Category: Sport News

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller

With a 3-2 victory over Senegal in Group A on Wednesday at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, Zambia made a strong statement in their quest for the title at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The game was exciting, full of action, strong shots, and instances of personal brilliance. Having twice encountered a tough Senegalese squad, the Copper Queens showed their resolve to grab all three points.

Following a lacklustre 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco in their opening, Zambia understood they needed this victory, and they produced. Scoring just five minutes in, with star player Nguenar Ndiaye finding the net thanks to a pass from Méta Kandé, Senegal surprised them.

Zambia responded quickly, with Captain Barbra Banda equalising in the 12th minute after a pass from Racheal Kundananji. They took the lead just six minutes into the second half when Kundananji scored in the 51st minute 

Banda’s brace came in the 73rd minute, widening Zambia’s lead. Senegal had a chance to come back when Ndiaye scored from a penalty in the 80th minute, narrowing the lead to 3-2.

In extra time, Senegal pressured with corners and attempts, but Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ng’ambo Musole, made crucial saves to secure the victory. With this win, Zambia sits on four points in Group A as they aim for their final group match, demonstrating their intent to be title contenders.

Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Zambia in search of first WAFCON win over Senegal
by Football Sierra Leone

Zambia in search of first Women’s Cup of Nations victory

This afternoon’s kickoff at Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia, Zambia, will strive for their first victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Senegal. 

Beginning the competition with a 2-2 draw against Morocco, Zambia’s Barbra Banda recorded only 58 seconds, but Morocco tied via a penalty.

While Racheal Kundananji brought Zambia ahead, Morocco tied in the 87th minute.

One above the DRC and two behind Senegal, Zambia is level on points with Morocco.

With Captain Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scoring twice, Senegal leads Group A after a commanding 4-0 victory over the DRC.

Their goal is to keep their number one spot in the group and win their second straight.

New Everton's deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Everton’s deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye

With the option for another year, Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueyehas signed a new one-year deal with Everton to stay until June 2026.

Winning the Club’s Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season accolades, Gueye had a remarkable 2024–25 season.

Gueye said: “Everyone knows what Everton means to my family and me following his contract. This club is more than merely a place I play; it’s part of who I am after six seasons here. Beginning my seventh year as a Blue brings me great pride. I am ready and more driven than I have ever been last season.

“This season is significant given our new stadium and momentum.” We have the opportunity to construct something significant. To once again raise the bar and bring Everton back where it should be, we need to collaborate—players, coaches, the manager, the board, and our fans. I completely support that challenge. Let’s start over together.

Manager David Moyes of Everton was pleased to extend Gueye’s contract, noting, “We are excited Idrissa has left. Given many new players and the new stadium, his familiarity with the Club will be rather important. Idrissa will help everybody integrate.”

Gueye will increase his 211 Everton appearances made since joining from Aston Villa in August 2016. After three years with Paris Saint Germain, he came back to the club in 2022.

Tensions mount as FIFA drawn into SLFA elections dispute
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tensions mount as FIFA drawn into SLFA elections dispute

The governing body of football, FIFA, has stated that it will intervene if elections are not conducted, which could have significant consequences for the governance of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).

FIFA has also raised concerns about external influence following disputes within the lower electoral levels of the SLFA as preparations for the presidential election, scheduled for August 2nd, are ongoing.

This comes as a result of elections held at the district levels in the Falaba and Karene Football Association, which have been overturned after a ruling and directives of the Electoral Appeals Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association.

The Electoral Appeals Committee of the SLFA decided to overturn the election process on the grounds of irregularities, despite their jurisdiction being limited to the SLFA elections, which has attracted the attention of FIFA to interfere.

FIFA, to resolve the issue, arranged a meeting with the Ethics Committee, the Electoral Committee, and the Electoral Appeals Committee.

Authorities within the global football body told them during this meeting that, under the SLFA statute, the Electoral Appeals Committee has no jurisdiction over appeals from the territories and emphasised the importance of cordiality between the Secretariat and committees, stressing adherence to SLFA statutes.

According to the SLFA, FIFA reminded the meeting that the mandate of the current Executive Committee has expired, necessitating elections to renew leadership legitimacy.

Even though FIFA issued warnings, the Electoral Appeals Committee insisted on their decision and suggested that FIFA review their ruling and come up with a judgment.

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON

On Monday night, Mali narrowly defeated Tanzania 10 in Group C TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Following a set piece, Saratou Traoré scored with a composed shot from the centre of the box during stoppage time in the first half to become the only goal of the game.

In a game when both sides generated chances but had trouble turning them into goals, this objective became the deciding moment.

Tanzania had several scoring opportunities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani that Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao, saved. Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, but offside calls presented problems.

Tanzania had many scoring possibilities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani saved by Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao. Although Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, Tanzania struggled with offside judgments.

Mali played defensively; Karentao made important saves to protect their lead. Tanzania argued for an equalizer during stoppage time and won late free kicks, but Donisia Minja’s shot in the 95th minute went over the goal.

Ultimately, Mali grabbed the victory by remaining steady and grabbing their chances, therefore raising their position in the competition.

Early on, in their Group C opening in Oujda on Monday, reigning champions South Africa got their 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations going with a 20 victory against Ghana.

The first 35 minutes saw the goals by Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe, which helped Banyana Banyana demonstrate they are formidable title contenders in the larger 12-team competition.

Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results
Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results
Ola Aina has inked new Nottingham Forest deal until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian defender Ola Aina inks new Nottingham Forest deal

Nottingham Forest has confirmed that Nigerian defender Ola Aina has signed a fresh deal, therefore lengthening his contract through the summer of 2028.

Beginning in 35 of 38 Premier League games, the Nigerian was crucial in the team’s 24/25 run.

Mostly used on the right side of Forest’s stout defence throughout the season, the versatile 28-year-old had spent the majority of the past season playing leftback.

He acquired possession in the defensive third more times than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2024–2025 campaign, thanks in large part to his persistent defence.

Ola Aina scored twice during Forest’s seventh-place Premier League finish, including a spectacular 30-win over West Ham.

From Turin, he joined Forest in the summer of 2023 and has made 59 appearances thereafter. Having played 100 games in Italy’s top division, Aina is on the verge of another milestone with only four caps required to reach 50 for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Aina expressed his enthusiasm at the contract extension and stated he feels at home with the club and is getting ready for the next season.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis lauded Aina’s personality and influence; Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson noted his contributions on and off the field. Aina is happy to keep travelling with the club and help meet its goals.

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset

Striker Alie Conteh, 20, has signed a four-year contract with Norwegian top-tier side Strømsgodset and will wear jersey number 20 ahead of the season’s second round.

“I am very happy to join Strømsgodset. I have dreamed of this moment and worked hard to reach it,” said the player from Sierra Leone after completing his contract.

After successful negotiations with Mjøndalen, the transfer details were finalized, and Conteh passed his medical examination. He is now officially a Strømsgodset player until the summer of 2029.

“We are pleased to secure a young and promising striker who has shown great development at Mjøndalen,” said sports manager Jostein Flo. “We appreciate Mjøndalen for their positive dialogue that allowed us to bring him in before the transfer window.”

Conteh, on loan from Goderich FC, quickly made an impact at Mjøndalen by scoring a hat-trick in his second match. Last season, he played 30 games and scored seven goals, while this season he has netted 12 goals in 17 matches.

He will train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday and hopes to play in Sunday’s home game against Tromsø.

“I have the mentality of a lion, and I’m a hard-working player who wants to give everything for the team,” he said. “I want to bring joy to the supporters by scoring goals.”

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women's Cup of Nations win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women’s Cup of Nations wins

Nigeria started their quest for another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

With a header from Omorinsola Babajide’s cross, Asisat Oshoala found the fourth minute. Nigeria dominated the first half, keeping Tunisia under pressure. Just before halftime, Babajide scored following a pass, bringing the total to 20; VAR confirmed the goal.

Nigeria made three substitutions at halftime, bringing in Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe, thereby adding energy to the squad.

Elsewhere, thanks to a goal from midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni, Algeria won 1-0 versus Botswana in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.

Described as a tight shot with a reserved celebration, the aim represents her return to her roots and her loyalty to the team at the age of 29.

All Sunday's WAFCON results
All Sunday's WAFCON results
Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener

Senegal made a powerful statement in Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia.

Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scored two goals in a dominant first half, leading the Lionesses of Teranga to an emphatic win in their opening match.

The scoring started in the fifth minute when Mama Diop struck a powerful shot into the net after receiving a pass from Méta Kandé. Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the lead in the 13th minute with a composed finish, and by the 22nd minute, Diop had her second goal, capitalising on a defensive error. Just before halftime, Ndiaye headed home from a Hapsatou Diallo cross, ensuring a four-goal lead.

In the second half, DR Congo regrouped, hitting the woodwork and forcing Senegal’s goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye, into several key saves. Despite their efforts, the Leopardesses couldn’t find a goal.

The result puts Senegal at the top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia, who drew 2-2 in their opening match.

For DR Congo, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Senegal appears poised to compete strongly for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Mutapha Bundu made their debut at Hanover 96, in their 2-1 loss to Danish team Randers FC in Germany after 120 minutes.

After quitting the English team Plymouth Argyle, free agent Bundu, 28, joined the German side.

Randers FC continued their strong preseason performance with a third consecutive victory, defeating Hannover 96 2-1.

They took the lead in the 31st minute when Mohamed Touré scored from a great cross by Simen Bolkan Nordli.

Hannover equalised ten minutes later, but Elies Mahmoud clinched the win in the 110th minute after capitalising on a rebound following his initial shot, sealing the match for Randers FC.