Category: Sport News

Eritrea eye AFCON 2027 gropup stage spot as they face Eswatini
by FSL News

Eritrea eye AFCON 2027 group stage spot as they face Eswatini

Eritrea will break an 18-year hiatus from the Africa Cup of Nations by welcoming Eswatini in the Moroccan city of Meknes on Wednesday, marking the first qualifier for the 2027 tournament.

The Preliminary Round qualifiers begin this week, with twelve teams competing for six spots in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027.

Eritrea needs a positive outcome over two legs to advance into the group stage of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Twelve of the lower-ranked teams will face off in two-legged matchups, battling for a chance to progress to the group stage playoffs, following a draw that took place in January.

After the success of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, this fresh cycle kicks off as teams aim for a place in next year’s finals hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Exciting matches are expected, starting on March 25 at Stade d’Honneur when Eritrea and Eswatini meet in Meknes. Eswatini will then host the return leg on March 31 at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

Lesotho will take on Seychelles at the Free State Stadium on March 26, with a rematch three days later. Djibouti and South Sudan will clash at Juba Stadium, and on March 26, Somalia plays Mauritius in Matola, before the return leg in Saint Pierre on March 31.

Chad and Burundi will meet in N’Djamena on March 27, also playing a competitive return leg in Bujumbura. Lastly, Sao Tome e Principe faces Ethiopia on March 27, with the second leg in Dire Dawa on March 31.

The six teams advancing from this qualification phase will join the other 42 CAF Member Associations in the finals next year.

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round Fixtures
Times are GMT

25/03 – 14h00: Érythrée vs Eswatini – Stade d’Honneur, Meknès
31/03 – 14h00: Eswatini vs Eritrea – Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba

26/03 – 14h00: Seychelles vs Lesotho – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
29/03 – 15h00: Lesotho vs Seychelles – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

26/03 – 13h00: Djibouti vs South Sudan – Juba Stadium, Juba
29/03 – 13h00: South Sudan vs Djibouti – Juba Stadium, Juba

27/03 – 13h00: Somalia vs Mauritius – Lalgy Arena, Matola
31/03 – 15h00: Mauritius vs Somalia – National Sports Complex, Saint Pierre

27/03 – 13h00: Tchad vs Burundi – Stade Olympique, N’Djamena
31/03 – 13h00: Burundi vs Chad – Stade Intwari, Bujumbura

27/03 – 16h00: Sao Tome e Principe vs Ethiopia – Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida
31/03 – 13h00: Ethiopia vs Sao Tome e Principe – Dire Dawa Stadium

Mohamed Salah set for Liverpool exit at the end of the season
by Football Sierra Leone

Mohamed Salah set for Liverpool’s end of season exit

Mohamed Salah will bring his illustrious career with Liverpool FC to a close at the end of the 2025-26 season, the club has confirmed.

The forward has reached an agreement with the club, marking the end of a remarkable nine-year journey at Anfield. Out of respect and gratitude for the supporters, Salah wanted to share this news as soon as possible to provide clarity about his future.

Since joining from AS Roma in the summer of 2017, the No. 11 has cemented his place among Liverpool’s greatest players. He has been instrumental in securing two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, and two League Cups, along with the FA Community Shield.

With 255 goals in 435 appearances, the Egyptian forward ranks third on the Reds’ all-time goalscorers list, having claimed the Premier League Golden Boot four times and earned numerous individual accolades along the way.

With much still at stake this season, Salah remains focused on helping Liverpool achieve the best possible finish in the campaign. A proper celebration of his legacy and achievements will come later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.

His tally of 255 goals in 435 appearances to date has the Egyptian sitting third on the Reds’ all-time leading goalscorers chart.
His tally of 255 goals in 435 appearances to date has the Egyptian sitting third on the Reds’ all-time leading goalscorers chart,
Seven foreign-based players arrive for FIFA Series test against Azerbaijan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Seven foreign-based players arrive for FIFA Series test against Azerbaijan

Seven foreign-based players have joined the Leone Stars in Azerbaijan on Monday as they prepare to face host Azerbaijan on March 30 at the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium.

Sullay Kaikia, Yayah Kallon, Juma Bah, Idris Kanu, Kamil Conteh, Daniel Kanu and Jay Tee Kamara were all spotted on Camera as the delegates arrived safely.

Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed a format change and timing of the FIFA Series 2026 international tournament to be held in Azerbaijan have been altered following Oman’s national team’s withdrawal.

Because of rising military tensions in the Middle East, Oman won’t travel to Azerbaijan.

According to the new framework negotiated with FIFA, the competition will now be made up of two games instead of its intended schedule.

March 27 marks Azerbaijan’s contest against Saint Lucia; March 30 sees Sierra Leone. With a 7 p.m. local kickoff, both matches will take place at Sumgayit’s Mehdi Huseynzada Stadium.

Defender Alex Bangura returns to Middlesbrough action
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Alex Bangura returns to Middlesbrough action

Sierra Leone defender Alex Bangura, who was forced off early in their 4-0 victory over Southampton in January, has returned to full fitness.

On Saturday, Middlesbrough played to a goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers, and Bangura was subbed on in their remaining nine minutes after full recovery to replace Matt Targett.

The defender has struggled with injuries since joining Boro in September 2023. Hopefully, his latest recovery will see him enjoy a long spell on the pitch.

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg post-match:

“It was a very, very good first half. The first 15 to 20 minutes of the second half felt very good, but then it became open for us, trying to chase the game.

“We wanted it so much that we lost a bit of control and quality in terms of how we played, but it was a good performance in many ways.

“We’re doing our best, we kept a clean sheet away from home, we’re trying to score, we created a lot of opportunities, but it didn’t fall for us.

“Of course, we need to score goals. If we don’t, we won’t win games.”

Jaze Kabia nets a brace as Play-off contenders Grimsby thrash Barrow
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jaze Kabia nets a brace as Play-off contenders Grimsby thrash Barrow

Sierra Leone-native Jaze Jabia recorded his twelfth goal of the season as Grimsby eased past Barrow in their pursuit of promotion at Blundell Park, marking his twelfth goal of the season.

With a commanding 5–0 win at Blundell Park, play-off hopeful Grimsby inflicted more suffering on bottom-side Barrow. After Andy Cook’s opening, Kieran Green and Jaze Kabia each bagged a brace as the Mariners stayed in seventh place on goal difference.

Darragh Burns opened space on the right in the 17th minute to lash in an in-swinging cross onto Cook’s head, who nodded home off the foundation of the post.

Before the break, Grimsby doubled their advantage with a swift counter-attack as Kabia found Green in the middle of the box with a low cross, which the latter first-time finished in the 41st minute.

With Grimsby’s leading scorer Kabia joining in the action, the hosts made it three in the 61st minute by firing in under Wyll Stanway on the left side of the penalty box.

With Reece Staunton’s in-swinging corner in the 87th minute, Green scored his second and his team’s fourth with a fierce header. Still, Kabia had time to get a brace; in the 10th minute of extra time, she tapped Justin Amaluzor’s cross.

Sierra Leone's Daniel Kanu takes tally to 14 goals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu takes his tally to 14 goals

Sierra Leone Daniel Kanu recorded his fourteenth of the season as Walsall fought back to beat League Two relegation battlers Newport County 2-1 and deepen the fears of the team from south Wales.

Midfielder Harrison Biggins put the Exiles ahead in the opening period, hammering in from close range as Newport took the game to the Saddlers.

Daniel Kanu replied midway through the second half, and Alex Pattison fired home from outside the box in added time to send Newport home with nothing to show for their efforts.

Walsall are 10th in the table, two points off the play-offs, while Newport are a point and one place above the relegation zone.

CR Belouizdad reach CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

CR Belouizdad reach CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals

CR Belouizdad has reached the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in 30 years.

They secured their spot after a tense goalless draw against Al-Masry from Egypt in Algiers. The Algerian team advanced with an aggregate score, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg in Egypt.

The match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium marked a historic moment for the club, which last reached this stage in 1996.

Belouizdad started the match strongly, pressing high and quickly creating chances. In the first seven minutes, Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda’s shot lacked power, allowing Al-Masry’s goalkeeper, Essam Tharwat, to make an easy save.

Midway through the first half, defender Hussein Ben Ayada forced Tharwat into a strong save, and Ben Hammouda’s header skimmed just over the crossbar.

As the first half progressed, Al-Masry began creating opportunities, with a long-range shot testing Belouizdad’s goalkeeper Farid Chaal just before half-time. Despite the pressure, both teams went into the break level.

In the second half, both sides struggled to score, with Belouizdad focusing on defence. Al-Masry pushed hard for a goal, especially with forward Daghmoum becoming a threat late in the game. However, Chaal and the defence held firm.

The match ended in a goalless draw, sending Belouizdad to the semi-finals to face the winner between Zamalek and Otoho. For Al-Masry, this result marked the end of their campaign. Belouizdad celebrates a return to the last four of a continental competition after 30 years.

Defending champions Pyramids eliminated
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending champions Pyramids eliminated by FAR Rabat

Defending champions Pyramids were knocked out of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals on Saturday, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Morocco’s FAR Rabat, who advanced with a 3-2 aggregate score.

This loss marks the end of Pyramids’ title reign, despite managing a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Rabat. The Egyptians had clinched their first African Champions League title last June by overcoming South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Rida Slim gave the visitors an early lead in the ninth minute at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium, and Mohamed Rabie Hrimat extended that advantage with a header in the 54th minute.

Although Fiston Mayele pulled one back in the 62nd minute, the Egyptians couldn’t find the equaliser they desperately needed to push the match into penalties, as FAR Rabat held their ground.

“This is a historic win and an important qualification for the club,” stated forward Youssef El Fahli in an interview with beIN Sports. “We are determined to compete for the title this season and, with God’s help, we’ll claim the club’s second continental crown.”

FAR Rabat will go up against fellow Moroccans RS Berkane or Sudan’s Al Hilal in the semi-finals, as they aim to get closer to securing a second continental title, having previously won the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1985 against AS Bilima (now AS Dragons) from what was then Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Esperance knocked out Al Ahly in Cairo after a thriller to reach semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Esperance knock out Al Ahly in Cairo after a thriller to reach semis

Esperance Sportive de Tunis delivered a stunning performance in Cairo, defeating Al Ahly 3-2 on the night and securing a 4-2 aggregate win to advance to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

After narrowly winning the first leg 1-0 in Rades, the Tunisian giants rallied from an early setback to clinch a late winner, silencing the Cairo International Stadium and dashing the hopes of Africa’s most decorated club.

Backed by a passionate crowd, Al Ahly opened the match with intensity. Their early efforts paid off in the 10th minute when Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” capitalised on defensive confusion to score, levelling the aggregate tie.

Although Al Ahly continued to create chances and control much of the first half, Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said made crucial saves, leaving the score at 1-0 at halftime.

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Esperance returned with renewed energy. Theyequalisedd in the 68th minute with a powerful shot from Florian Danho, regaining the aggregate lead. Soon after, a defensive error led to a penalty converted by Mohamed Amine Tougai, putting Esperance ahead 2-1.

Al Ahly fought back with urgency, and an own goal in the 84th minute levelled the match at 2-2, reigniting hope among home fans. As pressure mounted, it was Esperance who struck the final blow. In stoppage time, Hamza Jelassi headed the winning goal in the 94th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround despite his earlier own goal.

The final whistle confirmed Esperance’s semi-final spot, where they will face the winner of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien. For Al Ahly, this loss brought a disappointing end to their campaign, having dominated portions of both legs.

Meanwhile, Esperance’s determined display underscores their status as serious title contenders and adds another memorable chapter to African club football history.

Idriss Kanu on target as MK Dons suffer a home defeat to Barnet
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Idris Kanu on target as MK Dons suffer a home defeat to Barnet

Sierra Leone’s Idriss Kanu was on target as MK Dons suffered their first League Two defeat since New Year’s Day after Barnet rallied from behind to secure an away victory.

Jon Mellish initially put the Dons ahead, but goals from Danny Collinge, Kabongo Tshimanga, and Idris Kanu saw the Bees earn their first win in four matches.

The home team took the lead in the seventh minute when goalkeeper Cieran Slicker dropped a cross from Aaron Nemane, allowing Mellish to tap the ball into an unguarded net.

Barnet nearly equalised soon after, with Craig MacGillivray turning away efforts from Ryan Glover and Adam Senior. However, they found the back of the net in first-half stoppage time when Collinge nodded in Mark Shelton’s corner.

Ex-Dons striker Tshimanga put Barnet in front just three minutes into the second half, scoring with a deflected shot from the edge of the box that left MacGillivray with no chance.

The visitors extended their lead in the 57th minute, as Kanu capitalised on a rushed clearance to fire home.

MK Dons’ frustrations grew when they missed a penalty after Aaron Collins was brought down in the box; Slicker saved the spot-kick taken by Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, compounding the home side’s disappointment.