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Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone women remain static at 151 in the latest FIFA rankings

Sierra Leone’s senior women’s national team have remained unchanged at 151st place in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, retaining their 1,021.39 points from the previous update published in December 2025.

The West African side recorded no movement during the latest ranking cycle, which included 276 international matches worldwide.

Undoubtedly, Sierra Queens inactivity leaves them not only static globally but also positioned among the lowest-ranked teams within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underlining limited participation in competitive fixtures.

At the top of the standings, Spain maintained first place despite a recent defeat, while England climbed to third following a victory over the leaders, moving ahead of Germany, which dropped to fourth.

The United States held second position, while Japan rose three places to fifth, marking the biggest gain within the top ten, while the Netherlands entered the top ten, displacing North Korea.

Outside the top tier, American Samoa registered the most significant rise, climbing 17 places to 120th after accumulating over 120 ranking points across recent fixtures.

The latest rankings also reflect structural shifts, with the British Virgin Islands dropping out after four years without international matches.

With qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 ongoing globally, Sierra Leone’s absence from competitive action continues to limit opportunities for ranking improvement.

According to FIFA, their next Women’s World Ranking will be published on 16 June 2026.

Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
Sierra Leone Mourns Football Stalwart Joseph Samba Keifala
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Mourns Football Stalwart Joseph Samba Keifala

The passing of Joseph Samba Keifala has triggered a wave of tributes across Sierra Leone, with the nation mourning a prominent figure whose legacy bridged football administration and public service.

The deceased was a former Mayor of the Kenema City Council and a key stakeholder in the country’s football landscape, whose death was announced on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after a brief illness, family sources confirmed.

A longtime advocate for grassroots football, the late man popularly known as “J.S. Keifala” was closely associated with Kamboi Eagles, where he played a central role in nurturing young talent and strengthening community participation.

Over the years, the influence of the former Kenema City Mayor and football administrator helped shape football development in eastern Sierra Leone.

During his tenure as mayor, Keifala championed youth empowerment and urban development, frequently promoting sport as a tool for unity and social progress.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) described his death as “a profound loss to the football family,” while Kamboi Eagles hailed him as a “father figure and pillar” instrumental to the club’s growth.

Since his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the sporting community, with many remembering him as a unifying force who used football to inspire and uplift communities nationwide.

Close associates of the deceased say his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Upsets, Big Wins in Sierra Leone FA Cup Last-16 as Quarter-Final Race Intensifies
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Upsets, Big Wins in Sierra Leone FA Cup Round of 16 as Quarterfinal Race Intensifies

The 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup moved into a decisive stage on Saturday, delivering a mix of commanding victories and dramatic upsets as the Round of 16 fixtures began to shape the quarter-final lineup.

Freetown-based outfit FC Kallon produced the most dominant display of the day, thrashing Ram Kamara FC of Bo 4–0 to secure a convincing passage into the last eight. In one of the competition’s biggest moments, Bo Rangers FC held their nerve to defeat Bhantal FC 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, a result that stunned many followers of the tournament.

Elsewhere, Star Sport Academy edged Bai Bureh Warriors 1–0, while Old Edwardians FC also progressed with a narrow 1–0 victory over Bullom Stars, as all four sides booked places in the quarter-finals.

The nationwide Round of 16 fixtures have drawn heightened attention, pitting established clubs against emerging challengers in a competition renowned for its unpredictability.

Attention now turns to the remaining ties, with East End Lions set to face Diamond Stars FC, while Mighty Blackpool and Kabala City take on Marampa Stars and Abacha City FC, respectively, on Sunday, April 19. Meanwhile, this year’s Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup final round of 16 fixture will see Ports Authority FC meet Freetown City FC on Monday, April 20.

The tournament, organised by the Sierra Leone Football Association and sponsored by leading telecommunications company, Orange Sierra Leone, remains vital to clubs as they hunt for domestic glory and continental qualification, while continuing to offer smaller clubs a platform to challenge elite opposition.

With quarter-final places nearly decided, the competition is gathering momentum, promising more drama and defining moments on the road to the final.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

FC Kallon scored four as they thrashed Ram Kamara FC in their Orange FA Cup round of 16
FC Kallon scored four as they thrashed Ram Kamara FC in their Orange FA Cup round of 16
Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stage Comeback to Reach World Cup Qualifier Second Round
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stage Comeback to Reach World Cup Qualifier Second Round

Sierra Leone’s U-17 girls delivered a dramatic late comeback to defeat hosts Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 in Yamoussoukro on Friday, April 17, 2026, sealing progression to the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers.

Played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, the decisive second leg followed a goalless draw between the two sides at the same venue five days earlier. Despite the hosts taking the lead in a tightly contested encounter, Sierra Leone responded with resilience.

Musu Sengeh levelled in the 82nd minute after reacting quickest to a rebound, before Mariena Magdaline Tua struck deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The latest victory sends Sierra Leone into the next round under head coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay, where they will face Benin, who advanced 5-3 on aggregate against Burkina Faso.

The qualifiers form part of the pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, with five African teams set to secure qualification.

By Alusine Rehme Wilson

FC Kallon Bans Players from Community Football to Safeguard Fitness and Performance
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

FC Kallon Bans Players from Community Football to Safeguard Fitness and Performance

One of Sierra Leone’s 18 participating top-tier men’s outfits, FC Kallon has barred its registered players from participating in community football competitions across Sierra Leone, in a move aimed at protecting player welfare and reinforcing professional standards.

The decision, made public on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, takes immediate effect and prohibits players from featuring in inter-area leagues, local galas, and grassroots tournaments nationwide.

Club officials said the directive is designed to minimise injury risks associated with unsanctioned matches played outside the club’s professional framework, risks that could disrupt both individual careers and the team’s competitive ambitions.

Under the policy, players are restricted to officially recognised competitions, including the Leone Rock Premier League and the Sierra Leone FA Cup. The club warned that breaches of the directive will attract disciplinary action, including fines and possible suspension.

The move reflects a growing trend among professional clubs to tighten control over player activity beyond official fixtures, particularly in football environments where informal competitions remain a central part of community life.

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalize a Beşiktaş agreement
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalise Beşiktaş agreement

The delegation from Star Sport Academy, led by Chairman and Founder Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, along with CEO Mohamed Jusu Tarawally, has successfully arrived in Istanbul.

Their visit aims to finalise a significant agreement with Beşiktaş, one of Turkey’s premier football clubs. This trip follows extensive discussions that our Chairman initiated in February with Beşiktaş officials.

During his earlier visit, he had fruitful meetings with key club members, including Serdar Topaktepe, the Director of the Academy, and Yagiz Berke, the Director of External Relations.

The team comprises manager Musa Pokawa, head of scouting and recruitment Alimamy Conteh, and Victor Lewis, who chairs the Youth Division One team.

These ongoing talks have paved the way for a promising partnership between Star Sport Academy and Beşiktaş.

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit

Less than 100 hours after the dismissal of Mohamed Kallon as head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior men’s national team, the Leone Stars, his assistant, Paul Augustine Kpaka, has publicly reacted, offering a cryptic yet poignant response that has stirred public debate.

Taking to his official Facebook page on Easter Monday, April 6, Kpaka, himself a former international striker, shared a biblical quotation from the Gospel of Mark: “A prophet is treated with honor everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house.”

Though brief, the message has been widely interpreted as a veiled commentary on the abrupt termination of Kallon’s tenure by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) on April 2. Kallon, who remains one of Sierra Leone’s most celebrated football figures, was relieved of his duties in an April 2, 2026, SLFA decision that has since triggered intense public reaction across the football community.

His dismissal has since dominated headlines and sparked widespread discourse about the direction of the national team. However, his former assistant coach,e Paul Augustine Kpaka’s post quickly gained traction online, with supporters and followers flooding the comment section.

Many viewed the statement as a show of solidarity with Kallon, interpreting it as a reflection on the perceived lack of appreciation for local football icons. Others expressed optimism, suggesting that both men could emerge stronger from the setback.

The fact that the timing of the Kpaka’s message coincided with Easter Monday, a period often associated with reflection and renewal, added further symbolic weight to his words. When contacted for comment, the SLFA’s media department had since declined to address the matter, stating only that they would not respond at this time.

Neither Kallon nor Kpaka has issued a detailed statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the sacking. However, the unfolding reactions underscore the emotional and cultural significance of football in Sierra Leone, where the fortunes of the national team remain closely tied to national pride.

As speculation continues over the future of the Leone Stars and the next steps for both Kallon and his former assistant, Kpaka’s carefully chosen words have ensured that the conversation remains far from over.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon

The Sierra Leone Football Association has terminated the services of head coach Mohamed Kallon just over a year after his appointment, effective immediately.

According to the SLFA, this decision follows a resolution passed by its Executive Committee in the lawful exercise of its statutory and administrative mandate, leading to the immediate termination of Mohamed Kallon’s role as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team.

The former striker for Inter Milan and Monaco was appointed on February 12, 2025. His dismissal comes just after the FIFA international friendly against Azerbaijan on Monday, where the Leone Stars lost in a penalty shootout after the home team came from behind to win 9-8 on penalties.

Kallon’s tenure as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team marked his first significant coaching role. His primary objective was to guide the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; however, they ultimately finished third, falling short behind Burkina Faso.

During the World Cup qualifiers, the Leone Stars had a mixed performance, achieving three wins, two losses, and one draw across six matches.

Before this, Kallon led his club, FC Kallon, in CAF competitions, but they faced elimination at the hands of Dreams FC from Ghana in September 2023.

KaLlon’s Background

Kallon became the youngest player to debut for the Leone Stars at just 15 years old in April 1995. He played in a qualifying match for the 1996 African Cup of Nations against Congo and scored the winning goal.

At 16, Kallon played at the 1996 African Nations Cup in South Africa. He scored one of the two goals that led Sierra Leone to a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their first group match.

Kallon has been an important member of the Leone Stars, participating in World Cup qualifying campaigns in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. His last game with the national team was on February 9, 2011, in a friendly against Nigeria.

Kallon was the team captain but resigned after the team failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties

At the Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionu in Sumqayıt, host Azerbaijan won 9-8 on penalties after battling to a 1–1 draw over 90 minutes with Sierra Leone in an international friendly on March 30, 2026.

Forward Daniel Kanu put Sierra Leone ahead with a composed finish, assisted by Barnet player Idriss Kanu, marking an important moment for the young striker on the international stage.

Azerbaijan responded later in the match, equalising through Rahil Mammadov to ensure both sides shared the spoils. The contest was competitive, with both teams creating chances and testing each other’s defences throughout.

Several players made their debut, including Mamadou Wurie, a young goalkeeper currently with VPS in Finland’s Veikkausliiga. Yayah Kallon plays in Italy’s Serie C with Casertana FC, and former U20 defender Alpha Kabia is with Minnesota 2 in the USA.

The result reflects a balanced encounter and provides valuable experience for both squads as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions and future fixtures.

Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties
Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties
Seven foreign-based players arrive for FIFA Series test against Azerbaijan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Seven foreign-based players arrive for FIFA Series test against Azerbaijan

Seven foreign-based players have joined the Leone Stars in Azerbaijan on Monday as they prepare to face host Azerbaijan on March 30 at the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium.

Sullay Kaikia, Yayah Kallon, Juma Bah, Idris Kanu, Kamil Conteh, Daniel Kanu and Jay Tee Kamara were all spotted on Camera as the delegates arrived safely.

Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed a format change and timing of the FIFA Series 2026 international tournament to be held in Azerbaijan have been altered following Oman’s national team’s withdrawal.

Because of rising military tensions in the Middle East, Oman won’t travel to Azerbaijan.

According to the new framework negotiated with FIFA, the competition will now be made up of two games instead of its intended schedule.

March 27 marks Azerbaijan’s contest against Saint Lucia; March 30 sees Sierra Leone. With a 7 p.m. local kickoff, both matches will take place at Sumgayit’s Mehdi Huseynzada Stadium.