Category: Sport News

Difficult task ahead of East Africa AFCON for Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone placed in Group E for the race to East Africa

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone will compete with a stiff contest against African powerhouse DR Congo, stubborn Equatorial Guinea and improving Zimbabwe in Group E as they aim for their fourth appearance in the Cup of Nations in 2027.

This comes after the PAMOJA Qualifiers Draw held in Cairo, Egypt, on 19 May. The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, who did not qualify for the last tournament in Morocco, are in search of a new head coach.

They participated in the Cameroon 2021 tournament but were eliminated in the group stage. Their last match was a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on 20 January 2022, finishing third in Group E behind Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea.

The road to East Africa will be challenging for whoever takes charge of the Leone Stars. There will be 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with four teams in each group. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Final Tournament.

The Qualifiers will take place during three FIFA International Windows:

– Matchdays 1 and 2: from 21 September to 6 October 2026
– Matchdays 3 and 4: from 9 to 17 November 2026
– Matchdays 5 and 6: from 22 to 30 March 2027

The tournament is scheduled from 19 June to 17 July 2027 and will be held in East Africa for the first time in 51 years, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as co-hosts.

Sierra Leone Last Three and only appearances

3 (first in 1994) Group stage – (1994, 1996, 2021)

Sierra Leone Confirmed in Pot 3 for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Confirmed in Pot 3 for 2027 AFCON Qualifying draw

Sierra Leone will be in Pot 3 for the draw of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series on Tuesday.

The Leone Stars, who did not qualify for the last tournament in Morocco, will find out who they will compete against as they work to secure a place in the event. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The country’s football association is seeking a new manager after firing former head coach Mohaed Kallon.

Pot 1 includes some of Africa’s top-ranked teams, such as the current champions Morocco, along with Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Cameroon, DR Congo, Mali, South Africa, and Burkina Faso.

A total of 48 teams will compete, organised into 12 groups of four. Each group will have one team from each pot.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the final tournament. Groups with a co-host nation will get an extra spot for qualification.

Cardoso Calls on Sundowns to Stay Hungry Despite First-Leg Advantage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Miguel Cardoso calls for Sundowns to stay hungry despite first-leg advantage

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Miguel Cardoso, has urged his players to remain cautious after their 1-0 win against FAR Rabat in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final. He emphasised that the toughest challenge lies ahead in Morocco.

Aubrey Modiba scored the only goal with a free-kick, but Cardoso felt they should have scored more to secure a better lead. “We needed at least one more goal for a stronger advantage,” he said.

While the fans celebrated, Cardoso maintained that the team must stay focused for the return leg if they want to win Africa’s top club tournament again. He acknowledged their ability to compete with strong opponents and noted that Sundowns controlled much of the match, albeit struggling against Rabat’s tight defence and counter-attacks.

Brian Leon Muniz missed a clear chance, and Teboho Mokoena hit the post with another free-kick. Cardoso stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the trophy.

“We need to keep our energy up and stay sharp for the second leg,” he said, reminding them to ignore the crowd in Rabat.

Defensively, Sundowns did well to limit FAR Rabat’s attacks despite the visitors having more possession at times. Cardoso praised their discipline but pointed out that breaking down Rabat’s defence was challenging.

“We need to manage the ball better and find gaps,” he said. Overall, Cardoso was pleased with his team’s mindset, stating, “We were strong for most of the game. That’s the mentality we need for the second match.”

Mighty Blackpool and East End Lions Storm Into Sierra Leone FA Cup Final
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Mighty Blackpool and East End Lions Storm Into Sierra Leone FA Cup Final

Sierra Leone’s football season is set for a dramatic climax after traditional giants Mighty Blackpool and East End Lions advanced to the final of the 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup following a thrilling semifinal weekend in Freetown.

Mighty Blackpool FC sealed their place in the final on Saturday evening after overcoming ambitious newcomers Abacha City FC 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the SLFA Academy Playing Field following a tense goalless draw in regulation time.

The victory kept Blackpool’s hopes alive for another major domestic honour and underlined the club’s resilience in one of the most unpredictable FA-Cup campaigns in recent years.

Twenty-four hours later, East End Lions FC joined their long-time rivals in the grand finale after edging FC Kallon 1-0 at the Approved School Playing Field.

The decisive moment came just before halftime when forward Innocent Emmanuel Uduk struck in the 43rd minute, sending the “Killers” into celebration and crushing FC Kallon’s hopes of reaching the final.

FC Kallon’s exit added another dramatic twist to this year’s tournament since they had emerged as one of the favourites after eliminating defending champions Bo Rangers FC in the quarterfinals, a result that shocked many followers of Sierra Leonean football.

Instead, the competition will now culminate in a blockbuster clash between two of the country’s most successful and passionately supported clubs.

The final is expected to rekindle one of Sierra Leone’s fiercest football rivalries, with Mighty Blackpool nicknamed as the “Tis-Tas Boys” and East End Lions alias “The Killers,” preparing to battle for national supremacy and the right to be crowned 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA-Cup champions.

As football enthusiasts across the country anticipate a charged atmosphere for the showdown, which promises a fresh chapter in the historic rivalry between the two Freetown-based clubs, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has confirmed to Football Sierra Leone that an official date for the 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA-Cup final is yet to be announced, noting that details will be communicated in due course.

Sierra Leone’s Cesay Fires Salford City to Wembley in Extra-Time Thriller
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Sierra Leone’s Cesay Fires Salford City to Wembley in Extra-Time Thriller

Kallum Cesay etched his name into Salford City folklore with a dramatic extra-time winner that sealed a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory over Grimsby Town and booked the Ammies a place in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

In front of a packed Peninsula Stadium, the Sierra Leone forward kept his composure deep into extra time, calmly slotting beyond Jackson Smith to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.

The victory sends Salford to Wembley for the first time since their 2019 promotion triumph and caps an emotional season filled with highs, heartbreak, and resilience.

After carrying a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, Salford appeared in control when Dan Udoh fired them ahead early in the second half following a dangerous set-piece. Karl Robinson’s side looked destined for a comfortable evening, but Grimsby produced a stunning turnaround in just four minutes.

Captain Kieran Green pulled one back with a glancing header before setting up substitute Jaze Kabia to level the tie on aggregate, although both goals were surrounded by controversy.

Salford struggled to regain momentum as the game drifted into extra time, where tension gripped the stadium, and chances became scarce. With penalties looming, Cesay delivered the decisive moment three minutes from the end of extra time.

Latching onto a loose ball after a tiring Grimsby defence failed to clear, the 23-year-old showed remarkable calm to fire low into the corner and send thousands of Salford fans into delirium.

The emotional scenes were made even more poignant by Cesay’s difficult recent months, having battled injury while mourning the passing of his father.

As the final whistle sounded, supporters flooded the pitch in celebration. At the same time, manager Karl Robinson praised his match-winner’s courage and character, declaring there could have been no more fitting hero on a historic night for the club.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has asked his team to show their character against AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday.

This is Sundowns’ last chance to win a trophy this season after losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy, which hurt their hopes of defending their Premiership title.

They finished the league three points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who still have two games left. Sundowns have struggled in continental competitions, winning only two of their six group matches and losing to Stade Malien in the quarter-finals. They beat ES Tunis 1-0 at home and away to reach the final again.

“The season still has two matches left. It’s time to gather our energy,” said Cardoso. “The players will show their strength for the Champions League final.”

Al-Zaeem are in the final for the second time, having won it in 1985. They surprised many by drawing with Al Ahly and beating Pyramids in the quarter-finals.

Santos’ team lost just their second game in 14 when they were beaten 1-0 by RS Berkane in the semi-finals, but they secured their final spot with a 2-0 win in the first leg.

“Pressure can motivate us. We focus on keeping players calm while respecting the opponent,” said Santos. “Reaching the final means we deserve to be there, and we will aim for a good result.”

Four Clubs Battle for Sierra Leone FA Cup Title as Continental Race Intensifies
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Four cubs battle for Sierra Leone FA Cup title as Continental race intensifies

The race to the 2026 Sierra Leone Orange FA Cup reaches a decisive stage this weekend as four of the country’s top football clubs battle for places in the grand final and a coveted ticket to continental football.

Historic sides and emerging contenders, namely East End Lions, FC Kallon, Mighty Blackpool, and Abacha City, will clash in two high-stakes semifinal encounters as the competition enters its final stretch.

The first contest is against Mighty Blackpool and Abacha City on Saturday, May 16, at the SLFA Academy Field in Freetown, with a kickoff scheduled for 4:15 p.m. The second semifinal will follow on Sunday at the Approved School Playing Field, where FC Kallon will take on East End Lions at the same time.

All four clubs have navigated difficult paths to reach the last four of Sierra Leone’s premier knockout football competition.

Abacha City booked their semifinal place after overcoming SLIFA FC, Kabala City and Old Edwardians in a spirited cup run that has established them as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

East End Lions, which stands taller as one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated football clubs, advanced by defeating Chico Meyers, Diamond Stars and Star Sports Academy, continuing their pursuit of another major domestic title.

Mighty Blackpool, another traditional powerhouse from Sierra Leone with a richer football history, secured victories over Yamabatu Stars, Marampa Stars and Freetown City to keep their cup ambitions alive. FC Kallon, meanwhile, produced one of the tournament’s standout moments by eliminating defending champions Bo Rangers FC after earlier wins against AI-Kallon and Ram Kamara FC.

Beyond a place in the final, this year’s semifinals carry enormous significance as the eventual 2026 Sierra Leone Orange FA-Cup winners will claim Sierra Leone’s sole qualification spot for the next edition of the CAF Confederation Cup, which is dubbed as Africa’s prestigious secondary club competition.

With domestic glory and continental qualification at stake, expectations are building for an intense weekend of football as Sierra Leone’s surviving contenders fight to keep their silverware dreams alive.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/2055548061632368820

Tunisia named squad for FIFA 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia coach Lamouchi names squad for the FIFA 2026 World Cup

Tunisia announced its team for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday. This will be their seventh appearance at the tournament.

The team will compete against the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden in the group stage. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri is the most notable player on the squad.

Captain Ferjani Sassi, who has played 101 times for Tunisia, and defender Yassine Meriah, who is close to his 100th cap, were both left out of the team.

Tunisia qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row by finishing first in its group during the CAF qualifiers. The team earned 28 points from 10 games and impressively did not concede any goals.

TUNISIA FULL SQUAD FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen, Sabri Ben Hassen, Abdelmouhib Chamakh

Defenders: Yan Valery, Moutaz Neffati, Dylan Bronn, Raed Chikhaoui, Montassar Talbi, Adem Arous, Omar Rekik, Ali Abdi, Mohamed Ben Hmida

Midfielders: Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Rani Khedira, Mortadha Ben Ouanes, Ismaël Gharbi, Mohamed Hadj-Mahmoud, Hannibal

Forwards: Elias Saad, Khalil Ayari, Elias Achouri, Sebastian Tounekti, Hazem Mastouri, Firas Chawat, Rayan Elloumi

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali

South Africa overcame Senegal 2-1 in their opening match on Thursday. Senegal started strong, scoring first in the 44th minute with a goal from Cheickh Thior.

In the second half, Inganathi Simama equalised for South Africa just three minutes in. South Africa took the lead in the 55th minute after an own goal by Thior, and then held firm to secure the win.

  • Senegal 1-2 South Africa – Scorers: Cheickh Thior (44’) / Inganathi Simama (48’), Cheickh Thior (55’ OG)

Tanzania won 3-0 against Mozambique, dominating the match from the start. Dismas Athanasi scored the first goal in the 27th minute. An own goal by Pascoal Miambo in the 35th minute made it 2-0. In the 63rd minute, Razaki Mbegelendi sealed the victory with another goal.

Angola and Mali played to a goalless draw in their Group C opener at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Mali created more chances, but Angola’s goalkeeper Gelson Dala made several key saves to secure a point for his team.

Algeria drew 2-2 with Ghana in a thrilling match. Ghana scored early with goals from Isaac Barfo and Eric Gyamfi. Algeria fought back in the second half, with Ilyes Grini and Melwane Zaidi scoring to level the match after being two goals down.

A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
Fines levied as Lions awarded FA Cup victory after crowd violence halts crunch tie
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Fines levied as East End Lions awarded victory after crowd violence halts crunch tie

 The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has awarded East End Lions FC a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Orange FA Cup after crowd violence and disorder forced the abandonment of their controversial quarter-final clash against Star Sport Academy.

In a disciplinary ruling issued on Wednesday, May 13, the local football federation confirmed that the match, played at its Academy Field on May 3, was abandoned in the 86th minute following violent scenes that included a pitch invasion and clashes involving individuals linked to both clubs.

After reviewing match officials’ reports, witness accounts and video evidence, the FA Cup Disciplinary Committee ruled that Star Sport Academy forfeited the fixture, allowing the 2-1 scoreline in favour of East End Lions to stand.

The decision sends East End Lions into the semi-finals while triggering a series of sanctions against officials and players of both clubs over their roles in the disturbances.

A fine of NLe 5,000 equals USD 218, has been levied on Star Sport Academy, while their Chief Executive Officer, Samba Kanu, received a six-match suspension plus a fine of NLe 8,000 equals USD 348, for allegedly inciting the unrest. Players Abdul Budu Kamara and Abu Bakarr A. Kamara have each been handed three-match bans and fined NLe 2,000, which equals USD 87, for violent conduct during the incident.

The disciplinary committee also sanctioned East End Lions FC, imposing a fine of NLe 5,000 equals USD 218, on the club for failing to control supporters found to have participated in the disorder.

The local football federation further warned clubs, officials and supporters that future incidents of misconduct could attract stiffer punishments, including possible exclusion from competitions, and stressed that all fines must be settled before the next official fixtures of the respective clubs.

While the incident has reignited concerns over crowd management and matchday security in Sierra Leonean football as domestic competitions continue to gain wider regional and international attention, and the ruling underlines the FA’s increasingly hardline approach against violence and indiscipline in the game, they should, however, double up on their violence prevention mechanisms on match days without delay.

However, with the semi-final dates yet to be confirmed,  East End Lions are expected to face FC Kallon while Abacha City takes on Mighty Blackpool in the other last-four encounter as the race for the 2026 Sierra Leone Orange FA Cup intensifies.