Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu pens new Barnet deal
by FSL News

Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu pens new Barnet deal

Barnet has signed new deal with Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu, who was part of the 2021 Cup of Nations squad in Cameroon.

Idris played a significant role for the Bees last season, making 38 appearances in the Vanarama National League. He contributed 2 goals and 3 assists during the title-winning season, including a crucial goal in the thrilling comeback against Dagenham & Redbridge, which ended in a 4-3 victory.

Having joined the club in September 2022 from Peterborough United, Idris quickly became a regular and key player in Manager Dean Brennan’s squad. In total, he has made 117 appearances for Barnet, scoring 18 goals and providing 9 assists.

Speaking about his new contract, Barnet Manager Dean Brennan said, “Idris has been a special player for the club over the last two years and has played a massive part in our success. He’s a huge personality within the group, and we’re delighted he has committed his future to the football club.”

Nigeria beat Ghana in Unity Cup to set date with Jamaica
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria beat Ghana in Unity Cup to set date with Jamaica

Nigeria will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final on Saturday after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana at the Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Challe aimed to use this match, along with the upcoming friendly against Russia, as preparation for World Cup qualifiers.

While Nigeria secured the win, they nearly squandered a two-goal lead in the second half. With key players like Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen rested, Cyriel Dessers capitalized on a rare starting opportunity, scoring the opening goal with help from Ismaila Sodiq’s cross.

Nigeria doubled their lead shortly after when Seyi Ajayi’s header resulted in an own goal.

Ghana fought back, with substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante scoring his first international goal and putting pressure on Nigeria. Despite a valiant effort, including a save from Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria held on for the win.

Jamaica, managed by Steve McClaren, won a thrilling 3-2 match against Trinidad and Tobago, with Richard King scoring a late penalty to seal the victory.

Trinidad and Tobago will also meet Ghana in the third-place playoff on the 31st of May, at the same venue.

Senegal's Nicolas Jackson helps Chelsea lift the Uefa Conference League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson helps Chelsea lift Uefa Conference League

Senegalese player Nicolas Jackson helped Chelsea make history by scoring in their victory against Real Betis. With this win, Chelsea became the first club to earn all five major European trophies, claiming the Conference League title.

The match took place at Stadion Wroclaw, and Chelsea had to fight back from a goal down to win 2-1. They fell behind just nine minutes into the game when Abde Ezzalzouli scored after a pass from Isco. The first half was tough for Chelsea fans to watch.

In the second half, Cole Palmer changed the game. He crossed the ball for Enzo Fernandez, who headed it in to equalize in the 65th minute. Soon after, Palmer delivered another cross that Jackson scored from.

Chelsea continued to press forward. With seven minutes left, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made a strong run and passed to Jadon Sancho, who scored with a brilliant shot into the far corner.

There was still time for a fourth goal. Chelsea’s Player of the Year, Moises Caicedo, scored with a precise shot from 20 yards.

The Chelsea fans celebrated, chanting, “We’ve won it all!” This victory in Poland means Chelsea brings home the Conference League trophy, adding to their collection, which includes the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and Cup Winners’ Cup.

Crystal Palace U21 Young Player of the Season delight for Hindolo Mustapha
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Crystal Palace U21 Young Player of the Season delight for Hindolo Mustapha

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha has won the U21s Player of the Season award. The Sierra Leone International was a key player for Darren Powell, appearing in 29 of the U21s’ 30 matches in the 2024/25 season.

The 18-year-old scored 11 goals and provided seven assists. He had some amazing goals, including a half-volley against Brighton & Hove Albion and a long-range shot against Chelsea—both were nominated for Goal of the Season.

His impressive play earned him a spot in the first-team squad for a friendly match in Marbella against Hamarkameratene in March.

Mustapha also received international attention. He was called up to the Sierra Leone senior team in September 2024. He made his debut in a 0-0 draw against Chad and later scored his first international goal against Zambia.

In October 2024, he was selected again to play for Sierra Leone in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast. He also captained the Sierra Leone Under-20 team in a match against Morocco.

When he received the award, Mustapha said, “I’m so happy to have won this award, it’s a good feeling to win it after a strong season.”

Sierra Leone's Mustapha Bundu wins 2024/25 Argyle Goal of the Season
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Mustapha Bundu offers new Plymouth Argyle contract

Plymouth Argyle has released its retained list for the 2024/25 season, confirming that in-form attacker Mustapha Bundu has been offered a contract for the upcoming season.

“Jordan Houghton, Mustapha Bundu, and Jack Matthews have been offered new contracts by the club.”

Bundu, a Sierra Leone international, has showcased his technical ability and goal-scoring prowess since joining Home Park in 2023, netting 14 goals in 70 appearances for the team.

He was signed from Anderlecht and arrived at the Devon club with notable experience, having played over 100 matches for Danish Superliga team Aarhus GF during a four-year period from 2016 to 2020.

Many expected that following Argyle’s relegation, he would seek greener pastures, potentially finding a club in the Championship or abroad. However, with the confirmation of a contract offer, the likelihood of this happening has decreased.

Pape Thiaw on Malick Thiaw’s absence from Senegal squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pape Thiaw on Malick Thiaw’s absence from Senegal squad

Malick Thiaw will not play for Senegal’s national team in the friendlies against Ireland and England in next month’s International window. 

Coach Pape Thiaw confirmed his omission, despite ongoing talks with the Senegalese Football Federation, surprising many fans who view him as a potential defender.

Coach Thiaw explained that Thiaw is in discussions with his club and hasn’t played much lately, which affects his national team chances. Thiaw, born in Germany and playing for AC Milan, has struggled this season with limited playing time.

Fans may be disappointed, but the door remains open for Thiaw if he improves his form and maintains good discussions with the federation. His situation highlights the challenges of including dual-nationality players in African teams.

For now, Senegal will move on without him, but if his situation at AC Milan improves, he could receive a call-up soon. Both Thiaw and the federation are waiting for the right time to strengthen Senegal’s defense.

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies

Victor Wanyama is back in the Harambee Stars squad for two friendly matches against Chad. These matches will take place in Morocco on June 7 and June 10. This will be Wanyama’s first time representing Kenya since 2020.

The 33-year-old player relocated to Scotland in March after departing the Montreal Impact.

The squad has a mix of experienced players and new talent. Notable new players include Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both of whom are making their national team debuts.

This is Benni McCarthy’s second training camp with the Harambee Stars. These friendlies will help evaluate the team’s strength and prepare for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.

Players should arrive for camp on Friday, June 2, 2025, to prepare for the matches.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela  (Stellenbosch FC)

Midfielders

Victor Wanyama  (Dunfermline Athletic FC ), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma  (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi  (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners FC)

Forwards

Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)

Morocco set for Tunisia and Benin International friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set for Tunisia and Benin International friendlies

Morocco will play two friendly matches in June. They will face their rivals Tunisia and Benin, the team that knocked them out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Atlas Lions will face Tunisia on June 7, 2025, followed by a match against Benin just three days later, on June 10. Both games will be held at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The match between Morocco and Tunisia is a classic African rivalry. These two football powerhouses have competed against each other 50 times since 1960, with Morocco having the edge in their head-to-head record, boasting 14 victories compared to Tunisia’s 8. Notably, 24 matches have ended in a draw, highlighting the competitiveness of this rivalry.

The last encounter between Morocco and Benin ended in heartbreak for the Atlas Lions. During the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt, Morocco appeared poised for victory on paper but suffered a dramatic defeat.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco named squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
The Atlas Lions of Morocco named squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
Sierra Leone's Sierra Queens book Women's Cup semis spot in Mauritania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Sierra Queens book Women’s Cup semis spot in Mauritania

The Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone have advanced to the semi-finals of the ongoing WAFU A Women’s tournament in Mauritania, after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Senegal on Monday evening at the Cheikha Boidiya Stadium.

Having previously defeated Guinea 3-1, they revitalized their chances of qualifying for the next round. The crucial point earned on Monday was significant, especially as Guinea defeated The Gambia 4-3.

Sierra Leone goalkeeper Hannah Juana was once again awarded Woman of the Match for her outstanding performance.

After suffering a 3-0 defeat to Gambia in their opening match, Sierra Leone turned their fortunes around with this impressive victory at the Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Coach Malik Hassan Mansaray praised his team for their resilient and composure against a dominate Senegal side.

In Group A, Mauritania defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 as Liberia drew 1-1 against Mali and as a result, Liberia progressed to the semi-finals alongside Mali, who topped Group A on seven points, Liberia 5 and Mauritania four points in third.

In Group B, Senegal won the group with seven points, Sierra Leone on four, Guinea and the Gambia on three each.

In Group B, Senegal won the group with seven pooints, Sierra Leone on four, Guinea and the Gambia on three each.
In Group B, Senegal won the group with seven points, Sierra Leone on four, Guinea and the Gambia on three each.
The Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone reached the semi-finals of the WAFU A Women’s tournament in Mauritania after a tough 1-1 draw with Senegal.
The Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone reached the semi-finals of the WAFU A Women’s tournament in Mauritania after a tough 1-1 draw with Senegal.
Ghana face-off Super Eagles of Nigeria in London Unity Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana face-off Super Eagles of Nigeria in London Unity Cup

The Ghana Black Stars will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a match on Wednesday, May 28, at Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium. This game is for a spot in the London Unity Cup final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The first semi-final kicks off on Tuesday 27 May, with Trinidad and Tobago taking on Jamaica. The Unity Cup is an Afro-Caribbean international football tournament that was last held in 2004.

This competition, featuring the national teams of Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago, will make its comeback after a 21-year hiatus. It will include two semi-finals and a final, all to be played at the Bees’ home ground.

Players from the Nigeria Premier Football League and their coaching staff are already in London. They will be joined later today by their teammates from overseas.