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Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener

  • GROUP A Egypt Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau Sierra Leone Ethiopia Djibouti

Coach Amidu Karim remains positive as Sierra Leone prepares to launch their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Ethiopia on Wednesday.

Karim, who took charge a month ago, will start his Leone Stars reign in the World Cup qualifier against the Walias Ibex at the El Abdi Stadium, Al Jadida.

Group A opener on Wednesday will be the third between both nations as coach Karim boosted his side with three new additions.

Charlton Athletic FC striker Daniel Kanu is on loan to fifth-tier side Southern United, Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah and Liga Leumit side Hapoel Kfar Saba defender Abdulai Jajue Kabia are the three new faces in line to make their International debut.

After a successful Fifa-friendly window in October, where Sierra Leone drew with Benin (1-1) and defeated Somalia 2-0, they face a tricky test against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia.

“The team have been training well – preparations has been on a positive footing. We had a good training camp in Morocco during the Fifa window, where we won against Somalia and drew with Benin. So, I think we we are ok in a good place,” Coach Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“We’re aware that Ethiopia are a good side – we have studied their weakness and strength. They are not a pushover but a strong side. However, we have put modalities in place to get a positive result.”

“All selected players are now in Morocco responding to training – players are well geared up, focus ahead of the Wednesday. Playing Ethiopia, we want to be in a positive frame of mind. The lads are ready to give their 100 percent.”

Ethiopia hosts Sierra Leone on Nov 15 in El Abdi Stadium – four days later, Leone Stars host the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium. 

Starting the campaign well will be the utmost task for Coach Karim and his technical team. However, Sierra Leone has yet to defeat the Walias of Ethiopia in their last two meetings.

In the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawassa International Stadium, but the result was null and void following the country’s disqualification.

Sierra Leone went into the qualifying period but was disqualified due to a suspension by CAF.

In the last World Cup qualifier against Liberia, the Lone Star won the first leg in Liberia 3-1 before losing the return match in Freetown through Kei Kamara’s goal. Both matches were played on the 4th and 8th of September 2019, respectively.

The Fifa 23rd edition of the World Cup will be played across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including at Olympic venues.

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Lamboi FC sank Bai Bureh Warriors 2-0.
by David Lebbie

Rangers beat Kholifa as Wusum hold East End Lions

Defending Champions Bo Rangers began its title defence with a win away to the newly promoted Kholifa Stars at the Magburaka field. 

Suffian Kalokoh scored the lone goal to mark a winning start for Head Coach John Edward Keister.

In his post-match interview, John Keister applauded his boys for the win, stating if you want to be champion, you must win difficult games. He commended Kholifa Stars’ composure and playing style. 

In his unveiling ceremony, Rangers new coach pleaded with management and fans to be patient and collaboratively work for the team’s success.

Kholifa Stars head Coach Hassan Maddie Conteh has promised to work hard as he plans ahead of their next match.

In the days’s other encounters, Mohamed Lamin boys Wusum Stars share the spoils with giant East End Lions 1-1 at Trade Center Field in Freetown. 

The northern Rock took the lead from a penalty kick through Adbul Bagira before the Lions swiftly responded after the break from an Abdul Nyamekye goal. 

Kahunla Rangers of Kenema received a tough introduction to the premier league with a 2-0 defeat in Freetown to Water Front Boys Ports Authority. 

Mohamed Bangura’s 34th and Lansana Thoronka’s 58th-minute goals sealed the Waterfront boy’s home win.

Diamond Stars played a goalless draw against Bhantal as Lamboi FC (In Photo) sank Bai Bureh Warriors 2-0. Wilberforce Strikers rallied a 1-1 draw with FC Kallon at the Angola playing field. 

Freetonians SLIFA, Luawa, Lamboi, Ports, and Bo Rangers all registered opening wins on three points.

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Three new faces for Sierra Leone World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Three new faces for Sierra Leone World Cup qualifiers

Charlton Athletic FC striker Daniel Kanu on loan to fifth-tier side Southern United & Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah and  Liga Leumit side Hapoel Kfar Saba defender Abdulai Jajue Kabia are the new inclusions as Sierra Leone prepares for Ethiopia and Egypt. 

Coach Amidu Karim has named his side to face Ethiopia and Egypt in the opening qualifiers in the race to the 2026 World Cup but without four key players.

No Curtis Davies, Mustapha Bundu, Issa Kallon & Alex Bangura in coach Amidu Karim’s troops for vital openers

Plymouth Argyle winger Mustapha Bundu was ruled out during a hamstring injury as former England International Curtis Davies is still waiting on the Association switch approval from Fifa before he can represent Sierra Leone. 

In his 24-man squad, other notable absentees are Middlesbrough left-back Alex Bangura, who has not returned since Dubai training camp in November 2022, and Shanghái Port‘s attacker Issa Kallon, also not named. 

Odense BK attacker Mohamed Buya Turay, who scored three goals in a recent training camp against Benin and Somalia, is listed.

After a successful Fifa window, where Sierra Leone drew with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0, they face a tricky test against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia on Wednesday.

Ethiopia hosts Sierra Leone on Nov 15 in El Abdi Stadium – four days later, Leone Stars host the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium. 

Starting the campaign well will be the utmost task for Coach Karim and his technical team. However, Sierra Leone has yet to defeat the Walias of Ethiopia in their last two meetings.

In the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawassa International Stadium, but the result was null and void following the country’s disqualification.

Sierra Leone went into the qualifying period but was disqualified due to a suspension by CAF.

In the last World Cup qualifier against Liberia, the Lone Star won the first leg in Liberia 3-1 before losing the return match in Freetown through Kei Kamara’s goal. Both matches were played on the 4th and 8th of September 2019, respectively.

The Fifa 23rd edition of the World Cup will be played across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including at Olympic venues.

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Sierra Leone 24-man squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Egypt
Tyrese Fornah named to the Sierra Leone national team for the first time! 🇸🇱
Tyrese Fornah named to the Sierra Leone national team for the first time! 🇸🇱
Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa's win over Republicans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa’s win over Republicans

Luawa head coach Sebastian Bowles was pleased to see his team start the new campaign with a win by defeating Real Republicans 1-0 on Friday.

It took a first-half goal from Abubakar Sheriff in the 24th minute to seal the victory for the Cacoa Boys at the Angola playing field.

“A tough game away against Real Republicans. I am satisfied with the win, but we can and will play a lot better,” Bowles told Football Sierra Leone.

“We were sucked in the game too much and didn’t play the way we have been training, but the players fought hard and well to claim the victory.

Sometimes you win nice, sometimes ugly. The most important thing is the three points. We will enjoy our fundraiser dinner tomorrow and start focusing on Old Edwardian’s next match.”

Elsewhere on Friday, Freetownians SLIFA opened their 2023/24 campaign with a vital home win over Diamond Stars at the Trade Center playing field. 

Meanwhile, despite a high court injunction, the league is set to continue today with three matches across the country.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone statement reads, “The High Court of Sierra Leone has this evening granted an injunction against the SLFA and the Sierra Leone Premier League Board stopping all Premier League games from being played until the High Court determines the issues of irregularities in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

The matter was filed by Alusine Kamara and Ahmed Musa through Teddy Koroma and Associates, on behalf of Kamboi Eagles. 

Matter adjourned to 10th November for further proceedings.”

However, the Sierra Leone Premier Board has announced matches will go ahead according to schedule.

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SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence

The Leone Rock Premier League in Sierra Leone kicks off on Friday with Freetonians SLIFA facing one-time back-to-back champions Diamond Stars.

Last season’s sixth-placed SLIFA hosted the Diamond Boys from Kono at the Trade Center Field in Freetown.

Elsewhere on the same Friday, 2022/23 campaign fourteen-place finisher, Real Republicans to welcome hard-nut Luawa FC at the Angola Filed.

Last season, Luawa won the first meeting, but Real People rallied back to win the second leg. An intestering contest awaits later this afternoon in the Western Part of Freetown.  

On Saturday, November 4th, will see three different fixtures as the Killers East End Lions travel to battle newly promoted Bhantal FC at Angola Filed, Goderich. 

In Makeni, Wusuma Stars will welcome Old Edwardian, who have secured the signing of former Leone Stars assistant coach Dominic Junior Konneh.

The match of the day will witness a long-awaited traditional Derby known as the Northern Derby as Bai Bureh Warriors tussle with newcomers Khlofia Stars at the Port Loko Field – in Port Loko.

On Sunday, Bo Rangers kick off their defence of the Sierra Leone Premier League title at home against Wilberforce Strikers as the newly appointed head coach, John Keister, starts a new adventure.

The League holder and Charity Shield winner will start an unprecedented three-straight Sierra Leone top-flight title chase.

Still riding the wave of winning the Charity Shield, newly appointed coach John Keister will be at the dugout. He previously had a successful spell with East End Lions after winning the title with them.

Coach John Keister is highly expected to repeat the same fate with Bo Rangers, who are the outright favourite to retain the league crown but must handle the expectation and pressure this season. 

Having failed to perform the magic with the country’s senior national team, Leone Stars led to the non-renewal of his contract. 

The other matches of the day will see Lamboi FC host last season’s runners-up Mighty Blackpool at Lingi Field and CAF Confederation Cups representative FC Kallon hosting Port Authority at Angola Field, promoted Kahunla Rovers hosting Freetown City FC at Kenema Field.

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Bo Rangers win maiden Sierra Leone Community Shield
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers beat Blackpool to lift Community Shield

Ten-man Bo Rangers defeated Mighty Blackpool to start the 2023/24 season with silverware as they bookmarked their third accolade in two seasons after a back-to-back Sierra Leone Premier League title. 

Skipper Saidu Bah Kamara scored a 55th-minute close-range header to give Bo Rangers their first silverware – the Sierra Leone Community Shield as they defeated Western giant Mighty Blackpool on Saturday.

In a parked Southern Areana in Bo City, the goal came through Abass Kamara’s perfect set piece at the edge of the Tis Tas boy’s penalty box, converted by Kamara in the second half.

Rangers defender Eshike Kamara was sent off for a reckless challenge on Blackpool forward in the 67th minute. However, Rangers held on with a classic performance.

Assistant Coach Kabineh Kamara was pleased with his performance and attitude towards the victory.

“We are all excited about the victory becasue it was a difficult match, but we planned and prepared for the win. Blackpool is a very good side and we as defending champions, we must always find a way to win against the best teams.”

On leading his side to the victory, Kabineh stated, “It is a record and big achievement that has been added to my career and the team as well.”

The head coach of Mighty Blackpool, Alusine Bala Kargbo, appreciated his team’s performance despite the defeat.

“Bo Rangers is a team that is returning from continental competition (CAF Champions League) holding them this way shows how solid our team is.”

Coach Kargbo also noted that his side was without five starting players. However, they introduced five new players in Today’s match as they continued the rebuilding process.

The Sierra Leone Community Sheild contest will be a traditional curtain-raiser between the Premier League winner and Riunners-Up every season ahead of a new campaign.

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Bo Rangers and Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena for the Community Shield on Saturday
Bo Rangers and Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena for the Community Shield on Saturday
2026 World Cup Qualifying Groups Africa Zone Opponents Group A Sierra Leone, Egypt, Burkina-Faso Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

World Cup Q: Ethiopia to host Sierra Leone in Morocco

The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca will host Sierra Leone’s 2026 World Cup opening qualifier against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia on Wednesday, 15th of November 2023, the SLFA have announced.

The Leone Stars’ second match in the race to the USA, Mexico and Canada is against the Pharaohs of Egypt. The tie is set to be played in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, on Sunday, 19th November 2023.

Group A comprised of Egypt, Burkina-Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. 

During the 2022 World Cup preliminary, Liberia eliminated Sierra Leone 3-2 on aggregate after the Lone Star won the first leg 3-1 and suffered a 1-0 defeat in Freetown, both matches played in September 2019.

Sierra Leone played to a 1-1 draw against Benin on October 14th before defeating Somalia 2-0 in a recent training camp in Morocco three days later.

However, with the latest format of 48 teams competing with a minimum of nine African sides guaranteed places for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many Sierra Leoneans believe this is Leone Stars’ best chance ever.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted in three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States. 

The nine groups will play a home and away, starting in November this year. They will take place over ten matchdays during the next two years: 13-21 November 2023 – 3-11 June 2024; 17-25 March 2025; 1-9 September 2025; 6-14 October 2025; 10-18 November 2025 (Playoffs).

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Sierra Leone confirm 2026 World Qualifying dates and venues
Sierra Leone confirm 2026 World Qualifying dates and venues
Foreign scouts visit Sierra Leone football chief Daddy Brima.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Foreign scouts visit Sierra Leone football chief Daddy Brima

On Tuesday, International football scouts who were in Sierra Leone to witness the U17 and U19 talent Detection tournament organised by Star Sports Academy paid a courtesy call to the Sierra Leone football chief, Thomas Daddy Brima.

In a bid to expand the International football relationship, the Sierra Leone Football Association President, Daddy Brima, engaged the scouts from Türkiye, Slovakia, Sudan and Bulgaria at the FA secretariat.

President Brima was pleased and described their visit as ” timely and impactful towards the growth and development of players in the country.”

He further assured them of the Sierra Leone Football Association’s unreserved support and cooperation throughout their scouting activities within the country.

Meanwhile, Eight of the sixteen teams that participated were from outside Sierra Leone. Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.

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Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.
Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.
Coach Amidu Karim is pleased with Leone Stars' friendly results
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Amidu Karim reflects on first two games in charge

Amidu Karim says he was pleased with his opening two matches as head coach in charge of Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars for friendly games in Morocco.

On Tuesday, his preparation continued following a 2-0 win over Somalia in a tier-two friendly in Casablanca, Morocco. His first task was a 1-1 draw with Benin.

Leone Stars secured a pass mark unbeaten in their Morocco camp, a start to life the coach was pleased about. 

Under Karim’s guidance, Odense Boldklub striker Mohamed Buya Turay scored his first three International goals for Sierra Leone.

“Generally, the experience was a unique one, as a technical team, we are pleased with the outcome of both matches. I am pleased also because it is my first time as head coach – hence, starting well in charge was precisely the target.”

“In the competition proper, two games and four points will be immense for us. However, this is just a start – we remain focused and working on the areas to strengthen ahead of difficult matches in November. 

I was a bit disappointed not to win against Benin as we came very close. I must commend the players for their commitment as well. In Football, it’s not easy to get 100 per cent, but they’ve shown me a lot. We still have to make decisions for the success of Sierra Leone.”

The World Cup 2026 qualifiers will see Sierra Leone battle Ethiopia and Egypt in Group A doubleheader in November – these games will be the ultimate test in Karim’s reign. 

Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, powerhouse Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Djibouti all makeup Group A in the race to the 2026 World Cup.

The continental journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada will begin in November 2023. 

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Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John Keister

Reigning Sierra Leone Premier League champions Bo Rangers has appointed John Keisrer as its new head coach.

Keister, who guided Sierra Leone to their third African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, unbeaten in the qualifiers, will start his new role on the 1st of November.

It means he will not be in the dugout but in the stands when Rangers take on Mighty Blackpool in the Community Shield clash on the 28th of October at the Southern Arena.

On Wednesday, the club said they are thrilled to announce the official signing of Coach John Keister as the new head Coach.

“With an impressive track record and a wealth of experience in the football industry, Coach Keister brings a dynamic approach and a new spirit to accelerate the club’s growth. 

His tenure will commence on the 1st of November 2023, and the entire club is eager to witness the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in leading the team to new heights of success,” the Southern Province outfit revealed. 

The former East End Lions coach is charged with the new responsibility of defending a back-to-back title.

Rangers fans will be hoping their new coach can replicate what he did during the 2019 season, winning the title unbeaten with the Easter giant side.

Bo Rangers to kick-off their title defence against Freetown City FC on the 5th of November at the Southern Arena.

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