Category: Sport News

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

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week

Indy Eleven forward Augi Williams has been recognized as part of the USL Championship Team of the Week for the second consecutive week.

During the recent match against Louisville City FC, Williams displayed exceptional performance by scoring two goals, thus achieving a remarkable feat of five goals in consecutive matches.

This accomplishment makes him the first player in franchise history to achieve such a milestone. Additionally, Williams has entered the record books as the fifth player in USL Championship history to score double-digit goals in three consecutive regular seasons, with 10 goals in 2024.

One of Williams’ goals, scored in stoppage time of the first half, has earned him a nomination for USL Championship Goal of the Week.

His second goal of the match contributed to the team securing a 2-2 draw. This recognition marks Augi’s third Team of the Week honour this season, placing him on par with Aedan Stanley for the second-most honours on the Indy Eleven team, following Jack Blake who has received seven.

At 27 years of age, Williams has accumulated a total of 76 career goals in 220 regular-season league games, positioning him fifth on the USL Championship all-time list. Notably, among active players, Williams and teammate Sebastian Guenzatti rank second and third in career goals.

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 31
Accra Sports Stadium to host Ghana v Sudan after CAF's approval
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Accra Sports Stadium to host Ghana v Sudan after CAF’s approval

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Ghana to host their upcoming home game against Sudan in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers at the newly renovated Accra Sports Stadium.

This decision follows a thorough inspection confirming that the stadium is in satisfactory condition. The match is set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, October 11. Following this, Ghana will travel to Libya for the return fixture on Monday.

Sudan and Ghana currently hold the second and third positions in Group F. They are scheduled to face each other twice in the tournament qualifiers, which will be held in Morocco next year.

Sudan arrived in Ghana on Monday, October 7, to commence their preparations for the two upcoming games. The Black Stars will play at home on Thurs

Champions Al Ahly, CRB, Pirates, and Stade D’Abidjan in Group C
by FSL News

Champions Al Ahly, CRB, Pirates and Stade D’Abidjan in Group C

The official draw for the Group Stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the 2024/25 season has set up what promises to be an exciting phase of Africa’s top club competition.

Al Ahly SC of Egypt, the most successful club with 12 titles, will headline Group C, which includes CR Belouizdad of Algeria, former champions Orlando Pirates, and Stade D’Abidjan, who are making their first group stage appearance.

All six of CAF’s Zonal Unions will be represented in this season’s edition of the Group Stages, showing the continued growth of African football across the continent.

TP Mazembe, five-time champions, will headline Group A and will face off against Young Africans, Al Hilal, and MC Alger of Algeria.

Group B will feature 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who will compete against three-time champions Raja Casablanca and AS FAR, both from Morocco, along with DR Congo outfit Maniema Union FC.

Group C will be led by the reigning champions, Al Ahly SC. The last group of the competition will see last season’s runners-up, ES Tunis, competing against Pyramids FC, GD Sagrada Esperanca, and Djoliba AC of Mali.

The group stages will be played between November 2024 and January 2025.

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  – ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 – Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 – Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 – Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

Click HERE for a list of fixtures.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw Results: 

GROUP A: TP Mazembe (RDC), Young Africans SC (TAN), Al Hilal (SUD), MC Alger (ALG)

GROUP B: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Raja CA (MAR), AS FAR (MAR) Maniema Union (RDC)

GROUP C: Al Ahly SC (EGY), CR Belouizdad (ALG), Orlando Pirates (RSA) ,Stade D ‘Abidjan (CIV)

GROUP D: ES Tunis (TUN), Pyramids FC (EGY), GD Sagrada Esperanca (ANG), Djoliba AC (MLI)

CAF will soon announce details of the fixtures, venues and dates in due course.

Exciting matches lineup in CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage draw
by Football Sierra Leone

Exciting matches lineup in CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

The draw for the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage took place in Cairo on Monday, adding to the excitement surrounding the competition.

Defending champions Zamalek SC are in Group D with Al Masry, Enyimba, and Black Bulls. In Group C, USM Alger will compete against ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf, and Orapa United.

Group B features RS Berkane, Stade Malien, Stellenbosch FC, and CD Lunda Sul. Group A, known as the “Group of Death,” includes Simba SC, CS Sfaxien, CS Constantine, and Bravos do Maquis.

The group stage begins in November, with prestigious clubs from across Africa competing for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup trophy.

The group stages will be played between November 2024 and January 2025. 

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Fixtures Dates:

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  – ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 – ⁠Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 – ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 – ⁠Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 – ⁠Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Draw Results:

Group A: Simba SC (Tanzania), CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), CS Constantine (Algeria), Bravos do Maquis (Angola)

Group B: RS Berkane (Morocco), Stade Malien (Mali), Stellenbosch (South Africa), CD Lunda Sul (Angola),

Group C: USM Alger (Algeria), ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), ASC Jaraaf (Senegal), Orapa United (Botswana)

Group D: Zamalek SC (Egypt), Al Masry (Egypt), Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Black Bulls (Mozambique),

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

Click HERE for list of fixtures.

Sierra Leone's Augustine Williams nets brace in Indy's draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams nets brace in Indy’s draw

Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams extended his impressive scoring form with two goals, leading the host Boys in Blue to a 2-2 draw against Louisville City FC on Saturday night at Carroll Stadium.

Augi made history as the first Indy Eleven player to score five goals in consecutive matches, following his hat trick against Miami FC on September 28.

He currently leads the Eleven with 10 goals this season, marking his third consecutive campaign with double-digit goals. The 27-year-old Williams surpassed teammate Sebastian Guenzatti to claim fifth place on the USL Championship all-time list with 76 career goals in league history.

The Boys in Blue took a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute with Augi’s second goal of the night. Captain Aodhan Quinn initiated the scoring sequence with a long ball up the left side to Douglas Martinez, who promptly headed it to Jack Blake.

Blake then delivered a left-footed cross that Williams converted with a sliding touch. Blake now has four assists this season. Louisville levelled the score in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time when substitute Jake Morris scored.

Goalkeeper Hunter Sulte made five crucial saves, bringing his season total to 62. The Boys in Blue currently hold a 12-10-8 record with 44 points, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference with four regular-season games remaining.

Namibia set for crucial AFCON Group J qualifiers against Zimbabwe
by Football Sierra Leone

Namibia set for crucial AFCON Group J qualifiers against Zimbabwe

Namibia set for crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifying matches against Zimbabwe. The team will play two important games against Zimbabwe on October 10 and October 14, 2024, in South Africa.

Bottom of the group having lost their opening two matches against Cameroon and Kenya in the race to Morocco, Namibia looks to review their chances against Zimbabwe.

The squad announcement comes at a critical point in their AFCON campaign, and the technical team will be relying on key players to perform well during the two matches. Both matches against Zimbabwe will take place in South Africa on neutral ground and are expected to be closely contested due to the rivalry between the two nations.

Namibia’s squad and tactics are crucial as they aim to qualify for AFCON 2025. The team will train in South Africa to refine their strategy and prepare for the challenges ahead. Their campaign now depends on their performance against Zimbabwe. Victory could propel them into a strong position, while defeat would jeopardize their chances.

Namibia must win at least of this month’s ties to revive their qualification hopes.

Richard Mbulu out of Malawi's AFCON qualifiers against Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Richard Mbulu out of Malawi’s AFCON qualifiers against Senegal

Malawi is gearing up for an important 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Senegal, but striker Richard Mbulu’s injury is a major setback for the team.

Coach Patrick Mabedi has called up Isaac Kaliati from Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to replace Mbulu for the matches against Senegal.

The squad includes local and international players, with notable additions being Kaliati and Timothy Silwamba from Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, and the return of goalkeeper Brighton Munthali from Blue Eagles. Not having Mbulu will be a big challenge when facing Senegal in Dakar.

Despite the obstacles, Coach Mabedi’s team has shown resilience before, and they will try to contain Senegal’s strong attack while taking advantage of any chances to counter.

The team will travel to Senegal via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Foreign-based players will join the team directly from their clubs in Europe and Africa. This adds complexity to Malawi’s preparations, as there will be limited time for the full squad to train together before the matches.

After playing in Dakar, Malawi will return home to play the second leg at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on October 15. Squad depth and fitness will be crucial for the team’s success with two matches in a short time.

Despite Mbulu’s absence, the inclusion of Kaliati offers the team a chance to try something different up front. Coach Patrick Mabedi will be hoping his side can rise to the challenge against the formidable Senegalese team and keep their AFCON 2025 qualification hopes alive.

Otto Addo picks Ghana Black Stars squad for Sudan qualifying ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Otto Addo picks Ghana squad for Sudan qualifying ties

Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming matches against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Black Stars are set to commence training on Monday.

Defenders Alexander Djiku and Gideon Mensah are back in the squad after missing the last qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Isaac Afful, a left-back from FC Samartex, has been chosen for his debut after performing well in the CAF Champions League preliminary round and the ongoing Premier League.

Olympique Lyon forward Ernest Nuamah and Ibrahim Sulemana of Atalanta have also returned to the squad after recovering from injuries that kept them out of the last qualifiers.

Ghana will play Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, October 10, before travelling to Libya for the reverse fixture at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, Libya, on Monday, October 14, 2024.

The Black Stars aim to win against the Falcons after a tough start to the qualifiers against Angola and Niger, with a 1-0 loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw against Niger.