Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone League Board Chairman Victor Lewis calls for calm
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone League Board Chairman Victor Lewis calls for calm

Football administrator Victor Lewis has urged the football fraternity and stakeholders to work in peace after being re-appointed as Premier League Board Chairman.

The Sierra Leone Football Association has confirmed that Lewis will continue as the Board Chairman for the 2024/2025 season, along with Daniel S Momoh, Brima S Turay, and Abu Manley Conteh as FA’s representatives.

Talking to Football Sierra Leone, Lewis expressed his commitment, passion, and dedication to sacrificing and serving the beautiful game. He deeply appreciates every appointment as a recognition of his contribution to the development of the game in Sierra Leone.

“Now, it’s time to develop the game, and I need everyone on board to support the process. We need total peace in changing the narrative – I am calling on all factions to achieve a successful season.”

We have to keep developing talents like Juma Bah, who made his Spanish La Liga debut with Valladolid a few days ago. We must unite in building the game for the clubs and players to be the beneficiaries.”

Football is the only thing that unites us as a nation, and the league last season generated some positives, like the Shooting Stars qualifying for the African Cup of Nations U20 and Juma Bah making headlines in Spain.

It’s time we build on this achievement moving forward – we must work together to make the league much more efficient and successful.”

The season is set to begin in October as the reigning champions Bo Rangers prepare to defend their title.

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.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara continued his goal-scoring streak as Los Angeles won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City.

After 120 gruelling minutes in front of a boisterous, sellout crowd of more than 22,000 fans, LAFC claimed its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup overcoming stubborn Sporting Kansas City.

The 2024 U.S. Open Cup champions took the lead when French legend Olivier Giroud tapped home a Mateusz Bogusz cross in the 53rd minute, but Kansas City equalized on the hour mark when Erik Thommy fired home to make it 1-1.

After 90 minutes of regulation, the teams were still tied, but extra time saw two goals for LAFC. Omar Campos scored the game-winner in the 102nd minute before Kei Kamara scored a vintage header past Tim Melia in the SKC goal to make it 3-1 in the 109th minute.

From there, LAFC defended well and secured the victory, claiming the fourth major trophy in the club’s history.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
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
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

History: Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time

The Sierra Leone U20 team, known as the Shooting Stars, won 3-0 against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. This victory secured their spot in the WAFU U20 final and a place in the next African Cup of Nations for U20.

The Shooting has qualified for the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in the history of Sierra Leone football thanks to goals from Idrissa Sesay’s early opener before Samuel Ghandi doubles their lead.

They scored the third when skipper Momoh Kamara, who was named Man of the Match for the third in the competition – received a clever pass from the right slotted in past the Gambia keeper to ensure victory.

The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations also doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where teams who reach the semi-finals stage qualify automatically.

History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
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.