Category: Sport News

𝐂𝐀𝐅 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐔-𝟐𝟎 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF holds pre-tourney briefing & Media day with Serra Leone U20

As part of the preparations for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held a crucial pre-tournament meeting with the Sierra Leone U-20 national team at the Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, Egypt, where the team is staying.

During the meeting, the CAF General Coordinator provided an overview of the tournament rules, player eligibility criteria, match protocols, and disciplinary actions. The coordinator reminded the team to uphold fair play and professionalism throughout the tournament.

The CAF Safety and Security Officer emphasized the importance of accreditation badges and bibs for safety and access control at match venues and training grounds. The CAF TV representative discussed media rights and filming guidelines, ensuring consistency and the protection of broadcast rights.

Additionally, the Referees Assessor highlighted the need for discipline, respect for officials, and cooperation with referees to ensure fair and smooth matches.

The day concluded with an engaging CAF Media Day, during which the Sierra Leone U-20 team participated in official photoshoots, video shoots, and digital content creation for CAF’s social media and promotional campaigns.

With protocols clearly communicated and media activities successfully completed, the stage is set for an exciting and well-organized tournament. The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Media Team will continue to provide updates, exclusive content, and matchday coverage throughout the competition.

SLFA MEDIA DEPARTMENT

South Africa U20 Amajita arrive in egypt ahead of U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa’s Amajita arrive in Egypt ahead of U20 AFCON

The South African U-20 team has arrived in Cairo to participate in the African Cup, set to begin on Sunday in Cairo and Ismailia.

The delegation arrived at Cairo Airport on Thursday morning to compete in the Africa Cup of Under-20, which runs from Sunday until May 18.

Thirteen teams will compete for the title, with the top four qualifying for the World Cup scheduled to take place in Chile between September and October 2025.

Under the guidance of Coach Raymond Madaka, the team is in the first group, and their campaign begins with an opening match against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday evening. They will also face Tanzania on April 30 at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia and Sierra Leone on May 6 at the new Suez Stadium. The group stage will conclude for Amajita with a match against Zambia on May 9 at the 30th of June Stadium in Air Defense.

The South African national team, known as “Amajita,” qualifies for the U-20 African Cup for the ninth time in its history. They secured their place by finishing the COSAFA regional qualifiers with three victories: defeating Malawi 5-0, Lesotho 6-0, and the Comoros Islands 2-0 in the group stage. They then advanced to the semi-finals, where they triumphed over Angola 1-0, and secured their spot in the final by outclassing Zambia 2-0.

Sierra Leone U20 depart for debut Cup of Nations in Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone U20 depart for debut Cup of Nations in Egypt

Sierra Leone’s Africa Cup of Nations squad left for Egypt on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from Freetown, travelling through Guinea to Egypt for the prestigious CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, to make history.

Led by Administrative Head Benjamin Gordon and NSA’s Director of Operations Alie Sesay, the delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo in the early hours of Friday, ready to shine on the continental stage.

Our young lions will kick off their AFCON journey on April 27—Sierra Leone’s Independence Day—against Zambia in a match that promises excitement, skill, and a strong national spirit.

This is more than just a team; it represents a movement. A new generation is carrying the dreams of millions, determined to make their mark and proudly fly the green, white, and blue!

Mamadou Wurie Jalloh Brøndby IF’s U19 team, Defender Alpha Turay FK Dubocica Leskovac, Abraham Kanu Reading League One, Osman Kamara Arsenal U21, Kevin Kargbo Wimbledon U18, Alpha Kabia Minnesota United, Abdul Bangura and Mohamed Bai Kamara from the Latvian club K Metta are named as p[art of foreign-based players in the squad.

Sierra Leone road to Egypt U20 AFCON

Sierra Leone secured their place at the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON 2025 as the runners-up in the WAFU Zone A Championship.

Under the leadership of captain and star striker Momoh Kamara, the Shooting Stars delivered an impressive performance, defeating Guinea-Bissau, hosts Liberia, and The Gambia on their way to the final.

Although they ultimately lost to Senegal, their overall performance throughout the tournament showcased resilience, attacking flair, and tactical maturity, earning them a well-deserved spot in their first-ever U-20 AFCON.

Senegal set to defend U20 Cup of Nations title in Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal set to defend U20 Cup of Nations title in Egypt

Senegal arrived at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, as the defending champions and a team to beat. With a strong reputation for producing elite youth talent, the Lionceaux of Teranga aims to retain their title.

Under coach Serigne Saliou Dia, they blend tactical discipline with attacking flair in pursuit of back-to-back triumphs.

As reigning African U-20 champions, Senegal aims to defend their title at the tournament following their historic 2023 victory in Egypt. Their recent success is built on disciplined structures and a rich talent pipeline.

Senegal secured their place in the tournament by winning the WAFU Zone A Championship for the second consecutive time, defeating Sierra Leone 2-0 in the final.

Senegal, as the reigning champions after winning the 2023 title, had a flawless campaign, winning every match, including a 2-0 final against Gambia. They had previously reached the finals in 2015, 2017, and 2019, but fell short each time.

  • **GROUP ANALYSIS**  

Senegal is in Group C alongside DR Congo, Ghana, and the Central African Republic. Each of these teams poses a unique challenge, with DR Congo being particularly ambitious and Ghana showing consistent growth in youth football. The Central African Republic is a dark horse, known for their physical and direct style.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Beat Egypt Team in Cairo pre-U20 Afcon friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Beat Egypt in Cairo Pre-U20 Afcon friendly

On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated Egypt’s Young Pharaohs 2-1 in a pre-Cup of Nations friendly match held at the Cairo International Stadium. Goals from Kparobo Arierhi and Precious Benjamin ensured a strong victory for Nigeria’s U20 team in Cairo. (Photo Credit EFA)

Kparobo Arierhi scored Nigeria’s first goal in the 10th minute, after being assisted by Bidemi Amole. Egypt responded with a goal from Ahmed Kaabaka in the 65th minute. However, Nigeria took the lead again with a penalty goal from Precious Benjamin in the 83rd minute, after Divine Oliseh was fouled in the box.

This victory gives the Flying Eagles a confidence boost as they prepare to face Tunisia in their first match on Thursday. They will also compete against Morocco and Kenya in Group B.

Egypt, the host team in Group A, will play against South Africa on Sunday, followed by matches against Sierra Leone on April 30, Zambia on May 3, and Tanzania on May 9.

Nine foreign-based in Sierra Leone AFCON U20 squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nine foreign-based in Sierra Leone AFCON U20 squad

Defender Alpha Turay, who played a key role in both of Leone Stars’ World Cup qualifying matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt, is one of nine foreign players selected for Sierra Leone’s U20 squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has announced a squad of 26 players, including nine foreign-based as Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against the hosts, Egypt, on April 30.

 The team departs for Egypt on Wednesday, April 23 ahead of their first group match on Sunday April 27. Notable players included in the squad are Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, the goalkeeper from Brøndby IF’s U19 team; Alpha Kabia, a rising midfield talent who recently joined Major League Soccer with Minnesota United FC; and the dynamic midfield duo and strong defenders, Abdul Bangura and Mohamed Bai Kamara, who hail from the Latvian club K Metta.

The biennial African international youth football tournament will take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, 2025, with Senegal as the defending champions.

Sierra Leone road to Egypt U20 AFCON

Sierra Leone secured their place at the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON 2025 as the runners-up in the WAFU Zone A Championship.

Under the leadership of captain and star striker Momoh Kamara, the Shooting Stars delivered an impressive performance, defeating Guinea-Bissau, hosts Liberia, and The Gambia on their way to the final.

Although they ultimately lost to Senegal, their overall performance throughout the tournament showcased resilience, attacking flair, and tactical maturity, earning them a well-deserved spot in their first-ever U-20 AFCON.

See attached full list of Sierra Leone U20 AFCON Squad
See attached full list of Sierra Leone U20 AFCON Squad
Mustapha Bundu brace helps Plymouth increase hopes Championship survival
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu brace helps Plymouth increase Championship survival hopes

Plymouth, facing relegation, surprised play-off contenders Coventry by achieving their third straight home win, thanks to two goals from Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie, boosting their chances of survival in the Sky Bet Championship.

Bundu scored his second goal of the afternoon 20 minutes into the second half, ensuring Plymouth secured all three points.

Coventry had an early chance to take the lead in the 12th minute when an unmarked Joel Latibeaudiere missed an opportunity to score, firing wide from the far post after receiving a corner from Jack Rudoni.

Plymouth’s first threat came from a well-coordinated move down the left side, initiated by Darko Gyabi. Bali Mumba delivered an excellent cross to top scorer Hardie, who claimed he was fouled as he attempted to connect from a challenging angle, allowing City keeper Bradley Collins to easily gather the ball.

In the 23rd minute, Hardie nearly scored when Bundu cut in from the left and shot, with Hardie just getting a touch that sent the ball inches past the post. Collins faced more pressure when he fumbled a cross, but the referee ruled a foul on Tijani.

Mumba came close to a spectacular goal in the 31st minute with a twisting run and a curling chip attempt over Collins that missed the far post.

Bundu, who received a yellow card for a foul earlier, opened the scoring in the 40th minute. After a corner was cleared, he half-volleyed a cut-back from Randell into the net from a tight angle, beating Collins at the near post.

Tanzania Players gearing up for U20 AFCON in Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Tanzania head coach Suleiman Hemed aware of U20 AFCON challenges

Tanzania U20 head coach Suleiman Hemed Morocco is aware of the tough challenge ahead after his team was drawn into a competitive Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025. The draw placed Tanzania alongside hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Sierra Leone.

In an interview, Coach Morocco acknowledged the strength of the group, stating, “It’s not an easy group for us… Everyone wants to win the cup.”

The tournament will take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025, featuring 13 teams, with the top two from each group and two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals.

Reaching the knockout stage would mark a significant achievement for Tanzania, and Coach Morocco emphasized the need for effective preparation to compete with elite teams. “We take our group seriously to ensure we can compete with anyone we meet,” he said. Group A will present challenges, particularly from host nation Egypt and a talented Zambian squad, reflecting the growing ambitions of Tanzanian youth football.”

Tanzania is eager to assert its presence and compete for one of the four spots at the U-20 World Cup, given the high stakes and limited margin for error.

Mathews Banda confident of U20 World Cup qualification
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Boyd Mulwanda names five foreign-based to Zambia U20 Cup of Nations squad

Zambia Under-20 men’s coach Boyd Mulwanda has announced his final 25-member squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Egypt Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament, which begins this week.

The team departed on a Fly Emirates flight at 21:35 hours, connecting via Dubai, and to arrive in Cairo at around 08:10 hours.

Joseph Sabobo Banda, who is based in Switzerland, leads a group of five other foreign-based players: Joseph Liteta, Frank Chileshe, Andrew Mulenga, Bonephanseo Phiri, and Aaron Mbemba, who will travel directly to Cairo.

Zambia to compete in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania for the tournament, scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18.

Goalkeepers Levison Banda (Zesco), Eric Makungu (Chirundu Leopards) and Mapalo Chitundu (Kansanshi Dynamos).

Defenders are Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Mathews Banda (Nkana), David Hamasenya (Leganes), Samson Ngulube (Kafue Celtic) Milimo Nalumango (Dusseldof FC) Charles Buyoya (Kafue Celtic) and Whiteson Banda (Napsa).

Midfielders are Aaron Mbemba (Cardiz FC), Frank Chileshe (Locomotive Tigilis), David Simukonda, Pascal Phiri (both Zesco), Perkin Mumba Mwale (Green Buffaloes), Emmanuel Mutale (Nkana), Elvis Mutale (Kafue Celtic), and Obvious Mwaliteta (Aguila).

Strikers are Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich), Andrew Mulenga (Portal Vitoria FC Brazil), Bonephanseo Phiri (Lokomotiv Tibilisi), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari FC), Danny Bwalya (both Nchanga Rangers) and Philimon Chilimina (Green Buffaloes).

Groups for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025

  • Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
  • Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
  • Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

The four highest-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will take place from September 27 to October 19

Ghana touch down in Cairo for the U20 Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana touch down in Cairo ahead of the U20 Cup of Nations

The Ghanaian youth national team arrived in Cairo, Egypt on (Sunday) ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 finals, which are being hosted by Egypt from April 27th to May 18th. A total of 13 teams will compete in the tournament.

The team, which has won the African championship four times (in 1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021), is making its thirteenth appearance in the finals since the current format was introduced in 1991.

They qualified for the tournament by finishing second in the West African region qualifiers, losing to Nigeria (2–1) in the final match.

The team is placed in Group C under the guidance of coach Raymond Ovi. They will begin their campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 2nd at the New Suez Stadium.

They will then face the defending champions, Senegal, at the same venue on May 5th. They will conclude their group stage matches against the Central African Republic at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia three days later.