Category: Sports

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria's Super Eagles as skipper retires

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as skipper retires

William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football. This means he will not play for Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision comes just days before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21, where Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 31-year-old centre-back Troost-Ekong was recently part of Eric Chelle’s preliminary squad for the tournament in Morocco, but has chosen to step aside to allow younger players to take the stage.

He earned 83 caps for the Super Eagles, making his debut under Stephen Keshi in 2015. His last match was a 4-1 win over Gabon before Nigeria’s elimination from World Cup qualifying.

Troost-Ekong participated in the 2018 World Cup and three AFCON tournaments, winning bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, highlighting his growth from a boy in the Netherlands to captain of the Super Eagles.

With accomplishments including 83 caps, participation in five major tournaments, and three medals, he felt fulfilled in his journey. He emphasised the importance of passing the captaincy to the next generation to continue their legacy.

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in CAF Confederation Cup

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup

Nairobi United suffered their second consecutive defeat in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, losing 1–0 to DR Congo’s AS Maniema at Kasarani, who remain at the top of Group B.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 67th minute by Jaency Mboma Kinda, who converted a low cross from Chadoma Ozome at the near post. This rare moment of clarity in a cautious game ensured Maniema’s strong defensive record in the group remained intact.

Before the goal, scoring chances were limited, but Maniema gained momentum after halftime with a double substitution that energised their midfield and right flank.

Nairobi responded with three substitutions in the 69th minute, but the Congolese side managed the game’s final moments well. Nairobi’s frustration showed when Kevin Otiende received a yellow card in the 71st minute, followed by Mboma Kinda being cautioned in the 80th. Maniema also made a late substitution and held on with disciplined defending.

This victory puts Maniema on six points from two matches, tied with Wydad AC at the top of the standings on goal difference (Wydad 4:0, Maniema 3:0). Nairobi remains at the bottom, without any points or goals, while Azam is in third place.

Splendid Morocco's U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals

Splendid Morocco’s U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals

The Atlas Cubs have reached their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final after defeating France 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation. Morocco will face Argentina in the final.

Substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the hero, stepping in during the shootout to save Djylian N’Guessan’s attempt.

The match featured an early penalty for Morocco, converted by Yassir Zabiri, which ultimately became an own goal after hitting the post and deflecting off the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta.

France equalized through Lucas Michal in the second half, and after a tense extra time with a red card for France’s Rabby Nzingoula, the match was decided by penalties.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the first African team to reach the final since Ghana in 2009.

Morocco 1-1 France (aet; 5-4 PSO)

Morocco’s goal: Olmeta’s own goal (32), France’s goal: Michal (59) 

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon names squad for doubleheader

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon names squad for final hurdles

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has unveiled his squad for their final two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso in the Liberian capital on October 8 before travelling to Djibouti for their last Group A match of the qualifying campaign.

In a bid to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in the qualifiers, Sierra Leone takes on Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Liberia as part of the Group A qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone celebrated their third victory in the qualifiers when it defeated Ethiopia for the first time in history during matchday 8 at the SDK Stadium in Liberia last month.

Coach Kallon has stuck with Alhassan Koroma, Saidu Fofanah, Mohamed Kabia, and Abu Dumbuya, who will bring creativity and energy to the team’s play.

Additionally, a sturdy defensive lineup featuring Abdulai Juma Bah, Emmanuel Samadia, Nathaniel Jalloh and Alpha Turay is poised to keep the opposition at bay.

Although Mustapha Bundu will be out due to injury, the attack will be spearheaded by Kei Kamara, Buya Turay, and Augustus Kargbo, all ready to make their mark.

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Head coach Mohamed Kallon has announced his team for the last two important qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will play against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.
Head coach Mohamed Kallon has announced his team for the last two important qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will play against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.
Striker Daniel Kanu nets to help Walsall draw at Fleetwood Town

Striker Daniel Kanu nets to help Walsall draw at Fleetwood Town

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu scored for Walsall, helping them draw 1-1 with Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Fleetwood scored first in the game, but Kanu equalised just ten minutes later. This draw extended Walsall’s unbeaten streak to four games across all competitions and marked their first goal against Fleetwood since 2016.

Head Coach Mat Sadler made one change to the team that won against Chesterfield last weekend. Charlie Lakin was suspended, so Courtney Clarke started in midfield.

Walsall had an early chance when Evan Weir’s free kick from 30 yards went over the bar. Fleetwood’s Ryan Graydon rounded Walsall’s keeper Myles Roberts in the 12th minute but was denied by defender Aden Flint. Graydon scored a header from a corner three minutes later.

Walsall equalised in the 25th minute when Flint set up Kanu for a close-range tap-in. They nearly took the lead after Lewis Warrington hit the woodwork with a shot from 25 yards.

Substitute Rico Richards almost scored on his debut, forcing a great save from Fleetwood’s Jay Lynch. Despite their efforts, the match ended in a draw.

Guinea and Algeria battle in an exciting Group C contest in Kampala

Guinea and Algeria to battle in an exciting Group C contest in Kampala

On Friday at 17:00 local time, Guinea after two defeats from three matches take on Algeria at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

Guinea must win to keep their hopes of advancing in CHAN 2024 alive. In contrast, Algeria can secure their spot in the quarter-finals with a victory, demonstrating their strength in the tournament.

Algeria, led by coach Majid Bougherra, has performed well so far, earning four points from a win against Congo and a draw with South Africa. They sit atop Group C without conceding a goal. Bougherra stated, “Tomorrow, we face Guinea, who still believe in their chances. It will be tough, but we are prepared.”

Guinea started strong with a win over Congo but lost to South Africa. Coach Souleymane Camara is optimistic, saying, “We still have our destiny in our hands. We must fight from start to finish and secure the three points.”

Guinea’s attack needs improvement, and striker Moussa Moïse Camara acknowledged past issues. He stated, “We’ve worked on our efficiency and are ready for Algeria, a strong team.”

Guinea must play aggressively to win, while Algeria aims to maintain their defense. Both teams understand the stakes: win or go home for Guinea, and secure a spot in the last eight for Algeria.

The Kampala crowd anticipates an exciting match filled with drama and crucial moments for Group C.

Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan

Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan

Sierra Leone duo Bo Rangers midfielder Ibrahim Turay and Alpha Conteh have joined Iceland’s top-tier side Stjarnan on a two-year deals. 

Rangers have expressed gratitude for Turay’s dedication and professionalism, stating he was a key figure in their success. They wish him success in his new chapter.

Ibrahim is 24 years old and joins us from Bo Rangers FC, one of the leading teams in Sierra Leone. He is a powerful midfielder who has played for the Sierra Leone national team and scored a goal in the World Cup qualifiers.

With a fighting spirit, power and good technique, Ibrahim is a player who will strengthen our midfield and give the team increased width and stability,” the club noted on Facebook.

Another Sierra Leone International, Alpha Conteh, has also penned a deal with the Garðabær-based outfit on similar terms of a two-half-year contract.

The club wrote, “Alpha is a 24-year-old winger who comes to us from Neftçi PFK in Azerbaijan, where he played in the Premier League. He has also played in Bulgaria with Lokomotiv Plovdiv and in Israel, as well as having games for the Sierra Leone national team.
 
Alpha is fast, powerful and not afraid to attack defenders – qualities that will undoubtedly strengthen the Star’s offensive game!” 

After making several appearances on various national teams, Turay scored his first goal for Leone Stars against Guinea-Bissau in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers when Sierra Leone defeated their visitors 3-1 in the Liberian capital, March 2025.

Both will join former skipper Steven Caulker at the club – Caulker took on a dual role as player-assistant coach for the men’s first team in June.

Alpha Conteh has also penned a deal with the Garðabær-based outfit on a similar terms of two-half year contract.
Alpha Conteh has also penned a deal with the Garðabær-based outfit on a similar terms of two-half year contract.
Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan
Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan
Sierra Leone's Ibrahim Fullah nets first professional goal

Sierra Leone’s Ibrahim Fullah nets first proffessional goal

Ibrahim Fullah scored his first professional goal, while Miles Leaburn and Luke Berry also found the net, leading the Addicks to a 3-1 victory over Stevenage in the Carabao Cup at The Valley.

Nathan Jones made a whopping 11 changes from the squad that triumphed over Watford in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship opener. Among the fresh faces were summer signings Joe Rankin-Costello, Tanto Olaofe, Harvey Knibbs, and academy standout Fullah, all making their full debuts.

After a few early threats, the Addicks took the lead in the 27th minute thanks to Leaburn. The lively Olaofe pounced on a loose ball and skillfully threaded a pass to his strike partner, who took a moment to steady himself before slotting it past Taye Ashby-Hammond.

Following the first goal from a Charlton academy graduate, the second came just eight minutes later, also from the academy. Henry Rylah delivered a low, powerful cross from the right that found Fullah at the back post. He outmuscled his defender and finished confidently across the goal.

Charlton had a strong shout for a penalty shortly after their second goal when Olaofe, with his back to goal, seemed to be clipped by a Stevenage defender, but referee Craig Hicks waved away their appeals.

In the second half, Stevenage tried to claw their way back into the match but struggled to trouble Will Mannion in the Charlton goal. For the Addicks, substitute Berry managed to sneak a touch on Rankin-Costello’s shot, but Ashby-Hammond was quick to react and gathered the ball safely.

The visitors made four substitutions in the 60th minute and began to gain some momentum, but it was Berry who sealed the deal with a goal 13 minutes from time.

Daniel Kanu delivered a fantastic cross from the left, and the substitute expertly got in front of his defender to head the ball beautifully into the bottom corner.

East End Lions return to CAF Champions League against US Monastir

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.

Egyptian side ZED FC Signs Sierra Leonean defender Amara Keita

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.

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