Category: Sport News

Kallon reapplies for Leone Stars job amid global race for top coaching role
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Mohamed Kallon seeks a return as Sierra Leone national head coach

Former Leone Stars head coach Mohamed Kallon has officially confirmed that he has reapplied for the position of head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior national men’s football team following the close of applications announced by the Sierra Leone Football Association.

His confirmation comes a few hours after the SLFA disclosed on Wednesday, May 12, 2026, that it received a total of 79 applications for the coveted Leone Stars coaching position, including submissions from three local coaches and 76 international applicants.

Kallon, a former Sierra Leonean International and Leone Stars skipper, who was previously relieved of his duties as Leone Stars head coach, said his decision to reapply was guided by professionalism and adherence to established procedures.

“The Sierra Leone Football Association received my application through the General Secretary and official email for the senior national men’s team head coach position,” Kallon stated.

He described the public advertisement of the vacancy as a normal administrative process, stressing that his application was part of complying with professional coaching standards.

“The advertisement of the Head Coach vacancy for the Senior National men’s team is an administrative procedure. For the record, as a licensed coach, it’s a professional standard and compliance to submit my application and credentials through the official process. This is about following procedures,” he added.

Despite his previous dismissal on April 2, 2026, and the uncertainty surrounding the selection process, the former Leone Stars striker reaffirmed his commitment to serving Sierra Leone football. “Fingers crossed. Put me in your prayers. Despite all the ramifications and challenges, I will always put Mama Salone first,” Kallon said.

Meanwhile, the announcement has already generated widespread debate among football fans and stakeholders, with many closely watching whether the former national team coach will be handed a second spell in charge as Sierra Leone seeks to rebuild and strengthen its national football ambitions.

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after 62 years in the top flight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after over 60 years in the top flight

Egyptian top-tier outfit Ismaily, and three-time champion, has been relegated to the second division for the first time in over 60 years after Tuesday’s defeat

They lost their match against Wadi Degla 2-1 on May 12, which confirmed their drop to the lower league. Ismaily ended the season stuck at the bottom of the table with just 19 points, falling 11 points behind Kahrabaa Ismailia, the first team outside the relegation zone.

This season, four teams will be relegated. Ismaily last faced relegation in the 1957-1958 season and quickly returned to the top league in 1962-1963.

Nicknamed “The Dervishes,” it has struggled with a financial crisis for several years, which has hindered its ability to compete with wealthier clubs.

Ismaily was founded in 1924 and won its first league title in 1967. In 1969, it became the first Egyptian club to win an African championship by defeating TP Mazembe. The club also reached the final of the African Champions League in 2002 but lost to Enyimba.

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco

The CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 begins on Wednesday, featuring 16 teams vying for continental glory and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

The tournament runs from May 13 to June 2, following a festival-style format that combines matches, training, and team activities in one location.

Most matches will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, while the opening match, semi-finals, and final will be held at an alternative venue. The eight quarter-finalists will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while the four third-placed teams will compete in playoffs for the last two spots.

Defending champions Morocco lead Group A, facing Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, Morocco aims to defend their title, relying on players like Adam Bougazir and Rami Loukmani. Their first match against Tunisia will be crucial. Tunisia’s coach, Nadjeh Toumi, will focus on strong defence and quick counterattacks.

In the other Group A game, Egypt takes on Ethiopia. Egypt, a former champion, seeks to reclaim its status, while Ethiopia returns to the tournament for the first time since 2003, having qualified with a 3-0 win over Kenya.

Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo. Côte d’Ivoire, recent WAFU B champions, rely on technical skills and key players like Bema Doumbia. Cameroon, led by Alioum Saidou, boasts physical strength and solid defence.

With a mix of past champions and newcomers, the opening day will set the stage for a tournament showcasing Africa’s rising football talents. Each team aims to reach the knockout stage and compete for the title of African champions.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule 

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone's Kamil Conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh returns to Bristol Rovers after the end of his loan deal

Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh, who joined Lincoln City on loan from Bristol Rovers until the end of the season, is set to return to his parent club after his loan spell.

The former Grimsby player could not join the high-flying City Imps squad next season after their promotion to the English Championship. Lincoln City secured promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after a 2-1 win over Reading in early April.

Conteh, 23, has played almost 150 competitive career matches after starting at Premier League side Watford. He has also played for EFL clubs Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town, and Bristol Rovers.

Conteh’s arrival completed City’s transfers for the January window, but he only managed a couple of appearances for the Lincoln-based team.

Mustapha Raji is poised for third term as President Liberia Football Association without opposition
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Raji is poised for a third term as President Liberia FA without opposition

The current President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Mustapha Raji, is set to extend his leadership for another four years as he is the only candidate for the upcoming elections on May 15, 2026.

Raji’s chance for an unchallenged third term emerged after the LFA Elections Committee disqualified his sole opponent, Cassell A. Kuoh.

The committee determined that Kuoh was not eligible to run due to stipulations in the LFA Statutes that prevent individuals with previous criminal convictions from engaging in electoral processes.

This ruling effectively eliminates any competition from the election, leaving Raji as the sole candidate to guide the federation into a new term.

Having already completed two consecutive terms, Raji has overseen substantial advancements in Liberian football throughout his leadership, including administrative reforms and initiatives aimed at bolstering the domestic game.

In addition to his national responsibilities, he wields influence on a continental scale, having served as a two-term member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee.

His standing within CAF has further enhanced his reputation in the governance circles of African football.

The forthcoming election is now anticipated to be a mere formality, with focus shifting to Raji’s plans for what would be his third successive term as the leader of Liberian football.

Ascentonians FC, Malema Queens Relegated From Sierra Leone Women’s Top Flight
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Ascentonians FC, Malema Queens relegated from Sierra Leone Women’s top flight

As the league season wrapped up over the weekend, two Sierra Leone women’s football clubs, Ascentonians Football Club and Malema Queens Football Club, have been relegated from the 2025/26 Marampa Mines Women’s Premier League following their disappointing campaigns that saw both sides finish at the bottom of the standings.

The relegations confirmed on Monday, May 11, 2026, mark a bitter end to the season for the two clubs, whose struggles on both ends of the pitch ultimately proved costly in Sierra Leone’s top-tier women’s football competition.

Ascentonians endured a difficult promotion to elite football, collecting just nine points from 22 matches, the lowest tally among the league’s 12 clubs.

The Freetown-based side, which catapulted into the league two years ago, managed only two victories and three draws while suffering 17 defeats during the campaign, which they blamed on their defensive vulnerabilities after they were heavily exposed, with the club conceding 70 goals, the second-highest total in the league.

Their fellow strugglers, Malema Queens from the Eastern region, also failed to escape the drop after finishing with 15 points, after the side recorded four wins, three draws and 15 losses, while conceding a league-high 73 goals. Malema Queens’ total left them below the safety zone and a staggering 51 points behind unbeaten champions Mogbwemo Queens Football Club.

On the other hand, Mogbwemo Queens’ latest title triumph further strengthens the club’s growing dominance in Sierra Leone women’s football. However, the achievement places the two-time champions and Bonthe based club’s ahead of regional rivals Ram Kamara Football Club of Bo, last season’s league title holders.

While Ascentonians and Malema Queens now turn their focus toward rebuilding and securing an immediate return to the top flight through the Women’s First Division, Mogbwemo Queens are intensifying preparations for the upcoming WAFU A-Zone Clubs Competition.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions are set to make their second appearance in the WAFU A-ZONE regional tournament after debuting in 2024, with club officials describing the upcoming campaign as an opportunity to reaffirm Sierra Leone’s growing presence in women’s football across West Africa.

Kallum Cesay scores as Salford City win the first leg of their playoff tie at Grimsby
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kallum Cesay nets as Salford City win first leg of semi-final tie at Grimsby

Sierra Leone International Kallumm Cesay scored as Salford City came from behind to beat Grimsby Town 2-1, taking an advantage into the second leg at the Peninsula Stadium on Friday night.

Grimsby scored quickly, with Reece Staunton netting just 34 seconds in. However, Salford equalised within three minutes when Kallum Cesay scored with a low shot past Jackson Smith.

Salford took the lead late in the first half when Ade Oluwo headed in a corner from Luke Garbutt. After a slow start, the match became exciting when Staunton scored for Grimsby. Salford quickly responded, with Dan Udoh assisting Cesay, who found the net.

Salford pushed forward, creating chances, while Grimsby threatened with headers and shots that were blocked or saved.

In the final minutes of the first half, Salford took the lead for the first time this season against Grimsby, with Oluwo heading in from a corner delivered by Nmai.

The second half had fewer chances, with a free kick from Staunton going straight to Matty Young. Grimsby had a late chance to equalise, but Green’s shot was also saved.

USM Alger clinch first leg CAF Confederation Cup final win over Zamalek
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger clinch first leg CAF Confederation Cup final win over Zamalek

USM Alger won 1-0 against Zamalek in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final in Algiers on Saturday night.

Ahmed Khaldi scored a penalty in the 98th minute, just after Zamalek thought they had taken the lead.  As a result, the win gives USM Alger an advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo.

Zamalek needs to win by at least two goals in the second leg to claim the title. For most of the match, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Zamalek played cautiously and nearly scored early, while USM Alger controlled possession but faced a strong defence.

In the second half, USM Alger pushed harder, but Zamalek remained organised. Zamalek’s Al-Dabbagh had a goal disallowed for a foul, and Slimane made several saves.

In a dramatic turn, Zamalek’s Bezerra appeared to score, but VAR ruled out the goal for a handball. Zamalek went down to ten men after Bentayg was sent off. Khaldi then scored the penalty to secure the win.

This victory gives USM Alger hope for success in the final, but the return leg in Cairo on May 16 remains open for both teams.

Recap: CAF to launch festival-style U17 tournament format
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Recap: CAF to launch festival-style U17 tournament format

The African Football Confederation (CAF) will launch a new festival-style format for its youth competitions. This format will combine matches, training, and team operations into one setting for all teams involved.

The first festival-style event will take place during the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, from May 13 to June 2, 2026. Most matches, except for the opening match, semi-finals, and final, will be held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

This new approach aims to create a lively tournament atmosphere while improving how the event is run. It will help ensure consistency and support long-term player development over time.

The final draw for the Total Energies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 recently took place, setting a competitive lineup for the group stage. Hosts and defending champions Morocco are in Group A with Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon lead Group B, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo.

Last year’s runners-up, Mali, are in Group C with Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Senegal heads Group D, which also includes 2015 runners-up South Africa, Algeria, and two-time winners Ghana.

The eight teams that reach the quarter-finals will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later in 2026. The teams that finish third in their groups will play two matches to decide the last two teams that qualify.

In total, 10 African nations will represent the continent at the global finals in Qatar later this year.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule 

Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny switches allegiance to Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny switches allegiance to Ivory Coast

Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny is in the running for the 2026 World Cup after switching from the French national team to the Ivory Coast.

Bonny, 22, was born in Aubervilliers, near Paris, and played for France at various youth levels. Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae contacted Bonny earlier this year and included him in the preliminary squad for a friendly match against South Korea on March 28.

Bonny is now eligible to play for the Ivory Coast after FIFA approved his request, and the French Football Federation signed off on it.

He has played 44 matches in all competitions for Inter Milan, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists since joining from Parma in the off-season.

Bonny aims to impress Fae before the World Cup, which will be held next month in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Ivory Coast is in Group E with Germany, Ecuador, and newcomers Curacao.