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Kei Kamara to join Sierra Leone squad for CHAD and Zambia qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kei Kamara to join Sierra Leone squad for CHAD and Zambia

Sierra Leone and Major League Soccer (MLS), Kei Kamara, is expected to join Leone Stars two years and seven months after he announced his retirement.

Kamara scored the only goal in a qualifying victory against Benin, which secured Sierra Leone’s place in the 2021 African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1996.

The experienced striker has earned 36 caps for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and also served as team captain.

Coach Amidu Karim’s side gearing up for a crucial double header this month in the final hurdle to reach Morocco 2025. Sierra Leone, third in Group G, must win both matches against CHAD and Zambia to boost its hopes of qualifying for the continent’s biggest football event next year.

The full team list will be announced soon after confirmation of the listed players. On October 15, 2024, Sierra Leone secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the African Champions Ivory Coast in their match day four qualifiers at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium as they bid to reach Morocco next year.

Amadou Bakayoko, a striker based in Japan, scored a last-minute header to secure the win for the West African team, marking their first victory in the qualifiers and against Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, Zambia, who also claimed a 1-0 victory in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, will battle Ivory Coast at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium before facing Sierra Leone.

Their win over CHAD placed them just two points behind Group G leaders Ivory Coast, who have a game in hand. Zambia initially struggled in the match, with Chad having more shots on goal in the first 20 minutes. However, Zambia found their rhythm by the half-hour mark and began to dominate possession.

Kennedy Musonda scored the only goal in the 70th minute, and despite a late scare with a penalty awarded to Chad, Zambia held on to secure all three points in Cameroon.

Liberia knockout Sierra Leone in CHAN first round qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Liberia knocked Sierra Leone out of CHAN first round qualifiers

On Friday, the home-based national team of Liberia advanced to the next round of the CHAN qualifiers after achieving a 3-2 aggregate victory against Sierra Leone.

In the second leg, Lawrence Kumeh scored the equalizer for Liberia in the 52nd minute after the home-based Leone Stars took an early lead with a goal from Momoh Lappo Dumbuya in the 22nd minute at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Sierra Leone, striving to improve their poor record in this tournament, was unable to overcome the deficit from the first leg and was consequently eliminated from the competition.

Liberia will face Senegal in the second round, which is set to take place in December.

In the first leg, Liberia defeated Sierra Leone 2-1. Lawrence Kumeh opened the scoring early for Liberia, but Sierra Leone equalized through Kalokoh Suffian in the 22nd minute.

However, an own goal by Alhpa Kabia of Sierra Leone in the 58th minute secured the victory for Liberia. The tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in February 2025.

The most recent tournament was held in Algeria, where Senegal defeated the host team in the final to claim their first-ever title.

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier
by Football Sierra Leone

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier

Sierra Leone’s U-17 national team started their WAFU A U-17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament with a 1-0 loss to Mali. (Photo WAFU)

The only goal was scored in the eighth minute of the first half by the Malian wearing the number 10 jersey. He collected a clever pass and struck inside the area to beat the Sierra Leone keeper.

This loss puts Sierra Leone in a tough spot, but the team is determined to fight for a chance to advance.

Their next match is against Mauritania on Saturday, and winning is crucial for their hopes of moving forward in the tournament.

Senegal opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now consists of three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and Gambia, after Guinea’s disqualification.

Senegal quickly took control, scoring early goals by Mouhamed Dabo in the 6th minute and El Hadji Sow in the 8th minute.

Liberia responded strongly in the second half, reducing the deficit with a goal from Moses Nyanfore in stoppage time (90th + 4 minutes).

Group B matches on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, featuring Mali’s win over Sierra Leone. Mauritania played to a goalless draw against Guinea Bissau in the day’s last game.

WAFU A makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U 17 reinstated after medical retest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

WAFU makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U17 reinstated after medical retest

Sierra Leone has been cleared to participate in this year’s Under-17 WAFU AFCON qualifiers in Senegal after a successful appeal re-qualified both Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

The youth tournament leading to the U17 AFCON begins today, with host nation Senegal facing Liberia at 16:00 at the Lat Dior de Thies stadium. The complete fixtures will be announced again by the WAFU media department in due course.

On Sunday, WAFU announced that Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea would not take part in the tournament due to age cheating, according to the new rule outlined in Article 27.4 of the Under-17 African Cup of Nations regulations.

However, on Monday evening, the West African Football Union and the CAF Medical team reversed their decision after a satisfactory medical test confirmed Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau’s eligibility to compete in this year’s U17 AFCON qualifiers.

The new rule states in Article 27.4: “If, after carrying out the eligibility test (IRM) for a participating team, one or more of its players are deemed ineligible, the participating team will be disqualified.”

Sierra Leone has been requalified to participate, having met the necessary criteria after two of the five players in question were cleared. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau has been reinstated and will compete in the WAFU U17 tournament in Senegal.

Africa and Age Cheating

Guinea has a history of age cheating. In 2019, they were disqualified from the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil due to age violations at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which served as qualifiers.

Despite runners-up at the U-17 Nations Cup in Tanzania in April, Guinea believed they had secured a World Cup spot by reaching the semi-finals.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1848493588134383895

Bo Rangers coach Keister hails team spirit after Sierra Leone Cup triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers coach Keister hails team spirit after Sierra Leone Cup triumph

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, the reigning champions of Sierra Leone, under the guidance of head coach John Keister, celebrated a remarkable achievement as they secured a coveted double title this season.

The team triumphed over East End Lions in a heart-stopping penalty shootout, winning 4-1 after an intense match that concluded in a 2-2 stalemate.

The dramatic FA Cup final unfolded at the FA’s secretariat playing ground, where emotions ran high as both teams fought fiercely for glory. Keister praised his players’ resilience, emphasizing the unwavering team spirit that shone through under pressure. “It was a very intense game against a formidable opponent that truly tested our limits. Everyone witnessed the depth of our character as a team,” he reflected.

Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the support of the club’s executive chairman, Babadi Kamara, as well as the players and dedicated fans who have been instrumental throughout this journey. “Completing the double brings an immense sense of pride for us as a team. It’s a joyful moment that we will cherish.”

Keister remarked on his commitment to delivering results, highlighting the importance of performance on the field. “I have an incredible chairman in Babadi Kamara, who is passionate about success and transforming the narrative surrounding football,” he stated confidently.

Looking ahead, Keister emphasized the need to build on this achievement. “We are not content to rest on our laurels; we are eager to lay the groundwork for the future. That’s the vision Babadi and the team are diligently working towards.”

The team triumphed over East End Lions in a heart-stopping penalty shootout, winning 4-1 after an intense match that concluded in a 2-2 stalemate.
The team triumphed over East End Lions in a heart-stopping penalty shootout, winning 4-1 after an intense match that concluded in a 2-2 stalemate.
Sierra Leone disqualified from WAFU U17 over age cheating
by FSL News

Sierra Leone disqualified from WAFU U17 over age cheating

Sierra Leone will not take part in this year’s Under-17 WAFU AFCON qualifiers in Senegal after they were found guilty of age cheating, as announced by the organising committee.

West African Football Union by the CAF Medical team disqualified Sierra Leone, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau over age manipulations.

WAFU noted that as a result of the new rule set out in article 27.4 of the under-17 African Cup of Nations, regulations will be applied to these U17 national teams.

The New Rules state, 27.4 If after carrying out the eligibility test (IRM) for a participating team, for or more of it players deemed ineligible, the participant team will be disqualified.”

Consequently, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Guinea Bissau are disqualified from the WAFU U17 tournament in Senegal.”

Africa and Age Cheating

Guinea has a history of age cheating. In 2019, they were disqualified from the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil due to age violations at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which served as qualifiers.

Despite being runners-up at the U-17 Nations Cup in Tanzania in April, Guinea believed they had secured a World Cup spot by reaching the semi-finals.

In the same Senegeal in 2021, the Sierra Leone U17 side was disqualified over the same age manipulation due to a failed MRI test.

WAFU on U17 age manipulation in Senegal
WAFU on U17 age manipulation in Senegal
Sierra Leone name provisional Chan home-based squad for Liberia prep
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone name provisional home-based squad for CHAN qualifiers

The head coach of Sierra Leone’s home-based team, Alhaji Foray, has invited 40 players for training. This training is to prepare for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers.

Sierra Leone will play against Liberia on October 27 and November 1, 2024. Training starts on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the SLFA Academy, and all invited players must arrive by 6:30 AM.

The draw for the matchups took place in Cairo on October 9 and included 40 nations. The tournament will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28, 2025. This is the first time three countries will co-host the tournament.

Nineteen African nations will compete, including the hosts and three teams qualified from each of CAF’s six Zonal Unions. Only players from local leagues can participate, and the tournament offers a prize of $2 million. The last edition was won by Senegal, which beat Algeria in the finals.

WAFU A ROUND 1

Sierra Leone vs Liberia

1st Leg: 25 – 27 October | 2nd Leg: 01 – 03 November

ROUND 2

Sierra Leone / Liberia v Senegal

Mauritania v Mali

Guinea v Guinea-Bissau

1st Leg: 20 – 22 December | 2nd Leg 27 – 29 November

Bakayoko, Issa Kallon start against Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bakayoko, Issa Kallon start against Ivory Coast

Striker Amadou Bakayoko and Issa Kallon from China are set to play against Ivory Coast. Kallon last played in Turkey in 2022, and midfielder Fornah from Salford City FC is back after receiving a red card against Egypt.

Bakayoko missed matches against Chad and Zambia but hopes to continue his good form for the national team. Sierra Leone will face Ivory Coast in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is aiming for their first win on the road to Morocco 2025. A win for Ivory Coast could hurt Sierra Leone’s chances.

Also, a debut for U20 right-back Nathanial Jalloh was part of the Sierra Leone team that reached the U20 AFCON for the next year.

Ivory Coast defeated the Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match in January 2024. The Leone Stars haven’t won against Ivory Coast in their last eight competitive matches.

Ivory Coast has a 70% win rate in their last ten outings. In Group G, Ivory Coast has secured two wins and is preparing to face winless Sierra Leone.

Group G Fixtures: 

Zambia 0-0 Chad

Cote d’Ivoire vs Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone first team for Ivory Coast crucial tie
Sierra Leone face African Champions to raise Afcon hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone face African Champions to raise Afcon hopes

On October 11, 2024, Sierra Leone is scheduled to confront the reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast, in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match. The highly anticipated game will take place at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro, with the kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is seeking their first victory in the journey to Morocco 2025. A win for Ivory Coast could potentially harm the Leone Stars’ chances.

The Leone Stars have never won against Ivory Coast in their last eight competitive matches. On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil.

The Ivorians has been on fire, winning seven games, drawing three, and not losing a single match in their last ten outings, boasting an impressive 70% win rate.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, with a notable victory against Djibouti in the World Cup qualifiers, along with some hard-fought draws and challenging defeats to Egypt and Zambia in various competitions.

Group G wrap-up

The team from Côte d’Ivoire has shown its strength in Group G by securing two wins, and they are now gearing up for a match against Sierra Leone, who are still in search of their first win.

Meanwhile, Zambia is in hot pursuit and will face Chad, eager to cement their position in the group standings.

This matchday provides a pivotal opportunity for the lower-ranked teams to make their mark and keep their dreams of qualifying alive.

Group G Fixtures: 

Cote d’Ivoire vs Sierra Leone

Zambia vs Chad

Check out Sierra Leone’s recent results:

World Cup Qualifiers:

– Ethiopia 0-0 Sierra Leone (WCQ Nov 15th 2023)

– Sierra Leone 0-2 Egypt (WCQ Nov 19th 2023)

– Sierra Leone 2-1 Djibouti (WCQ June 5th 2024)

– Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone (WCQ June 10th 2024)

AFCON Qualifiers:

– Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad (Sept 6th 2024)

– Zambia 3-2 Sierra Leone (Sept 10th 2024)

On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil
On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil
Sierra Leone to face Neighbours Liberia in qualifying for CHAN 2024
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to face Neighbours Liberia in qualifying for CHAN 2024

The Sierra Leone national home-based team has been drawn to face neighbouring Liberia in the first-round qualifiers for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The draw, conducted in Cairo on Wednesday, 09 October, involved 40 nations in determining the two rounds of qualifiers, which will be played on a home and away basis.

The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 01 to 28 February 2025. This marks the first occasion in CAF history that the tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations.

The tournament qualifiers are set for October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024, with the final round scheduled for December 20-22 and December 27-29, 2024.

Nineteen African nations will compete, including the host nations (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) and three qualified nations from each of CAF’s six Zonal Unions.

The tournament is exclusive to players competing in their local leagues and offers a prize money of $2 million. The last edition was won by Senegal, defeating the hosts, Algeria, in the finals.

WAFU A ROUND 1

Sierra Leone vs Liberia

1st Leg: 25 – 27 October | 2nd Leg: 01 – 03 November

ROUND 2

Sierra Leone / Liberia v Senegal

Mauritania v Mali

Guinea v Guinea-Bissau

1st Leg: 20 – 22 December | 2nd Leg 27 – 29 November