Category: Sports

Guinea and Algeria battle in an exciting Group C contest in Kampala
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

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
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

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
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

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
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.

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

Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma hails boss Postecoglou after Europa League success
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma hails boss Postecoglou after Europa League success

Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma thanked Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou for his support during a tough season. Bissouma described Postecoglou as “a dad or uncle” to the players.

Tottenham is currently in 17th place in the Premier League, with one game left to play. They have lost 25 matches this season, which is the highest number they’ve had since the 1991-92 season.

However, they have a chance to turn things around in the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday. Bissouma said the relationship between the players and Postecoglou has stayed strong, even in hard times.

“It’s never changed. We have a good relationship,” Bissouma, 28, said about Postecoglou. “He’s like a dad or uncle to us. He’s always trying to help us understand what he wants. For us, he’s just Ange. He has his ideas and always protects us.”

Bissouma received a rating of 7 for his solid performance. He won the second-most duels of any Tottenham player in the match, just behind Cristian Romero, and had the second-most tackles, after Destiny Udogie. He is expected to be one of the more underrated players in the team’s success.

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back to playing
by Football Sierra Leone

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back playing

Sierra Leone and Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo has expressed his commitment to returning to action in the English Championship with Blackburn.

Kargbo has been spending time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury, which has sidelined him for six weeks. The Blackburn Rovers forward was substituted just 15 minutes into the match at Pride Park, where the team lost 2-1, following a couple of early challenges.

In an exclusive interview with the club’s TV, Kargbo shared his excitement about being back on the field and playing on natural grass again.

He stated, “It feels great to be back, and I am working hard with the physios to return as soon as possible. I am going to be patient and follow their advice because I am an explosive player, and I need to be cautious.”

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers

Sierra Leone defender Abdul Jarjue Kabia is set to miss upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Guinea Bissau and Egypt this month due to a groin injury.

The injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for three to four weeks, occurred during a goalless draw against Torpedo Zhodino in the Belarus Cup quarter-final on March 2nd.

Since making his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in late 2023, Kabia has participated in eight official matches, showcasing his skills in games against Ethiopia, Egypt, and Burkina Faso as part of the African qualification process for the World Cup.

Sierra Leone faces a tricky match against Guinea-Bissua in the Liberia capital on March 20 before travelling to face a difficult task against Group A leaders Egypt.

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall

Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu contributed to Millwall’s 5-1 defeat against Plymouth Argyle in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday night.

Plymouth took an early lead with an own goal and a penalty scored by Ryan Hardie. In the second half, Hardie and Bundu quickly added two more goals. Joe Bryan scored a late consolation for Millwall before Nikola Katic made it 5-1.

Head Coach Alex Neil changed the starting lineup from the last game, bringing in Camiel Neghli for Ra’ees Bangura-Williams.

Plymouth scored first after six minutes when an accidental deflection went in off Joe Bryan. Hardie then converted a penalty following a foul in the box, making it 2-0.

Millwall nearly scored immediately after, but Mihailo Ivanovic’s header was saved. Neghli had a long-range shot tipped over, and moments later, Plymouth scored again. Bundu scored the third goal for Plymouth by turning and shooting past the goalie.

After substitutions, Azeez’s free-kick was deflected wide. In the 80th minute, Millwall finally scored when Azeez set up Bryan. However, Katic rounded off Plymouth’s scoring with a goal in the last minutes of the match.

Goals: Bryan og 6, Hardie pen 10, Bundu 53, Hardie 56, Katic 87

Millwall Goal: Bryan 80

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista

The former Queens Park Rangers academy graduate Osman Kakay has signed with the Portuguese Primeira Liga team Boavista as a free agent and says he can’t wait to get back on the pitch after a long absence. 

“I’m happy to be back playing football after a long break. Joining a big club like Boavista is a great honour,” said the excited Sierra Leone international.

He added, “I can’t wait to get started and enjoy playing football again.” Boavista is a well-known club, and even though it’s been a long time since I last played, I’ve had the chance to reflect and I believe now is the right time to return.”

He made his first appearance for QPR in August 2016. He played out of position on the right side of midfield during an EFL Cup second-round win over Rochdale and was substituted after 73 minutes, earning applause from the QPR fans.

On January 31, 2017, Kakay signed a loan deal with Chesterfield until the end of the 2016–17 season. In November 2018, QPR offered him a contract extension, keeping him at Loftus Road until 2021.

On September 2, 2019, Kakay went on loan to Partick Thistle until January 2020. He mainly played as a right back there but often as a right winger.

On September 5, 2020, Kakay scored his first professional goal in an EFL Cup match against Plymouth Argyle and signed a contract extension until 2024. He netted his first Championship goal on May 1, 2021, in a 2–0 win over Stoke City. QPR announced on May 6, 2024, that Kakay would leave the club when his contract expired that summer.

  • On the International stage

Kakay made his international debut for Sierra Leone on September 9, 2018, in a match against Ethiopia during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

In December 2021, he was named in the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. This marked the country’s first participation in the tournament since 1996.

Kakay played the entire ninety minutes in his team’s opening match, where they managed to draw 0-0 with Algeria, the defending champions and one of the favourites to win.

Read related – Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is Imminent.