Category: Sport News

South Africa revive qualifying hopes after win over Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa revive qualifying hopes after win over Guinea

With a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in Kampala on Monday, South Africa resurrected their chances in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

Bafana Bafana’s first tournament win came from goals by Neo Maema and Thabiso Kutumela, therefore putting them off the bottom of Group C before the ensuing game between Uganda and Niger.

After a 1-1 draw with Algeria, South Africa hoped to win, starting the day at the bottom of the group while Guinea was mending from a 3-0 defeat to co-hosts Uganda.

Maema’s first goal of the competition came in the 10th minute with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, assisted by Kutumela. Molefi Ntseki’s team deserved this goal; from the beginning, they pressured strongly to disrupt Guinea’s defense.

Guinea equalised in the 37th minute when Moussa Camara scored from Mohamed Bangoura I’s pass, sending momentum into halftime.

In the second half, South Africa took the lead with a 54th-minute goal from Kutumela, who finished a perfect cross from Wayde Jooste. Despite multiple attempts by Guinea, including close chances from Aboubacar Bangoura and Cheick Camara, they couldn’t find the net.

The final whistle marked a victory for South Africa, who showed improved discipline and effective counterattacks, with key contributions from substitutes Tebogo Tlolane and Harold Majadibodu.

Tanzania seal historic CHAN quarter-final spot with win over Madagascar
by FSL News

Tanzania seal historic CHAN quarter-final spot with victory over Madagascar

On Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, two goals from Clement Mzize in the first twenty minutes propelled Tanzania to a 2-1 triumph over Madagascar as they secured their first-ever CHAN quarterfinal appearance, as well as a flawless Group B performance.

Mzize scored in the 13th and 20th minutes; Madagascar’s Nantenaina Razafimahatana scored at 34 minutes. Madagascar pressured with several set pieces during the second half, but Tanzania held firm to win their third straight game.

Previously, Mauritania defeated the Central African Republic 1-0, which, together with Tanzania’s victory, guaranteed nine points for Tanzania at the summit of the group.

Mauritania now leads Burkina Faso and Madagascar, so the last matchday will determine the second qualifying position.

Madagascar needs to defeat Burkina Faso in their last match to advance, while Mauritania’s earlier victory keeps them in contention for second place.

Angola defeat Zambia and moved to second place in Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Angola beat Zambia to keep Group A qualifying hopes alive

Coming off the bench to score twice in the last eleven minutes, substitute Kaporal led Angola to a remarkable comeback victory over Zambia, winning 2-1 and earning second place in Group A at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

This result revitalizes the Palancas Negras’ campaign, elevating their point total to four after three matches—three points behind leaders Kenya while Zambia stays at the bottom of the group without a point after two games.

Earlier that day, co-hosts Kenya defeated Morocco 1-0 at Nyayo National Stadium, hence bringing the team heading into the evening game really level.

Both teams battled to turn possession into obvious scoring chances during a careful opening 45 minutes.Kelvin Kampamba of Zambia threatened early, forcing Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblú, to make two saves within the opening minute, while Andenson Cruz and Vidinho saw their attempts barely miss the mark.

Dominic Chanda fired Zambia into the lead in the 73rd minute by taking advantage of a loose ball in the area following a setpiece.Following a subpar 31 defeat to DR Congo in their opener, this seemed to fuel the Chipolopolo’s hopes for recovery as well as their first goal of the tournament.

A decision that would prove to be quite successful, Pedro Gonçalves rapidly called on Kaporal to lend urgency to Angola’s attack.Kaporal calmly finished a Gogoró pass in the 79th minute to level for Angola.Just seven minutes later, he hit again, fast reacting in a busy box to smash home the game winning goal.

Shocked by the abrupt reversal, Zambia pressed on in search of an equaliser but was met with stubborn Angolan defence and erratic concluding.In the 76th minute, Chanda’s stoppagetime header failed to threaten Neblú; Jackson Kampamba shot wild from close range.

Angola’s win not only keeps their hopes alive in the tournament but also dramatically reshapes the landscape of Group A.

Updated Group A standings after today’s matches:

  1. Kenya – 7 points (3 matches)
  2. Angola – 4 points (3 matches)
  3. Morocco – 3 points (2 matches)
  4. DR Congo – 3 points (2 matches)
  5. Zambia – 0 points (2 matches)

With two games remaining for most sides, Angola are now in a strong position to push for a quarter-final berth, while Zambia must win both of their remaining matches to stand any chance of progressing.

Josh Koroma nets as Leyton Orient open campaign with a win
by Football Sierra Leone

Josh Koroma nets as Leyton Orient beat Wigan Athletic

In his first game for English League One side Leyton Orient in front of the home fans, Sierra Leonean international Josh Koroma opened his account in their 2-0 triumph against Wigan, thereby making a positive start on his second spell with the club at BetWright Stadium.

With Steven Sessegnon’s own goal starting the match, Leyton Orient earned their first League One victory. Sessegnon was later  dismissed in the game, Wigan had their first loss of the year.

Wigan suffered an early loss as James Carragher had to leave the field only five minutes into the game, with Jon Mellish taking his position.

Leading in the 18th minute, Leyton Orient marked the first major chance of the match when Sessegnon unintentionally chested the ball into his net following a Koroma cross.

Following a nice combination with Ollie O’Neill, Aaron Connolly missed his opportunity to score on the halftime mark and fired wide instead.

In the 60th minute, Orient extended their lead when Koroma got a through ball and calmly fired past Sam Tickle, the outstretched goalie.

Wigan had a terrible afternoon, especially Sessegnon, who was sent off late in the game for a professional foul.

Substitute Joe White came within a goal of putting Orient ahead, but Tickle made a great save from his free kick.

East End Lions return to CAF Champions League against US Monastir
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions return to CAF Champions League against US Monastir

Scheduled for September, East End Lions — the representative from Sierra Leone for this year’s CAF Champions League- is to meet the Tunisian team US Monastir in the preliminary round.

The draw was carried out at the Azam Media Studios in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and was broadcast live on CAF’s official YouTube channel, CAF TV, last Saturday.

Asante Kotoko won on a walkover after East End Lions withdrew ahead of the 2015 CAF Champions League competition.

They’ll start the preliminary round hosting the first leg during the weekend of September 19-21 before they travel to Tunisia for the return leg planned between September 26-28.

The teams that come out on top from this first round will move on to the Second Preliminary Round, set for October 17–19, with the return fixtures scheduled from October 24–26. The stakes are great, and as spectators eagerly wait to see how this chapter develops in the renowned continental contest, excitement grows.

Bhantal set to make CAF Confederation Cup debut against HAFIA FC
by FSL News

Bhantal set to make CAF Confederation Cup debut against Hafia FC

The Sierra Leone representative for this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, Bhantal FC, is set to face the Guinean side Hafia FC in the preliminary round in September.

The draw was conducted at the Azam Media Studios in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and was streamed on CAF’s Official YouTube channel, CAF TV on Saturday.

In just two seasons since their arrival in the Sierra Leone top-flight, Bhantal FC has made significant progress to qualify for the continental stage, having registered as the runners-up for the 2024/25 campaign.

The preliminary rounds over two legs on the weekends of 19–21 September and 26–28 September 2025. Victors will continue to the Second phase of the competition starting from 17–19 October, the return legs taking place a week thereafter from 24–26 October.

Ram Kamara FC record first win in WAFU A CAF Champions League qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Ram Kamara FC record first win in WAFU A women’s Champions League qualifiers

On Friday, Sierra Leone’s reigning Women’s Premier League champions, RAM Kamara FC, proudly recorded their first victory against the Malian squad USFAS on their debut trip in the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU A qualifiers now taking place in Senegal.

Under the brilliant lights of the Annexe Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, their Malian opponents fought vehemently, but Ram Kamara demonstrated why they are the winners from Sierra Leone.

Mariam Jumu’s one goal in their second tournament helped them to get top points. She was named Women of the Match –  Four points were earned from two games as a result of their opoening draw with Liberian side Determin Girls on Tuesday.

As a result, they secured four points from two games after their opoening draw with Liberian side Determin Girls on Tuesday.

Their next match is against Berewuleng FC on Monday at the same veunue. Meanwhile, Berewulend FC suffered a 2-1 opening defeat to Aigles Medina on Friday

Ram Kamara's Mariam Jumu was named Women of the Match
Ram Kamara's Mariam Jumu was named Women of the Match
Algeria and South Africa share CHAN Group C spoils
by FSL News

Algeria and South Africa share CHAN Group C spoils

Algeria’s streak of successive wins at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to an end as South Africa mounted a comeback to claim a 1-1 draw in their Group C game in Kampala on Friday.

Driven by a remarkable 30 victory against cohosts Uganda in their opening match, the Fennecs took the lead with Abdennour Belhocini’s controlled shot just before the half-hour mark.

Thabiso Kutumela’s clinical finish right before halftime, however, guaranteed that Molefi Ntseki’s team would leave with a point in their opening game.

With two games under their belts, Algeria still holds a quarterfinal position firmly within sight, while South Africa begins their campaign with a good outcome against one of the favourites of the tournament

Seeking back-to-back victories and extending their eight-match undefeated group stage record at CHAN, Algeria started the game feeling quite sure.

With Aimen Mahious’s deft cross, Abderrahmane Meziane forced an early save from South African goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu in the first minutes. They pushed high.

In the 29th minute, Belhocini seized a loose ball outside the box and curled a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner, catching Xulu off guard and sparking celebration among Algerian fans.

Despite making their competition debut in eleven years, South Africa refused to be intimidated. Although they struggled for much of the first half, they equalised just before halftime when Kutumela tapped in a pass from Menzi Masuku and Neo Maema in the 45th minute, boosting Bafana Bafana’s spirits.

Algeria, with four points from two games, remain in control of their qualification fate and will face Niger in their final group match. A win would guarantee progression to the quarter-finals.

South Africa will now turn their attention to Uganda, knowing that victory could put them on the brink of a knockout place.\

The result also keeps Group C wide open, with all four teams still mathematically in contention.

Man of the Match: Malibongwe Khoza
Man of the Match: Malibongwe Khoza
Kenyan and Angola play to a goalless draw in Group A
by FSL News

Kenya and Angola play to a goalless draw in Group A

In a thrilling Group A game at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Nairobi, Ten-man Kenya demonstrated great determination to earn an 1-1 draw against Angola.

Though Marvin Nabwire was dismissed with a red card in the 21st minute while playing before a passionate crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kenya nevertheless remained undefeated in the competition.

Early with a goal from Jó Paciência, Angola took the lead, then Austin Odhiambo’s 12th-minute penalty leveled the score.

Kenya concentrated on strong defense even while a player down, assisted by crucial saves from goalkeeper Byrne Omondi.

Angola believed they had secured a late victory until Kaporal scored in stoppage time, but the goal was denied for offside.

With four points, Kenya leads Group A ahead of Morocco and DR Congo, who both have three points.Angola need to prevail against DR Congo in their final match if they have any chance of moving forward.

This outcome strengthens Kenya’s conviction even further as they go for a historic quarter-final position with a favorable outcome against Morocco.

Egyptian side ZED FC Signs Sierra Leonean defender Amara Keita
by Football Sierra Leone

Egyptian side Zed FC sign Sierra Leonean defender Amara Keita

August 7, 2025 — Cairo, Egypt —Highlyrated Sierra Leonean defender Amara Keita from SLIFA FC has officially signed for Egyptian Premier League big players ZED FC. (ZedFc Photo)

Keita is well-known for his defensive leadership, exact tackling, and intimidating presence. As ZED FC gets ready for a much anticipated season, he adds toughness, calm, and experience to their backline; he was instrumental in SLIFA’s defence during the Sierra Leone Premier League.

“This is a proud moment for me,” Keita said during the unveiling. “I’m ready to give my all for this club and to represent Sierra Leone at the highest level.”

Official ZED FC lauded Keita, calling him “a defender who combines intelligence with physicality — precisely the kind of player we require to contend for honors.”

His agreement is another major milestone for Sierra Leonean football, drawing attention to the country’s increasing reputation for producing top players.

Keita was a member of the Sierra Leone U20 team that captured many across Africa during the U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1953716380617842970