Category: Sport News

Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania

Senegal triumphed in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.

Tanzania took an early lead with Hamis Chenga scoring in the seventh minute, but Senegal equalised in the 64th minute through Ibrahima Dione, capitalising on a free-kick mishap.

The match proceeded to penalties, where Senegal showed composure, converting all four attempts. Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior scored for Senegal, while Tanzania converted two through Usuph and Mbegelendi but missed two crucial penalties.

This victory marks Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and highlights the strength of their youth football development. Despite the loss, Tanzania celebrated a historic campaign, reaching their first final and qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The night ultimately belonged to Senegal, as they showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster the DR Congo camp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster DR Congo camp

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) national team is getting a significant boost for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the addition of two key players to its roster.

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and CD Castellón FC winger Brian Cipenga have officially joined the Leopards’ training camp in Belgium, completing the squad.

According to a recent update from the Federation of Congolese Football Associations, the arrival of the duo means the entire team is now present and accounted for.

“The squad is now united, ready to ramp up preparations and embark on a new chapter in the history of Congolese football,” the statement reads.

With Wan-Bissaka, a former Manchester United star, and Spain-based Cipenga on board, coach Sébastien Desabre now has a full complement of players as they gear up for an upcoming friendly against Denmark.

On Wednesday, the Leopards will face their Scandinavian rivals at Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liège, with the match set to kick off at 20:00 local time.

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the final 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The team includes captain Jordan Ayew and key players like Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Antoine Semenyo. It consists of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven attackers.

In goal, Benjamin Asare from Hearts of Oak joins experienced keepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. His selection excites local fans as he is one of the few home-based players.

The defence features Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and others to strengthen the backline.

Midfielder Thomas Partey will lead the midfield alongside Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, and others, providing varied options.

The forward line includes Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, along with Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu, ensuring plenty of scoring potential.

The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia

Sierra Leone has on Monday, June 1, 2026, named a 25-man squad for next month’s international friendlies against regional rivals Liberia, with caretaker coach John Keister set to lead the Leone Stars in the two-match series.

The squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talent as Sierra Leone continues preparations for future continental and global competitions.

Key attacking names include experienced Sullay KaiKai, Mustapha Bundu, Mohamed Buya Turay and Amadou Bakayoko, while highly rated Manchester City defender Abdulai Juma Bah and forward Daniel Kanu are among the younger players selected.

The Leone Stars will host Liberia at the Southern Arena in Bo City on June 6 before travelling to Monrovia for the return fixture at the SKD Sports Complex on June 9.

Amidst coaching uncertainty, the scheduled matches will offer Keister an opportunity to assess his squad, strengthen team chemistry, and evaluate new options as Sierra Leone seeks to build momentum on the international stage.

The Mano River Union neighbours share a longstanding football rivalry, and the two friendlies are expected to provide a competitive test for both sides despite their non-competitive status.

With a mix of established performers and rising prospects, Sierra Leone’s latest squad signals a continued focus on squad development and long-term team building ahead of upcoming international assignments.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/2061675032665850219

Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
Daniel Kanu has been named in the Sierra Leone squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Liberia
by FSL News

Daniel Kanu receives Sierra Leone call-up

Daniel Kanu has been named in the Sierra Leone squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Liberia.

The Leone Stars are scheduled to face Liberia on Saturday, June 6 (5 pm BST) and again on Tuesday, June 9 (5 pm BST) as part of their preparations for future competitive fixtures.

Kanu, 21, will be aiming to carry his impressive domestic form onto the international stage after enjoying a standout loan spell with Walsall during the 2025/26 campaign.

The striker played a key role throughout the season, earning widespread recognition for his performances and contributions in front of goal.

His excellent displays were rewarded with four end-of-season awards, underlining his impact and making him one of the club’s standout performers.

IF Elfsborg confirm Momoh Kamara's Sierra Leone call-up
by Football Sierra Leone

IF Elfsborg confirm Momoh Kamara’s Sierra Leone call-up

Swedish club IF Elfsborg has confirmed that attacker Momoh Kamara has been invited for Sierra Leone International friendlies against Liberia this month.

The Leone Stars are scheduled for July 6 and July 9 at the Southern Arena in Bo, followed by a return leg in Liberia against the Lone Star.

Matches are part of Sierra Leone’s preparation ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in the race to East Africa, where they will face tough competition from teams like DR Congo, Zimbabwe, and Equatorial Guinea.

The qualification process kicks off in September 2026 and will continue through March 2027. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set the dates for the next Africa Cup of Nations from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

This tournament, branded “PAMOJA 2027,” meaning “together,” will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – marking the first time that AFCON will be held across three nations.

The recent announcement of the tournament dates has been approved by the FIFA Council, although the venues for the opening match and the final are yet to be revealed by CAF.

Sierra Leone turn to John Keister as Leone Stars caretaker coach
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

John Keister returns to lead Sierra Leone as interim coach

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has appointed Technical Director John Edward Keister as caretaker head coach of the Leone Stars for the upcoming double-header international friendlies against Liberia, as uncertainty continues to surround the team’s long-term leadership ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Keister, a former FC Johansen, Bo Rangers FC and Leone Stars coach, returns to the dugout alongside assistants Alhaji Foray of Bo Rangers and Mohamed Lamin Kamara of East End Lions, forming an interim technical team tasked with restoring stability and sharpening competitive performance solely for the warm-up home and away games against Liberia on June 6 and June 9.

His return comes after his previous spell ended following Sierra Leone’s failure to reach the 2023 AFCON, which led to his dismissal amid a poor run of results. Despite that setback, Keister remains a defining figure in modern Leone Stars history. 

The former Bo Rangers boss previously guided Sierra Leone to the 2021 AFCON finals, ending a 25-year absence from the continental tournament. That period was widely credited for rebuilding the squad’s identity through youth integration and experienced core selection, even though consistency in competitive qualifiers remained a recurring challenge.

According to the SLFA, Keister is now back as interim charge for just two games and would face a transitional window with pressure to assess squad depth, restore tactical structure, and set a clearer competitive direction as attention turns toward AFCON 2027 qualification.

However, reaction among supporters remains divided. One fan in Freetown summed up the sentiment: “He brought us back to AFCON after so many years, but we can not keep going in cycles; we need a clear direction now.”

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Serbia

Cape Verde displayed their confidence with a 3-0 win over Serbia in a friendly match at Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon.

The Blue Sharks played well throughout the game, combining solid defence with effective attacks. They took control early, and in the 11th minute, midfielder Kévin Pina scored, giving them a deserved lead.

Cape Verde maintained their dominance, limiting Serbia’s chances. Despite Serbia’s attempts to respond, they struggled to break through Cape Verde’s organised defence.

The Blue Sharks continued their strong performance in the second half, with goals from Leroy Duarte in the 59th minute and Gilson Benchimol in the 63rd minute. This victory boosts Cape Verde’s confidence as they prepare for international play, showing teamwork and skill against European competition.

Serbia, on the other hand, had a challenging match and was unable to recover after conceding early. Overall, Cape Verde ended the match with a memorable win, showcasing one of their best performances in recent times.

Cape Verde’s World Cup group stage matches

vs. Spain, June 15 at noon ET, Atlanta

vs. Uruguay, June 21 at 6 p.m. ET, Miami

vs. Saudi Arabia, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET, Houston

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly

The US soccer team defeated Senegal 3-2 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, after losing to Belgium and Portugal. They needed a strong performance ahead of the World Cup.

Sergino Dest opened the scoring for the US, while Senegal’s Sadio Mane scored two goals, highlighting some weaknesses in the US defence.

The US started strong with a goal in the sixth minute. Pepi assisted Christian Pulisic, who scored, ending a five-month goal drought for both club and country.

“It’s great to score again. Hopefully, people can stop talking about it,” Pulisic said. Despite high energy from the US, Senegal had chances too. Two minutes before halftime, Senegal scored through Mane, making it 2-1.

At halftime, coach Pochettino made ten changes. Balogun thought he scored right away, but was offside. Senegal added another goal through Mane when Chris Brady, the goalkeeper, misplayed a backpass.

Balogun eventually scored after receiving a low cross from Weah. The US had several chances to score more, but McKennie hit the post, and both Weah and Balogun missed.

Pulisic was pleased with the win against “a really good team.” He noted the team’s energy and creation of chances, saying, “I’m really happy with the performance.”

Senegal entered Sunday’s match after winning convincingly against Gambia and Peru in March. Many consider them Africa’s best team. They controversially won the 2025 Afcon final but were later stripped of the title.

The Lions of Teranga are getting ready for their fourth World Cup. Mané scored a well-timed goal after Robinson made a bad pass, and Tyler Adams could not reach the final ball.

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today as they face off against one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USA, at the Bank of America Stadium this evening.

The United States Men’s National Team, under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, is set to play their second-to-last tune-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against a formidable Senegal squad that has recently been on a roll, winning five of its last six matches.

This match marks the USMNT’s first outing since the unveiling of the official roster earlier this week, providing a significant test against the Lions of Teranga.  Although the United States is considered a narrow favourite playing at home, many analysts are tipping Senegal for the win.

The West African nation will prove to be stern opposition. They won seven of 10 games in qualifying, drawing three, while they also made the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

The game was ultimately awarded as a 3-0 win for Morocco by CAF following Senegal’s protest of a late penalty for the host nation.

However, they have only suffered two defeats on the pitch in the 42 games they have played since their elimination at the 2022 World Cup.

Senegal followed AFCON with victories over Peru and Gambia in March, and has won 12 of their last 15 games, excluding that walkover against Morocco

The US team will wrap up its World Cup preparations with a final send-off match against Germany in Chicago on Saturday, June 6.