Category: Sport News

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils

Ivory Coast has qualified after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils 1-1 in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 match day five qualifier at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé on Wednesday.

The Leone Stars scored a stunner through Abu Dumbuya in the 29th, but the host responded with a penalty 34th kick, which Georgian-based midfielder Mahamat Thiaw scored.

In a closely contested match, both teams struggled to secure three points, leaving Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes uncertain.

Group G results confirm that defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will advance to next year’s competition in Morocco, as Sierra Leone cannot catch up. Côte d’Ivoire leads with nine points, while Sierra Leone trails by four with one match remaining.

Chad secured their third draw in the qualifying campaign, leaving the Leone Stars in third place with five points, while Chad sits at the bottom with three points. Sierra Leone’s qualification chances hinge on the remaining group fixtures.

Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea is one of the latest countries to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, but it did not have to play any matches to do so, as the penultimate round of qualifiers began on Wednesday.

Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon will compete alongside Angola, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal in the finals.

Nine more matches on Thursday will further determine qualification, with Nigeria, Sudan, and Tunisia likely to secure their spots in Morocco.

Mo Sangare's late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo
by Football Sierra Leone

Mo Sangare’s late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo

On Wednesday, Liberia defeated Togo 1-0 to move to third, three points behind second-place Equatorial Guinea in Group E in the race to Morocco at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

The Lone Star’s first victory at home since 2019 after a late penalty from Mo Sangare secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Liberia.

The home side achieved their first win of the campaign, much to the delight of home fans. This victory brought Liberia to third in the group with four points, while Togo fell to the bottom with two points.

Both teams struggled to create clear chances, with Togo applying early pressure but unable to penetrate Liberia’s resilient defence. Liberian goalkeeper consistently thwarted Togo’s Kodjo Laba and Kévin Denkey.

The turning point came in the 83rd minute when Togo’s captain, Djené Dakonam, handled the ball in the penalty area. Sangare confidently converted the penalty, giving Liberia the lead.

In the closing minutes, Togo searched for an equalizer, but Denkey’s shot was saved, and Laba missed another chance high and wide. With this win, Liberia boosted their morale under interim coach Thomas Kojo, while Togo’s hopes of qualification ended as they sit five points behind second-placed Equatorial Guinea.

Sierra Leone XI: Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone XI: Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD

Striker Amadou Bakayoko and Major League Soccer legend Kei Kamara to start against the Les Sao of Chad at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Wednesday. Kick-off 19 hours local time.

Kamara, 40, who is one of 13 players to have scored 100 goals in MLS history, has been picked for his experience and aerial prowess.

Bakayoko, who scored the winner against Ivory Coast last month, will be hoping to continue his fine run with the national team under coach Amidu Karim.

Cesena attacker Augustus Kargbo, who missed the Ivory Coast game through injury, is back on the left flank while Mustapha Bundu plays from the right.

Midfielder Tyrese Fornah from Salford City FC will combine with Abu Dumbuya to cover for the defence. Skipper Steven Caulker, Abdul Jarjue Kabia, Emmanuel Samadia, and young Nathanial Jalloh was part of the Sierra Leone team qualified for the U20 AFCON next year, in the back four.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is aiming to reach their fourth continental competition by winning their remaining games and hopes other results favour them.

Zambians will be hoping for a draw between Sierra Leone and Chad today to lighten the pressure on their chances of qualifying for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

So far, only seven teams have qualified for the tournament, joining hosts Morocco. These teams are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Angola, Cameroon, the DRC, Egypt, and Senegal.

Group G Fixtures: 

13.11.2024 – CHAD v Sierra Leone

15.11.2024 – Zambia v Cote d’Ivoire

Sierra Leone XI: Amadou Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD
Sierra Leone XI: Amadou Bakayoko, Kei Kamara start against CHAD
Namibia secure first point in qualifiers after a draw against Cameroon
by FSL News

Namibia secure first qualifying point after a draw against Cameroon

Namibia earned their first point in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign by drawing 0-0 with Cameroon at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa, on Wednesday.

This result does not keep Namibia in the running for a finals spot as they were already eliminated before the match. However, it gives coach Collin Benjamin a positive outcome to build on against a top team.

Cameroon has qualified for the tournament in Morocco, leading their group with 10 points. Namibia will play their final qualifier against Kenya in Polokwane, South Africa, hoping to improve their standing.

In the recent match, Namibia had a few chances but failed to score, despite having opportunities saved by Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

Coach Benjamin made three substitutions to seek a goal, but the match ended without one. Namibia maintains a balanced record against Cameroon, with one win for each team and two draws in their last four meetings.

A comeback win for AS FAR over TP Mazembe in Champions League tie
by FSL News

A comeback win for AS FAR over TP Mazembe in Champions League tie

AS FAR staged a strong comeback to defeat TP Mazembe 3-1 in the CAF Women’s Champions League at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida on Tuesday.

Mazembe took the lead in the 11th minute when Elena Nkuandum scored after a VAR review. Despite this early pressure, FAR Rabat regrouped after halftime.

They equalized in the 50th minute with a header from Doha El Madani and quickly took the lead when Sanaâ Mssoudy scored in the 52nd minute.

Mssoudy added another goal in the 58th minute, putting AS FAR ahead 3-1. Mazembe tried to respond but missed a penalty in the 83rd minute and couldn’t break through FAR’s defense.

This victory places FAR Rabat at the top of Group A, while TP Mazembe is tied on three points with the University of the Western Cape Ladies.

All four teams will play again on Friday evening to determine who advances to the semi-finals. Aigles De La Medina will face Mazembe, while UWC Ladies will take on AS FAR. Both matches kick off at 19:00 Local Time.

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes

Group G of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications will see Chad hosting Sierra Leone on Matchday five at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Wednesday.

After playing to a goalless draw in Liberia when Sierra Leone hosted in September at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, both teams remain in contention for qualification; however, any further mistakes could spell disaster for either side.

The margin for error is slim for both nations. Any further dropped points could lead to their elimination from the qualification race.

Chad has earned two points from their first four matches, with two draws and two losses, placing them fourth in the group.

In contrast, Sierra Leone is currently in third place with four points. The Leone Stars have recorded one win, one draw, and two losses from their initial four games. A victory would allow them to draw level on points with Zambia.

Read More – Kei Kamara returns

Players to watch out for: Allabatna Gabin (Chad)

The 24-year-old is a standout player for the Chad national team, known for his dominance in the box and sharp instincts. His reflexes and positioning are his key strengths. With the opposing team’s strong attack, Gabin will need to focus on keeping his side competitive, especially in the opening minutes.

Amadou Bakayoko (Sierra Leone)

Sierra Leone’s main attacking threat is their striker, known for his remarkable ability to evade defenders and score goals. In this must-win match, Bakayoko needs to be at his best, as such crucial games often hinge on slim margins. At 28, he has shown impressive maturity leading the national team, and a strong performance is anticipated from him.

Seven nations, including Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, and Senegal, have qualified for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, joining Morocco. They will all compete for Africa’s top trophy.

The 35th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Kickoff: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 19:00 GMT – Venue: Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium

Present Form:

Chad (in their last five in all competitions): L-D-L-D-L

Sierra Leone (last five in all competitions): D-D-L-L-W

Jonathan Morsay nets brace as Kalamata edge Arteras Tripoli
by FSL News

Jonathan Morsay nets brace as Kalamata edge Arteras Tripoli

On Sunday, Sierra Leone international Jonathan Morsay scored two goals for FC Kalamata in the Greek Super League 2 during their 3-1 away victory over Arteras Tripolis.

His brace marked his fourth season goal in the last seven matches. Morsay, 27, joined the club on a year deal in September after spells with Dinamo București Panetolikos and AEL Limassol, respectively.

The victory allowed Kalamata to move up to second place in the Group B standings, trailing leaders A.E. Kifisia only on goal difference.

The Super League 2 is the second division of professional football in Greece. It serves as a feeder league to the top-tier Super League. Comprising 20 teams divided into two groups, the league typically runs from September to May.

Morsay was born in Sweden to a Sierra Leonean father and a Swedish mother. He has represented Sweden at the youth international level. Since making his debut for Sierra Leone on March 24, 2022, the winger has become a regular member of the national team.

He made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a friendly match, which ended in a 3–0 loss to Togo.

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener
by FSL News

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener

On Sunday, the Edo Queens of Nigeria delivered an impressive performance, defeating Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC with a score of 3-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

This match marked the Nigerian team’s debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The victory featured goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ljamilusi, and Chukwuamaka Osigwe.

The Queens began strongly, with Ljamilusi’s early run and cross setting up Essien for the first goal in the fifth minute. Despite CBE’s efforts to respond, the high pressure from the Nigerians kept them in control.

In the 54th minute, Ljamilusi scored again after a combination with Esther Moses, extending their lead.

Osigwe sealed the win with a left-footed strike in the 80th minute, following an assist from Moses. This impressive win placed Edo Queens at the top of Group B, with FC Masar in second after their 1-0 victory against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar
by Football Sierra Leone

Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar

Egyptian newcomers FC Masar achieved a remarkable upset in their CAF Women’s Champions League debut, defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in a thrilling Group B match held in Casablanca on Sunday.

The winning goal came from a penalty taken by Sandrine Niyonkuru just before halftime. This unexpected victory shocked everyone in the tournament.

Masar, part of the Right to Dream Academy community, entered the game as the underdogs against the experienced Sundowns. However, their young team, an average age of only 20.6, stood strong and played with good strategy.

FC Masar, a new Egyptian team, surprised everyone by defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in their first CAF Women’s Champions League match in Casablanca on Sunday.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Sundowns couldn’t break through Masar’s strong defence. Goalkeeper Maya Abouelwafa and defenders Aisha Nantongo and Hasnath Ubamba made key saves and blocks.

Just before halftime, Sundowns were penalized for a handball, allowing Niyonkuru to score and give Masar a surprising lead. Sundowns pushed for an equalizer but faced tough resistance, including a late missed opportunity by Tiisetso Makhubela.

 

This win is a significant step for FC Masar in Egyptian women’s football, following their first domestic title last season. They are now optimistic about upcoming matches against Nigeria’s Edo Queens and Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank.

El Madani shines as AS FAR thrash Aigles De La Médina
by FSL News

El Madani shines as AS FAR thrash Aigles De La Médina

Doha El Madani was the star of the show as she helped AS FAR win 3-0 against Aigles De La Médina in the CAF Women’s Champions League in El Jadida on Saturday.

The 19-year-old scored two goals, and veteran captain Aziz Rabbah added a penalty goal. This win is important for the Moroccan team, which wants to reclaim the title. AS FAR took control right from the beginning. Coach Mohamed Amine Alioua went with an attacking formation.

It didn’t take long for AS FAR to score. Doha El Madani found herself in the right spot to finish off a rebound and open the scoring. Feeling confident, El Madani scored her second goal in the 29th minute with a great pass from Sanaa Mssoudy.

Despite being ahead by two goals, AS FAR kept pressing forward. They caused Aigles De La Médina to commit a foul in the box, leading to a penalty. Aziz Rabbah converted it easily.

In the second half, Aigles played more organized and made fewer mistakes but struggled to get their offence going. Hajar Said almost scored a fourth goal for AS FAR after a defensive scramble, but her shot hit the post.

With the win secure, AS FAR maintained possession of the ball. Aigles faced more trouble when Adama Sane received a red card for a foul on Mssoudy in the box, but Rabbah’s penalty kick was saved by the goalie.

The match ended with AS FAR taking all three points and moving to the top of Group A ahead of TP Mazembe. Earlier, TP Mazembe won against the University of the Western Cape in the first match, making way for the hosts and newcomers to take the spotlight in the second match of Group A.