf and central defenders Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm against Uganda’s advances. Despite Uganda having more shots, they lacked the composure shown by Senegal.

The match marked a historic achievement for Uganda, who had never reached this stage before and finished first in their group. Coach Morley Byekwaso emphasised the team would learn and return stronger. Defensive masterclass! Ndiaye’s commanding display earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.

Senegal will face Madagascar in the semi-finals, while Uganda’s journey in CHAN 2024 lays the groundwork for future success.

Burkina Faso's Dango Ouattara's nets debut goal for Brentford
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara nets debut goal for Brentford

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara scored on his debut for Brentford a their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in their first home match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 23-year-old’s 12th-minute finish was the difference as Keith Andrews’ team celebrated their first win at Gtech Community Stadium. Ouattara started just a week after signing, alongside Jordan Henderson, who also made his full debut.

In a tribute to former club chair Dan Tana, the Bees observed a minute’s applause before kick-off, wearing black armbands.

Damsgaard had the first chance of the match early on, but his effort went wide. Brentford took the lead through Ouattara, who scored after a rebound from an initial save by Emiliano Martínez.

Brentford’s Kayode made significant contributions with long throws, leading to a blocked attempt by Henderson. Aston Villa’s first chances came from set-pieces, with Schade and Kelleher making key saves. Damsgaard’s volley was ruled out by VAR for a foul.

Late in the first half, Ollie Watkins’ shot was also blocked, and Kayode’s challenge prevented Villa from equalizing early in the second half. Onana’s shot was blocked after Watkins set him up, and Thiago missed the chance to extend the lead with a wide shot in the final minutes.

In the second half, Kayode again played a crucial role, blocking a shot from Onana after a setup from Watkins. Thiago had another opportunity to score but also shot wide in the closing moments.

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final

Morocco defeated Tanzania 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, ending Tanzania’s remarkable tournament run.

The match, held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, saw Oussama Lamlaoui score the sole goal in the 65th minute, assisted by Youssef Belammari.

The game was tightly contested, with Tanzania creating chances through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, but Morocco’s goalkeeper, El Mehdi Al Harrar, made crucial saves. As the match progressed, Morocco began to take control, with Lamlaoui being a constant threat.

Despite trailing, Tanzania continued to press for an equalizer, with Mzize nearly scoring with a header and substitute Nassor Saadun missing a late opportunity. Morocco’s defense, led by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm to secure the win.

This victory marks Morocco’s seventh consecutive win in CHAN knockout rounds since 2014. Though their tournament ends at this stage, Tanzania can take pride in their achievement of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, boasting the best defensive record and showcasing the potential of East African football.

Morocco now looks forward to the semi-finals in pursuit of their third title.

Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout

Co-hosts Kenya of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), was shocked on Thursday as their team, the Harambee Stars, lost to Madagascar in a penalty shootout during the opening quarterfinal at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Madagascar came back from a goal down to equalize, sending Kenya home after defender Alphonce Omija missed his penalty kick. As a result, they advanced to the CHAN semis after wining 4-3 on penalties at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on August 22, 2025.

Madagascar defended strongly against a fierce Kenyan attack in the first half, with goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa making crucial saves. In the second half, Kenya took the lead when Boniface Muchiri’s free kick was headed in by Alphonce Omija in the 48th minute.

Madagascar quickly equalized with a penalty converted by Fenohasina Razafimaro after a handball by Kenya’s Lewis Esambe Bandi.

The match remained tied despite chances from both teams, leading to extra time, where Kenya struggled to break through Madagascar’s defense.

After no changes in score during extra time, the match went to penalties. Madagascar will face the winner of the Sudan-Algeria match in the semifinals at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Tanzania will compete against Morocco in another quarterfinal on Thursday.

Striker Daniel Kanu joins Walsall on loan from Charlton Athletic
by FSL News

Striker Daniel Kanu joins Walsall on loan from Charlton Athletic

Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu has joined League Two side Walsall on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletic in the Championship.

Daniel is 20 years old and came up through Charlton’s youth teams. He signed his first professional contract in February 2022 and made his senior debut that same month.

He stood out during the 2023-24 season by scoring three goals in his first four games. Daniel then had a one-month loan at Southend United in the National League, where he had a standout match, scoring four goals in a 5-0 win against Solihull Moors.

After returning to Charlton, he had another successful season, finishing with seven goals in Sky Bet League One. Overall, he has played 71 times for Charlton and has five senior caps for Sierra Leone, earning his first cap just after his 19th birthday.

Daniel is looking forward to his new challenge with us. “I’m really excited to be here and to get going,” he said. “I’ve been in contact with the coach for most of pre-season. They gave me a great presentation, which excited me. They will help me improve and get games, which is what I needed. I just can’t wait to get on the pitch and give my all. I had to wait a bit, but I’m really excited to be here, to get started, and to score some goals.”

Head Coach Mat Sadler is happy to strengthen the team’s attack. “I’m delighted that Charlton chose us as the best place for Daniel’s future. He has had success on loan at Southend and scored goals in League One. He is well-regarded at Charlton, and I have tried to sign him before. I’m glad everything worked out this time.

“We look forward to seeing him play. He is quick, likes to run behind defenses, and has a good eye for goal and finishing. We thank Charlton for their help in making this happen.”

Defender Alie Sesay returns to England to pens Morecambe deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Defender Alie Sesay returns to England and pens Morecambe deal

Sierra Leone International, Alie Sesay, 31, has returned to England to joined the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. The club said Sesay brings a lot of experience from playing in England, Europe, and Asia.

Sesay departed England eights years ago after spell with Barnet in 2017 – he started his career in the Leicester City Academy, where he got a professional contract and played at youth and reserve levels. He later played for Barnet and Cambridge United.

He has also played in Greece, Sweden, Albania, and Indonesia. He represented Sierra Leone in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Manager Ashvir is excited about Sesay joining the team. He said, “I’m delighted to have Alie. He has played in the EFL and spent the last few years abroad to gain different football experiences.

“He will help us compete and win games in the National League. Alie is a leader and a professional who sets a good example for younger players. Sesay will join the squad as they prepare for the new season.”

Brøndby IF and Vaasan Palloseura in talks over loan deal for young keeper Wurie Jalloh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brøndby IF and Vaasan Palloseura in talks over loan deal for young keeper Wurie Jalloh

On Friday, the Finnish media MTV Urheilu reported that Brøndby’s young goalkeeper Mamadou Jalloh will be loaned to Vaasan Palloseura in the top division in Finland, accordng to 3Point.DK

Mamadou Jalloh has risen through the ranks in Brøndby Masterclass, where he has most recently been a central figure in the U19 team.

The loan agreement with the Finnish club is valid for the rest of the season and with an option for a 12-month extension.

The agreement has not yet been officially confirmed by any party. This move aims to help him gain more experience, building on his impressive performances for the Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations team.

Vaasan Palloseura, known as VPS, is a football club from Vaasa, Finland. The team plays in the top league of Finnish football called Veikkausliiga. Jussi Nuorela is the club’s manager. VPS holds its home matches at Hietalahti.

by Football Sierra Leone

Co-hosts Tanzania to face an uphill task against Morocco in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is set to host a quarterfinal showdown as co-hosts Tanzania take on Morocco at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, one of the most successful teams in the history of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), in a highly anticipated match on Friday.

This encounter will mark the first-ever meeting between Tanzania and Morocco at CHAN, and it will also be Tanzania’s first match against a North African team in the tournament.

Tanzania will be playing their 11th game at CHAN, while Morocco will be their 10th different opponent in the competition.

Morocco has faced East African teams six times, with a record of three wins, two draws, and one loss. Their wins include victories over Uganda (3-0 in 2014, 5-2 in 2020) and Rwanda (4-1 in 2016), along with draws against Rwanda (0-0 in 2020) and Sudan (0-0 in 2018).

In this tournament, their only defeat was a 1-0 loss to Kenya. This match marks Morocco’s first knockout round encounter with an East African team and will be their 21st opponent at CHAN.

Morocco will face a tournament host for the fourth time, having previously beaten Rwanda (4-1 in 2014) and Cameroon (4-0 in 2020), but lost to Kenya this year.

Tanzania has shown strong defence, conceding only one goal—the fewest in the tournament—while Morocco boasts a powerful attack, scoring eight goals, the highest in the competition.

Morocco has an 18.6% shot conversion rate, scoring eight goals from 23 shots on target, while Tanzania has a conversion rate of 10.42%, with five goals from 17 shots. Additionally, Tanzania leads in defence with 45 tackles, compared to Morocco’s 29.