Category: Sport News

Kamara Nets Haul as Bamoi Queens Crush Future Queens 8-0 in Playoff Opener
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Kamara Nets Haul as Bamoi Queens Crush Future Queens 8-0 in Playoff Opener

Bamoi Queens Football Club announced themselves as serious contenders for promotion with a ruthless 8-0 win over Future Queens in the opening match of the North West Region Football Association (NWRFA) Women’s First Division Playoffs at the Port Loko Mini Stadium.

The standout performer was prolific forward Kadiatu M. Kamara, who delivered a masterclass in finishing by scoring four goals and earning the Player of the Match award in a dominant display that left Future Queens with no answer to her attacking brilliance.

Kamara’s four-goal haul spearheaded a commanding team performance as Bamoi Queens overwhelmed their opponents from the first whistle, combining clinical finishing with disciplined defending to secure one of the biggest victories in recent regional women’s football competition.

Buoyed by a passionate home crowd, Bamoi Queens controlled possession, dictated the tempo and repeatedly breached the Future Queens defence, underlining their determination to reach the nationwide playoffs and secure promotion to the 2026/27 Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League.

Future Queens endured a difficult afternoon as they struggled to contain the relentless attacking waves from their opponents, conceding eight goals in a one-sided contest that showcased the gulf between the two sides on the day.

The ongoing NWRFA Women’s First Division Playoffs serve as the regional qualifying tournament for the national promotion playoffs, where clubs will compete for coveted places in Sierra Leone’s top-tier women’s football league.

For Bamoi Queens, the emphatic victory not only earned three valuable points but also sent a powerful message to rival teams that they possess both the quality and ambition to challenge for promotion.

With the playoffs continuing in the coming days, Bamoi Queens have already laid down an early marker, while Kadiatu M. Kamara’s remarkable four-goal performance has established her as one of the tournament’s players to watch.

Sierra Leone’s U-17 Girls Crash Out of World Cup Qualifiers After Benin Seal Double Victory
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone’s U-17 Girls Crash Out of World Cup Qualifiers After Benin Seal Double Victory

Sierra Leone’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco ended in disappointment on Friday evening after the country’s U-17 female side suffered a second straight defeat to Benin in the African qualifiers.

The young Sierra Queens, coached by Fatmata “Taribo” Turay, lost 2-1 to Benin in the return leg played on Friday evening at the Kegue Stadium in Togo, following a heavy 3-0 defeat in the first leg on Monday, May 25. The result sealed a crushing 5-1 aggregate victory for Benin and confirmed Sierra Leone’s elimination from the race to Morocco.

During the crucial encounter, Benin opened the scoring in the return leg through Doris Ogoubi in the first half before Sierra Leone responded with an equalizer from Mariama Kamara, briefly raising hopes of a comeback for the West African side.

However, Benin restored their advantage after the break when captain Emmanuella Tchibozo found the net to secure another victory for her team. Despite a more spirited performance in the second encounter, the young Sierra Queens were unable to overturn the first-leg deficit as Benin maintained composure to advance to the next stage of the continental qualifiers.

The back-to-back defeats represent a significant setback for Sierra Leone’s growing women’s football program, which has been striving for greater competitiveness on the African stage.

Nonetheless, the campaign underscored the determination and potential of the country’s young female players amid ongoing challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and player development.

Sierra Leone’s U-17 Head Coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay and her squad are expected to return home for a review of the campaign as football authorities begin preparations for future regional and international competitions.

The qualification series for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 continues across Africa, with countries battling for one of the eight available slots in the ongoing second round to progress to the Africa continent’s limited places at the global tournament.

Egypt edge Russia in friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt edge Russia in friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup

Egypt finished their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 friendly win over Russia, winning the New Capital Cup at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

Mostafa Ziko scored the only goal in the second half, giving the Pharaohs a confidence boost ahead of their World Cup opener.

Coach Hossam Hassan made changes to his usual lineup, bringing back Mohamed Abdelmonem from injury and replacing the late-arriving Mohamed Salah with Ahmed Sayed “Zizo.” Egypt started strong, controlling possession early, but could not score before halftime, leaving the match tied at 0-0.

In the 65th minute, right-back Mohamed Hany made a good cross that Ziko headed in for the goal. Egypt nearly scored again shortly after, but substitutions continued as Hassan tested other players.

Russia tried to equalise in the closing minutes but could not break through Egypt’s solid defence. This win was important for Egypt, reflecting a turnaround after their defeat to Russia in the 2018 World Cup.

Next, Egypt will face Brazil in a warm-up match on June 6 in Cleveland, Ohio, before starting their World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15 in Seattle. They are in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Assane Sarr shines to propel Senegal into the U-17 AFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Assane Sarr shines to propel Senegal into the U-17 AFCON final

Senegal reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defeating the host team 7-6 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in Rabat on Thursday night.

Goalkeeper Assane Sarr was the hero for Senegal, making key saves during the shootout and ending Morocco’s hopes of winning at home.

Senegal will face Tanzania in the final, as Tanzania also won against Egypt on penalties earlier that day. Senegal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Mouhamed Wagne scored after a shot from Commissaire Faye was saved. Morocco had a goal ruled out in the 41st minute after a VAR review, which led to increasing frustration.

In the second half, Morocco pushed harder. A late handball by Cheikh Dieng allowed Morocco to equalize with a penalty rebound by Ismail El Aoud in stoppage time, making it 1-1.

The match went to a penalty shootout, where both teams had moments of success and failure. Senegal ultimately won the shootout 7-6, continuing their strong tournament performance.

For Morocco, it was a tough defeat after a late comeback in front of their fans. Senegal’s victory secures their place in the final, where they will face Tanzania for the title.

South Africa names two uncapped players in 2026 FIFA World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa names two uncapped players in 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his squad for the 2026 World Cup, which includes two new players, Olwethu Makhanya in the photo and Bradley Cross, who will make their national team debuts if selected in the upcoming warm-up match against Nicaragua or during the tournament itself.

Makhanya strengthens the center-back position, while Cross adds depth at left-back, especially with Aubrey Modiba nursing an injury. Modiba and another left-back, Samukele Kabini from Norway, are also in the squad.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster will lead the team, which consists of 19 players from the South African league. Themba Zwane’s experience is viewed as vital for the squad.

This World Cup will be Broos’s last as a coach. At 74, he plans to retire after the tournament, having previously ended his international playing career after the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

South Africa has participated in three previous World Cups since their debut in 1998, exiting in the group stages each time.

Full Squad Confirmed

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

Mohamed Salah and Marmoush headline Egypt's preliminary World Cup picks
by Football Sierra Leone

Mohamed Salah and Marmoush headline Egypt’s preliminary World Cup picks

Stars Salah, Marmoush and El Shenawy are among a 27-strong FIFA World Cup preliminary squad named by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan.

Ahead of the nation’s final training camp this month, the Egyptian Football Association has announced a preliminary 27-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Head coach Hossam Hassan’s selection is highlighted by a core group of ever-present stars, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Trezeguet and Nice’s Mohamed Abdelmonem.

The squad also contained some surprises, most notably the absence of Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed, as well as the omission of Zamalek players Mohamed Shehata and Nasser Mansi

Egypt’s preliminary World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers

Mohamed Alaa Mohamed El Shenawy Mostafa Shobeir El Mahdy Soliman

Defenders

Hossam Abdelmagid Mohamed Abdelmonem Tarek Alaa Ahmed Fatouh Karim Hafez Mohamed Hany Yasser Ibrahim Rami Rabia

Midfielders

Emam Ashour Marwan Attia Nabil Emad Hamdi Fathi Haitham Hassan Mohannad Lashin Mahmoud Saber Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” Mostafa Zico Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”

Forwards

Aqtay Abdullah Hamza Abdulkarim Ibrahim Adel Omar Marmoush Mohamed Salah

All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following the submission by participating teams, on June 2.

Five debutants in line to feature for the Pharaohs

While all the nation’s big names are present in Egypt’s preliminary list, coach Hossam Hassan has also named five potential debutants among his selection, including highly-rated teenage forward Hamza Abdelkareem, who is on loan at Barcelona B, as well as ENPPI forward ​​Aqtay Abdullah.

The squad, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, will play a pair of warm-up matches against Russia on May 28th and then Brazil a week later.

Egypt’s World Cup 2026 fixtures and group
Ghana named a 28-man preliminary squad for the World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana named a 28-man preliminary squad for the World Cup

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is in Ghana’s 28-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite facing seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault from incidents involving four women between 2020 and 2022.

Ghana’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, included Partey in a 28-man squad for a training camp and friendly against Wales on June 2. The squad will be cut to 26 before the World Cup. The 32-year-old, currently with Villarreal, will stand trial next year.

Notable players in the squad include Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Leicester’s Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu. Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus is absent due to a quad injury.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign kicks off in Group L against Panama on June 17, with matches against England and Croatia to follow.

Ghana’s preliminary World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak SC), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Joseph Anang (St Patrick’s Athletic), Solomon Agbasi (Accra Hearts of Oak SC), Paul Reverson (Ajax).

Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre).

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (Nordsjaelland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City).

Forwards: Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City).

Sadio Mane to lead Senegal's World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sadio Mane to lead Senegal’s World Cup squad

Sadio Mane, the nation’s top scorer, is set to return to the global stage after missing the 2022 World Cup due to injury.

The Al-Nassr forward has been named in Senegal’s 28-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Mane was part of the squad in Qatar but couldn’t participate because of a knee injury.

He was also on the pitch during January’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final when Morocco received a stoppage-time penalty.

Premier League stars Habib Diarra, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismaila Sarr, Mamadou Sarr, Pape Matar Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye have also been included.

Teenagers Ibrahim Mbaye and Bara Ndiaye, who play for Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, respectively, will also travel to North America.

As part of its preparation, Senegal will play two friendly matches: the first on May 31 against the United States soccer team, and the second on June 9 against the Saudi Arabian national football team. A crucial phase before approaching the World Cup with ambition.

Senegal World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Yehvann Diouf (Nice), Mory Diaw (Le Havre).

Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), El-Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray).

Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Bara Ndiaye (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris St-Germain), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace).

All quads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.

Senegal’s World Cup 2026 fixtures and group
Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are among key players in Morocco's FIFA World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are among key players in Morocco’s FIFA World Cup squad

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has named Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is uncapped at the national level, in his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco’s squad features several Premier League players and will be led by Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz. Notably, Youssef En-Nesyri and Hakim Ziyech are absent from the team that reached the semifinals in 2022, though fans will be pleased to see Achraf Hakimi included.

Bouaddi, a France U-21 international, received FIFA approval to switch nationalities earlier this year. He replaces players like Imran Louza and Oussama Targhalline in a strong midfield lineup.

While experienced players En-Nesyri and Ziyech missed out, Fulham’s Issa Diop is included after choosing Morocco over Senegal.

Morocco’s World Cup journey begins against Brazil on June 13, followed by matches against Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24.

  • The Completed Morocco World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Asfar)

Defenders: Nayef Aguerd (Marseille), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Issa Diop (Fulham), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV, on loan from Roma)

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Ismael Saibari (PSV)

Forwards: Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)

Alassana Jatta as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alassana Jatta nets as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One

In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Notts County secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Salford City in the Sky Bet League Two Play-off final at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Monday.

Gambian International Alassana Jatta sparked the excitement early on, brilliantly converting a stunning pass from Jodi Jones with a superb finish that set the tone for the match.

Just before halftime, Lucas Ness added to our momentum, rising high to connect with a perfectly placed cross, delivering a powerful header that doubled our advantage.

As the second half unfolded, any hopes of a Salford resurgence were firmly dashed. Jodi Jones once again found himself in the spotlight, executing a composed finish with poise and precision, much to the delight of the 20,000 jubilant Notts supporters.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with a palpable sense of triumph as we celebrated our remarkable achievement on this grand stage.

Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club, founded in 1888, will compete next season in Sky Bet League One.