Category: Football Africa

Ivory Coast named a strong squad for the Sierra Leone doubleheader
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast named strong squad for Sierra Leone doubleheader

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has selected a strong 25-man squad for two matches against Sierra Leone in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Striker Sébastien Haller returned after missing the last two qualifiers. He joined La Liga club Leganés on loan for the 2024–25 season on August 30, 2024.

The Laurent Pokou Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the first match between Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone on October 11. The game is a crucial one for the 2025 qualifier.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced that the second leg of the doubleheader will be held on October 15 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.

Ivory Coast has had a perfect start in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, winning their matches against Zambia and Chad, securing the top position in Group G with six points.

The Leone Stars will aim to bounce back from their recent loss to Zambia and revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Here is the squad selected by Ivory Coast for the upcoming matches.

Ivory Coast named a strong squad for the Sierra Leone doubleheader
Ivory Coast named a strong squad for the Sierra Leone doubleheader
AS Pikine Ligue 1 challenge excites midfielder Saidu Fofanah
by Football Sierra Leone

AS Pikine Ligue 1 challenge excites midfielder Saidu Fofanah

Saidu Fofanah, one of the top midfielders in the Sierra Leone Premier League, has signed with AS Pikine – Ligue 1 (Senegal) for two seasons and has described his move as an exciting challenge.

He expressed his excitement about joining the Association Sportive de Pikine based in Pikine – their home venue is the Stade Alassane Djigo, with a capacity of 5,000.

Saidu, 27, made his international debut with the Sierra Leone national team in a 1–0 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification win over Benin on 15 June 2021.

He stated that his decision to move to Senegal was to try a new challenge in his football career and experience a different style of football in one of the best countries in West Africa and the continent.

He expressed his eagerness to compete in a new league outside Sierra Leone and help his new teammates, just as he did with FC Kallon.

“The season will start next month on 19th October, but there will be a four-team tournament starting on Friday. I’m looking forward to showing what I can do on the pitch.”

Saidu was part of the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Saidu Fofanah was playing for the Senegalese team in a warm-up friendly.
Saidu Fofanah was playing for the Senegalese team in a warm-up friendly.
Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal's senior debut in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal’s senior debut in Carabao Cup win over Bolton

Ismael Kabia, a native of Sierra Leone, made his senior debut for Arsenal as they secured a 5-1 victory over League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup at Emirates Stadium.

As a result of this win, the London side advanced to the fourth round after a convincing performance against League One side Bolton.

Declan Rice opened the scoring, followed by two goals from Ethan Nwaneri on either side of half-time, making it 3-0. Although the visitors managed to score one goal, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz added to the scoreline, securing a strong victory for Mikel Arteta’s men.

In addition to the first starts for Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter and right-back Josh Nichols made their full debuts, with substitute appearances for Maldini Kacurri and Ismael Kabia.

Kabia expressed his excitement on his Instagram page, stating, “A dream come true to make my professional debut for Arsenal. Proud moment for me and my family and everyone that has helped me in my journey,” Kabia noted on his Instagram. 

The youngster, 18, signed his first professional contract in July and was impressive after he was subbed on in the 81st minute to make his senior debut.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to co-host Africa Nations Championship
by Football Sierra Leone

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to co-host Africa Nations Championship

The Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) has confirmed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (“CHAN”).The tournament will take place from 01-28 February 2025.

Senegal is the current CHAN champion, having defeated hosts Algeria two years ago in Algiers. The competition is for players in their country’s domestic leagues.

The qualification process will begin with the first round of qualifiers on the weekends of 25-27 October 2024 and 01-03 November 2024.

The second round of qualifiers will be played on 20-22 December and 27-29 December 2024.

The tournament slots have been allocated as follows: WAFU A, WAFU B, UNAF, UNIFFAC, and COSAFA will each have three qualifying teams.

The CECAFA zone, which includes the three host countries, will receive an additional slot due to their automatic qualification as hosts. This increases the total number of teams qualifying for the final tournament to 19.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will participate in the qualifiers and, in addition to their automatic qualification as hosts, the team with the best result in the CECAFA qualifiers will also advance to the final tournament.

New Hartford Athletic deal for Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia pens new Hartford Athletic contract extension

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia has agreed to stay with Hartford Athletic for another two years, until the 2026 USL Championship season. The deal is awaiting approval from the league and federation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here in Hartford, and I’m happy to stay with the club long-term,” said Samadia.

“I want to thank Coach Burke for the trust and belief he’s shown in me, and the Hartford Athletic fans who have made me feel welcome and supported us all year long. We still have work to do this year, but I can’t wait to create more memorable moments with this club for years to come.”

The 23-year-old has made a significant impact in his first season of American soccer, excelling as a versatile wingback. He ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3), chances created (23), crosses (70), and interceptions (22), and has been recognized with USL Championship Team of the Week honours at both left-back and right-back positions.

Samadia has played a key role in Hartford’s recent success, contributing to the team’s seven-match undefeated streak and assisting on two of Mamadou Dieng’s six goals during this period, while creating 12 chances.

“Emmanuel’s development this year has been incredible, and we would not be in the position we’re in without him,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke.

“We’re thrilled to have him with us for the long term, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop and be a leader for us in the seasons ahead.”

The Freetown, Sierra Leone native has also impressed in six appearances with the Sierra Leone National Team this year, providing two assists in World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

Samadia and Athletic are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM.

New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
Ghana's Richard Ofori in talks to join AmaZulu
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Richard Ofori in talks to join AmaZulu

Ghana vice-captain Richard Ofori is set to join AmaZulu FC after leaving South African giants Orlando Pirates.

The experienced goalkeeper parted ways with the Pirates at the end of last season after his contract expired. He is now expected to join their Betway Premiership rivals AmaZulu on a short-term deal.

Ofori won four major trophies with the Buccaneers, including three MTN8 titles and the Nedbank Cup during his four-year stint with the club.

He expressed his gratitude and fondness for his time at Orlando Pirates on his official Instagram page, thanking the staff, technical team, medical staff, board members, management, players, and fans for their support.

Ofori, who has 33 caps for Ghana, was the Black Stars’ first-choice keeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast.

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast's crucial AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast’s crucial AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone

The Laurent Pokou Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the upcoming match between the African Champions Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone for the crucial match day three 2025 qualifier.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced on Tuesday that the first leg of the double header will be held on October 11 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire.

In January this year, Ivory Coast defeated a local stars team from Sierra Leone 5-1 in a friendly match. The two teams will face each other again in a doubleheader that could prove decisive in their quest for a spot in the tournament, this time with a much stronger Leone Stars team.

The return leg between Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone is scheduled for four days later, on October 15, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. 

Côte d’Ivoire – led by head coach Emerse Faé, has had a flawless start in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, collecting maximum points by defeating Zambia 2-0 and Chad 2-0, placing them at the top of Group G with six points.

After a disappointing draw with Chad, the Leone Stars suffered a defeat in Zambia due to Kings Kangwa’s superb free kick. They must avoid consecutive losses to revive hopes of reaching Morocco in 2025.

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON

On Wednesday, Sierra Leone will face off against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium for a spot in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The match will kick off at 1 pm local time.

A win for the Shooting Stars would mean they reach the AFCON U20 tournament for the first time in the history of Sierra Leonean football.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.

The Gambia advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifiers after playing to a goalless draw with Mali on Sunday, September 22, at the SKD Sports Complex.

This result placed The Gambia in the second spot in Group B, alongside group winners Senegal. The next stage will involve the four qualifying teams competing for a place in the finals.

In Group A, Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars finished as group winners with seven points from three games. They will face The Gambia, who finished as runners-up in Group B, in the battle for one of the two AFCON slots.

Senegal finished at the top of Group B with four points from two games, while The Gambia secured qualification for the semifinals with just two points from two games. They put up a strong fight in their opening match against Senegal, forcing them to a 2-2 draw.

Guinea finished as runners-up in Group A with five points, a point adrift of hosts Liberia. They will face defending champions Senegal in the semifinals.

Wednesday Semi-final lineups

Senegal vs. Guinea

Sierra Leone vs. Gambia

The two finalists will automatically qualify for the 2025 U-20 AFCON Finals.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.
The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.
Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma was on target as Northampton secured a significant 3-1 away victory against Huddersfield, marking their first win since February.

The match saw Northampton benefit from an own goal by Huddersfield in the 18th minute, followed by a well-executed counter-attack resulting in a goal by Cameron McGeehan.

Despite a disallowed goal early in the second half, Northampton extended their lead with another goal from Tariqe Fosu.

Huddersfield showed resilience in the final 10 minutes, scoring a goal and earning a penalty that led to a second yellow card for Akin Odimayo.

However, Huddersfield’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Lee Burge saved the penalty, securing Northampton’s victory.