Category: Sport News

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance

Tunisian side US Monastir cruised past Sierra Leone’s East End Lions with a resounding 3-1 victory at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium, wrapping up a commanding 7-1 aggregate win over two legs.

The Tunisians wasted no time, scoring twice within the first seven minutes through Naude Zeguei and Haj Ali Moez, effectively sealing their fate.

Although Ali Conteh gave East End Lions a glimmer of hope early in the second half, an own goal by Alpha Kamara in the 71st minute made sure of Monastir’s comfortable progression.

With their dominant performance across both legs, the North Africans emerge as early favorites in the tournament.

Simba SC from Tanzania and Kenya Police FC secured their spots in the Second Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, albeit through different routes.

Simba drew 1–1 against Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam, progressing with a 2–1 aggregate score. Jean Carlos Ahoua’s goal put Simba ahead before Lebogang Ditsele equalized for Gaborone with a penalty, but they couldn’t find a winner.

Kenya Police FC faced a tough challenge, losing 2–0 at home to Mogadishu City. However, their 3–1 first-leg victory in Somalia meant they advanced on away goals despite the tie ending 3–3.

In Eswatini, Nsingizini Hotspurs defeated Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora 4–2 on penalties after a 1–0 win in the second leg leveled the tie at 1–1 on aggregate. Shongwe Nkosingiphile’s last-minute goal forced penalties, where Hotspurs held their nerve to advance.

Additionally, Nigeria’s Rivers United secured a 1-0 victory over Aigles du Congo, while Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC advanced past AS Mangasport on penalties after a goalless draw over two legs.

Orlando Pirates ease past to progress in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orlando Pirates ease past Lioli to progress in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates have successfully advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League following a convincing 4-0 victory over Lioli FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

This commanding performance over two legs sends the Buccaneers straight to the next round.

Next up, the Pirates will face the winner of the match between DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo and the Sudanese powerhouses, Al-Merreikh, for a coveted spot in the group stages.

The Soweto giants struck first with an impressive goal from in-form winger Tshepang Moremi, who found the net just before halftime.

Moremi quickly added another four minutes after the break, giving Pirates a solid two-goal advantage early in the second half.

Yanela Mbuthuma, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by scoring in the 79th minute, and just two minutes later, he completed his brace.

This performance led Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad to a resounding 7-0 aggregate win over the Lesotho champions, having triumphed in the first leg with a 3-0 scoreline.

 

Friday, 26 September

  • Zilimadjou (Comoros) 0-1 Remo Stars (Nigeria) – Remo Stars progress 5-0 on aggregate

Saturday, 27 September

  • ASAS (Djibouti) 1-1 Aigle Noir (Burundi) – 1-1 on aggregate, Aigle Nior advance on away goals rule
  • Black Bulls (Mozambique) 1-0 Leopard (Congo) – Black Bulls progress 1-0 on aggregate
  • Orlando Pirates (South Africa) 4-0 Lioli (Lesotho) Orlando Pirates progress 7-0 on aggregate
  • Silver Strikers (Malawi) 0-0 Elgeco Plus (Madagascar) 1-1 on aggregate, Silver Strikers advance on away goals rule
  • St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo) v Al-Merreikh (Sudan)
  • Mlandege (Zanzibar) 3-2 Ethiopian Insurance (Ethiopia) – Ethiopian Insurance progress 4-3 on aggregate
  • Young Africans (Tanzania) 2-0 Wiliete (Angola) – Young Africans progress 5-0 on aggregate
  • Horoya (Guinea) 2-0 Al Hilal Benghazi (Libya) – Horoya progress 2-1 on aggregate
  • Petro Atlético (Angola) 3-0 Cercle de Joachim (Mauritius) – Petro Atletico progress 6-0 on aggregate
  • Vipers (Uganda) 1-0 African Stars (Namibia) – Vipers progress 2-0 on aggregate
  • Stade Malien (Mali) 2-0 Tempête MOCAF (Central African Republic) – Stade Malien progress 7-0 on aggregate
  • Espérance Tunis (Tunisia) 4-1 AS FAN (Niger) – Esperance progress 7-1 on aggregate
  • FAR Rabat (Morocco) 2-1 Real Banjul (Gambia) – FAR Rabat progress 4-1 on aggregate
  • MC Alger (Algeria) 3-0 Fassell (Liberia)  – MC Alger progress 3-0 on aggregate
  • Berkane (Morocco) 3-1 ASC Kara (Togo) – Berkane progress 4-2 on aggregate

Sunday, 28 September

  • Nsingizini Hotspurs (Eswatini) v Simba Bhora (Zimbabwe)
  • Simba (Tanzania) v Gaborone United (Botswana)
  • Mangasport (Gabon) v Rahimo (Burkina Faso)
  • Police FC (Kenya) v Mogadishu City (Somalia)
  • Rivers United (Nigeria) v Aigles du Congo (DR Congo)
  • Al-Hilal Omdurman (Sudan) v Jamus (South Sudan)
  • ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire) v Power Dynamos (Zambia)
  • Monastir (Tunisia) v East End Lions (Sierra Leone)
  • Jaraaf (Senegal) v Colombe (Cameroon)
  • Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya) v Dadjè (Benin)
  • Kabylie (Algeria) v Bibiani Gold Stars (Ghana)
  • Nouadhibou (Mauritania) v Fundación Bata (Equatorial Guinea)

Wednesday, 1 October

  • APR (Rwanda) v Pyramids (Egypt)

Saturday, 4 October

  • Al-Merreikh (Sudan) v St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Sunday, 5 October

  • Pyramids (Egypt) v APR (Rwanda)
Defeat for Egypt against Japan in FIFA U20 World Cup Opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Defeat for Egypt against Japan in FIFA U20 World Cup opener

Egypt's U20 national team kicked off their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign in Chile with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Japan early at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on Saturday 27 September.

A penalty by Rion Ichihara and a expertly executed shot by Hisatsugu Ishii secured a victory for Japan against Egypt in Santiago.

Japan’s opener  – Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when defender Rion Ichihara from RB Leipzig converted a penalty kick.

Shortly after halftime, Shonan Bellmare striker Hisatsugu Ishii extended Japan’s lead with a powerful finish, assisted by Shunsuke Saito, which the Egyptian goalkeeper couldn’t stop.

Group A Outlook – Egypt now faces a tough road ahead in Group A, which also features hosts Chile and New Zealand. Chile is set to meet New Zealand in a match that could significantly influence the group standings.

Group A

Japan 2-0 Egypt

Japan goals: Rion Ichihara pen (29), Hisatsugu Ishii (48)

Egypt’s U-20s take on Japan in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener in Chile
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt take on Japan in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener in Chile

The opening matches of the 24th U-20 World Cup will feature Japan against Egypt, the Republic against Ukraine, Chile against New Zealand, and Paraguay against Panama.

Egypt’s Young Pharaohs kick off their campaign at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos this evening as they build from their impressive top-four finish at the U-20 AFCON held in Cairo last May.

This marks their first appearance at the World Cup since 2013 and their ninth outing overall, with a notable highlight being their bronze medal finish in 2001.

In Group A, Egypt faces tough competition from hosts Chile, Japan, and New Zealand. They will open their campaign against Japan, followed by a match with New Zealand, and a crucial showdown against Chile in Santiago.

Egypt qualified for the tournament with a strong performance in the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON, where coach Osama Nabih’s side reached the semi-finals, describing it as a “North African derby” and an “early continental final.”

Fixtures – Saturday 27 September

Japan v Egypt

Korea Republic v Ukraine
Chile v New Zealand
Paraguay v Panama
Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh named in Guinea's World Cup qualifers squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh receives first call-up from Guinea

Jocelyn Janneh from Sporting Club di Bastia and two new names expected to make the International debut for Guinea October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Jocelyn Janneh from SC Bastia and two new names are expected to make their International debut for Guinea on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

The two matches are the final rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as he retained a strong core with familiar faces such as Serhou Guirassy, Mouctar Diakhaby, Morlaye Sylla, and Issiaga Sylla.

The Guineans are fourth in Group G on 11 points and are hoping to win these last two matches in the hope of finishing among the four best second-placed teams in the different groups to play in the play-offs.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Mohamed Bangura nets a hat-trick as Bhantal eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Mohamed Bangura nets hat-trick as Bhantal eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup

Mohamed Bangura made a remarkable impact for Bhantal by scoring a brilliant hat-trick in their second-leg match against Hafia in the CAF Confederation Cup on Friday.

Despite facing a 3-2 setback in this return leg played in Ivory Coast, the Guinean football club Hafia has successfully progressed to the next round of the tournament on 5-3 aggregate.

Sierra Leone’s Bhantal emerged victorious in the game held in the Ivorian capital, but they could not advance, having lost the first leg 3-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

The Guinean side showed resilience and secured their place, and they are set to face the Algerian team CR Belouzdad in the upcoming round.

A lesson learned for debuntant Bhantal after showing more in the Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium. Bhantal’s performance in the win was commendable, demonstrating fighting spirit against formidable opponents.

Friday, 26 September 2025 Results

  • AS Fanalamanga (Madagascar) 1-2 Ferroviário Maputo (Mozambique) Ferroviario advance 3-2 on aggregate

  • Royal Leopards (Eswatini) 5-0 Young Africans (Namibia) Royal Leopards advance 7-0 on aggregate

  • KMKM (Zanzibar) 2-1 Port (Djibouti) KMKM advance 4-2 on aggregate

  • Hafia (Guinea) 2-3 Bhantal (Sierra Leone) Hafia advance 5-3 on aggregate

  • Al-Ittihad (Libya) 3-1 Welayta Dicha (Ethiopia)  Al Ittihad advance 3-1 on aggregate

  • Coton FC (Benin) 4-1 Black Man Warrior (Liberia)  Coton FC advance 4-1 on aggregate

Saturday, 27 September 2025 Fixtures 

  • Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) v Kabuscorp (Angola)

  • NEC FC (Uganda) v Nairobi United (Kenya)

  • Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia) v Madani (Sudan)

  • Académie de FAD (Côte d’Ivoire) v Génération Foot (Senegal)

  • San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire) v Aigle Royal (Cameroon)

  • Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) v Rayon Sports (Rwanda)

  • Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) v Mighty Wanderers (Malawi)

  • SNIM (Mauritania) v Stade Tunisien (Tunisia)

  • Olympique de Safi (Morocco) v Nigelec (Niger)

Sunday, 28 September 2025

  • Azam (Tanzania) v El Merriekh Bentiu (South Sudan)

  • ZESCO United (Zambia) v FC Libreville (Gabon)

  • AS Otohô (Congo) v Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)

  • Gbohloe-Su (Togo) v USFA (Burkina Faso)

  • Kwara United (Nigeria) v Asante Kotoko (Ghana)

  • Al Akhdar (Libya) v Flambeau du Centre (Burundi)

  • Djoliba (Mali) v Abia Warriors (Nigeria)

Friday, 4 October 2025

  • Djabal (Comoros) v Simba (DR Congo)

  • Pamplemousses (Mauritius) v Maniema Union (DR Congo)

Benni McCarthy names Kenya final squad for FIFA World Cup qualifying ties
by Football Sierra Leone

Benni McCarthy names Kenya final roster for FIFA World Cup qualifying ties

Benni McCarthy has revealed his final roster for Kenya’s last two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

Standing 11 points behind Ivory Coast, both games will take place away from home, signaling the end of the Harambee Stars’ qualification effort.

Kenya will first compete against Burundi on October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium, with the match scheduled to begin at 4pm EAT, followed by their final game against Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025, starting at 10pm EAT at Alassane Outtara Stadium.

Currently positioned fifth in the group with nine points, the Harambee Stars are eager to conclude their qualification journey positively. The squad will assemble for training in early October, with the final traveling squad to be confirmed after medical evaluations and fitness checks.

Final Squad;

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders

Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders

Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo

Wingers

William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers

Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth

CAF Confederation Cup features exciting second-leg ties
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF Confederation Cup features exciting second-leg ties

There are exciting matches in today's second-leg matches of the first Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, as teams compete for spots in the final qualifying round in October.

Some clubs will return home with small advantages, while well-known teams must recover from losses in the first leg in front of their fans. After a weekend full of surprises and close games, these matches feel like knockout rounds: stay calm, manage the game, and you could reach the group stage in November.

Chiefs under pressure, Kabuscorp sensing an upset

Kaizer Chiefs lost 1–0 in the first leg and need to win against Kabuscorp from Angola, who will try to counterattack in South Africa. Mighty Wanderers have a 1–0 lead over Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana. If Wanderers score early, it will change the game; otherwise, expect strong pressure from the hosts.

Otohô’s 2–1 victory over Primeiro de Agosto in Angola was one of the standout results from the first leg. They need to stay organized and strong in the return match to advance.

Kotoko’s thrilling match continues in Ilorin

Few first legs were as exciting as the 4–3 game in Accra, where Kotoko narrowly won. Expect quick action from the start as Kotoko relies on James Ablorh’s runs during counterattacks, while Kwara needs to strengthen their defense to avoid being exposed again.

Kassi Théodore scored a neat goal in Cameroon, giving San Pedro a 1–0 advantage with an important away goal. Aigle Royal was unable to score in Yaoundé and must attack in Côte d’Ivoire, which could benefit San Pedro’s ability to use wide players.

Hafia and Stade Tunisien in control

Hafia has a strong lead after winning 3–0 against Bhantal in Sierra Leone. The Guinean team will play carefully at home. Stade Tunisien also has a 2–0 lead and controlled the midfield in the first leg. Though SNIM from Mauritania will have little to lose when they face Stade Tunisien, they need to be cautious.

East African derby remains tight

The thrilling 2–2 draw in Kampala between NEC from Uganda and Nairobi United sets up an exciting rematch. The Ugandan team plays aggressively and will try to capitalize on this in the return match.

FC Libreville’s 2–0 win over Zesco United came from a strong start and solid defense. The Zambians need to push the pace, but they also must be careful to defend against quick counterattacks. An early goal for Zesco could change the game’s atmosphere.

These second leg matches are scheduled from September 26 to 28. The aggregate winners will advance to the Second Preliminary Round on October 17-19 and 24-26, edging closer to the group stage on November 21.

Sullay Kaikai's Cambridge United fell to Fulham in League Cup third round
by FSL News

Sullay Kaikai’s Cambridge United fell to Fulham in League Cup third round

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai' was subsituted on in the 64th minute as Cambridge United fell 1-0 to Premier League side Fulham in the League Cup third round on Wednesday at Craven Cottage.

Cambridge United manager Neil Harris expressed he “couldn’t be prouder” of his team after a narrow defeat to Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Harris made seven changes to the squad that secured a victory against Fleetwood Town last weekend, and they managed to hold their Premier League rivals at bay until Emile Smith Rowe scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute.

Midfielder Korey Smith made his comeback after a knee injury, playing 45 minutes, while Northern Ireland international Shayne Lavery completed over an hour on the pitch in his first start of the season.

Harris shared his thoughts on the game’s challenges, stating, “It’s a completely different ball game compared to League Two; you don’t face the same kind of aerial threats, and you’re not constantly dealing with restarts.

We were well aware that long throws wouldn’t be a factor in this match. We really needed to be solid in the midfield and ensure the ball went around us rather than through us.

Having the best one-on-one defenders and top-notch wide players was crucial, and Shayne Lavery provided us with a counter-attacking option whenever we managed to find him.”

“We chose a lineup that suited playing against a Premier League team instead of a League Two side, and the players stepped up admirably. Every single player gave it their all.”

Cambridge United travel to Tranmere Rovers for the League Cup tenth round of action on Saturday.

Algerian star trains after joining Brazilian outfit Santos FC
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algerian star Billal Brahimi trains after joining Brazilian outfit Santos

Algerian international Billal Brahimi has completed his first training session with Santos FC, one of Brazil's most renowned football clubs.

The talented winger has made the move to Santos after inking a contract that will run until the end of 2026, marking his first venture outside of Europe.

This transfer comes on the heels of Brahimi mutually terminating his contract with French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice on September 1, which allowed him to become a free agent.

Having previously played for clubs such as Middlesbrough, Brest, Sint-Truiden, Le Mans, and Angers, Brahimi has now found a new chapter in Brazil, where he will team up with Santos superstar Neymar.

“The addition of Brahimi brings international experience to Santos for the 2025 season,” read a club statement.

At the age of 25, the French-born, naturalised Algerian joins Peixão after his tenure with Nice, in France.

While born in France, Brahimi holds both French and Algerian nationalities and represented the French under-19 national team in 2018.

In May 2022, he received a call-up to the Algeria national team for two qualifying matches for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Uganda and Tanzania.