Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone's Alie Conteh joins Veikkausliiga side on loan

Sierra Leone’s Alie Conteh joins Veikkausliiga side on loan

Finish club FC Inter Turku and Norwegian club Strømsgodset have finalized a one-year loan agreement for 21-year-old Alie Conteh, who will be heading to Turku with an option to purchase the Sierra Leone international striker.

Conteh made the move to Mjøndalen after a standout season in 2024, showcasing his talents in the second tier of Norwegian football.

Over a season and a half, he netted 12 goals in 41 league appearances, which garnered attention and led to his transfer to Strømsgodset, a team competing in Norway’s top league, in the summer of 2025.

During the latter half of last year, Conteh played in 16 top-flight matches, finding the back of the net twice.

At just 21 years old, Conteh has already earned eight caps for the Sierra Leone A national team, scoring two goals. He was also part of the squad for Sierra Leone’s recent World Cup qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Djibouti last autumn.

The FC Inter’s head of player scouting, Viki Savonen, highlighted Conteh’s potential, stating, “Alie brings a fresh option to our attack and enhances our presence inside the penalty area. His style of play is unpredictable, allowing him to pose a diverse threat to defenders.

While he may not be the tallest player on the field, he is physically strong and serves as an effective focal point in the attack. Though he has primarily played as a target striker in Norway, I believe we can harness his skills more dynamically, maximising his contributions to the team.

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi nets as Fulham defeat Sunderland

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi nets as Fulham defeat Sunderland

Nigerian International Alex Iwobi played a pivotal role as his London side defeated Sunderland in their Premier League encounter on Sunday.

Fulham secured a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with Raúl Jiménez scoring two goals, including a penalty, and Alex Iwobi sealing the win.

After a goalless first half, Fulham took control when Raúl scored the opener from a corner. A penalty awarded to Sunderland allowed them to pull one back, but Iwobi’s counterattack goal ensured Fulham’s victory.

Kevin started in place of the injured Samuel Chukwueze, and Marco Silva’s team managed the game well in the final stages.

Alex Iwobi capped off the victory, snapping a three-game losing run in the Premier League for Marco Silva’s team at the Stadium of Light.

SAFC XI: Roefs; Mukiele (Geertruida 11’), Ballard, Alderete, Hume ©; Sadiki, Le Fée, Diarra (Xhaka 70’); Ta Bi (Mundle 37’), Angulo (Mayenda 70’), Brobbey (Isidor 70’)

Subs: Ellborg, O’Nien, Rigg, Talbi

Fulham XI: Leno; Tete (Castagne 88’), Bassey, Andersen, Sessesgnon; Iwobi (Cuneca 88’), Berge; Wilson, Smith-Rowe (Cairney, 88’), Kevin (Bobb 45’); Jimenez (Muniz 65’)

Subs: Lecomte, Reed, King, Diop

Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge United win over Newport County

Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge United win over Newport County

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai scored as high-flying Cambridge United won 2-0 at League Two's bottom side Newport County.

The hosts Newport were buoyed after midweek success away at Salford City, but struggled to get going against the Us.

Despite creating the best of the opportunities, it took Cambridge until the 73rd minute to finally break the deadlock in South Wales – James Gibbons’ cross picking out Liam Bennett to head home at the back post.

Three minutes later, the visitors put the result beyond doubt, as Sullay Kaikai – who was instrumental in the build-up to the first – reacted quickest to a mistake at the back from Newport to double Cambridge’s lead.

Bromley’s goalless draw away at struggling Harrogate means Cambridge has closed the gap at the top of League Two to two points.

Newport, meanwhile, remain three points from safety, though Christian Fuchs’ side do have a game in hand over Harrogate and Crawley.

Sierra Leone to face Oman in Fifa Series friendly opener

Sierra Leone to face Oman in Fifa Series friendly opener

The schedule for the FIFA Series 2026 international tournament, set to take place in Azerbaijan, has been officially announced.

Host national teams from Azerbaijan, Sierra Leone, Oman, and Saint Lucia will face off in an exciting group stage, bringing thrilling matches to fans in Azerbaijan.

Starting on March 27, West African side Sierra Leone will take on Oman for a place in the final. Both winners from opening day will move ahead to the final fight on March 30, providing a thrilling finale to the occasion.

The teams falling short in their first games, meanwhile, would fight for third-place playoff dignity. This tournament promises to highlight several talents and strengthen international friendships.

All FIFA Series 2026 encounters will be broadcast and made available to a global audience, ensuring worldwide visibility for participating national teams and increasing access for fans across all regions.

The match schedule of the tournament: 

March 27

15:00. Oman vs Sierra Leone

Dalga Arena

19:00. Azerbaijan vs Saint Lucia

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium

March 30

15:00. Third place match (losing teams)

  • Dalga Arena

19:00. Final (winners)

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium
Wilberforce Strikers confirm Salliue Bah transfer to FC Zorya

Wilberforce Strikers confirm Salliue Bah transfer to FC Zorya

Sierra Leone Premier League, Wilberforce Strikers has confirmed that their talented midfielder, Sallieu Bah, has officially signed with Ukrainian Premier League side FC Zorya on a two-year contract.

Sallieu has been a vital part of our team, consistently showcasing his skill, creativity, and commitment on the field. His professionalism, strong work ethic, and leadership qualities have made him an indispensable figure at Wilberforce Strikers FC. We are confident that he will continue to excel as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career.

The club sends its warmest wishes to Sallieu as he embraces this new challenge. We believe he will not only highlight his impressive talent but also contribute significantly to his new squad, embodying the values and spirit of Wilberforce Strikers FC as he competes in the Ukrainian Premier League.

He recently played for Romanian club Petrolul 95, where he scored 15 goals in 13 matches.

Bah made his international debut for Sierra Leone on September 11, 2023, entering the match as a second-half substitute for Saidu Bah Kamara during a 2–1 defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

In 2024, Bah participated in four qualification matches for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ex-Sierra Leone skipper Caulker pens Assistant first-team Coach deal at Konyaspor

Ex-Sierra Leone skipper Caulker pens Assistant first-team Coach deal at Konyaspor

Ex-Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker has officially joined Süper Lig club Konyaspor as an assistant head coach under İlhan Palut.

The club announced, “Caulker has signed a contract with us and will be part of the technical staff alongside our Head Coach İlhan Palut as an assistant coach.”

Caulker began his football journey in the Tottenham youth academy and has since played over 100 Premier League matches for renowned teams such as Liverpool, Southampton, and Cardiff City.

In addition to his Premier League experience, Steven Caulker has also represented several Süper Lig teams, including Alanyaspor, Fenerbahçe, Gaziantep FK, and Karagümrük.

Most recently, in 2025, he took on a dual role as both player and assistant coach for the Icelandic club Stjarnan.

Caulker, who represented England in 2012 before switching allegiance to Sierra Leone in 2021, played an instrumental role in the Leone Stars’ revival with eighteen caps.

His three-year stint saw him captain the team and was part of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, their first appearance in the tournament in over 25 years.

Al Masry to face CR Belouizdad in CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals

Al Masry to face CR Belouizdad in CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals

The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 feature a Moroccan derby as the draw was held in Cairo on Tuesday.

In the first leg, Olympique de Safi will host Wydad Casablanca. These two teams know each other well, and one will definitely move on to the semi-finals.

Zamalek SC from Egypt will play away against AS Otoho from Congo in their first leg.

Another Egyptian team, Al Masry, will host CR Belouizdad from Algeria. AS Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo will also play at home against USM Alger, another Algerian team.

The first leg of the quarter-finals takes place from March 13 to 15, and the second leg will be from March 20 to 22.

The draw also set up the semi-finals. The winner of the match between AS Maniema Union and USM Alger will host the winner of Olympique de Safi and Wydad Casablanca in the first semi-final. In the second semi-final, the winner of Al Masry versus CR Belouizdad will host the winner of AS Otoho and Zamalek SC.

The semi-finals are scheduled for April 10 to 12 (first leg) and April 17 to 19 (second leg).

The team that wins in the semi-finals will host the first leg of the Final on May 9, with the second leg on May 16. 

TOTALENERGIES CAF CONFEDERATION CUP 2025/26

Quarter-Final Draw

QF1: Al Masry (Egypt) vs CR Belouizdad (Algeria)

QF2: Olympique de Safi (Morocco) vs Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

QF3: AS Otoho (Congo) vs Zamalek SC (Egypt)

QF4: AS Maniema Union (DR Congo) vs USM Alger (Algeria)

Semi-Final Draw

SF1: AS Maniema Union/ASM Alger vs OC Safi/Wydad Casablanca

SF2: Al Masry/CR Belouizdad vs AS Otoho/Zamalek SC 
Heavyweight CAF Champions League quarter-final draw confirmed

Heavyweight CAF Champions League quarter-final draw confirmed

Al Ahly, the 12-time champions from Egypt, will face Espérance Sportive de Tunis from Tunisia in a major match in the Quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26. The draw for the last eight teams took place in Cairo on Tuesday.

The teams now know their paths to the final. The Quarter-finals and Semi-finals draw created some exciting matchups. Al Ahly will play the first leg in Tunisia and then host the return match in Cairo.

The Quarter-finals will take place from March 13 to 15 for the first legs and from March 20 to 22 for the second legs.

The Semi-finals draw has also been completed. The winner of the match between Espérance and Al Ahly will host the winner of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien in the first leg. In the other Semi-final, the winner of AS FAR and Pyramids FC will host the winner of RS Berkane and Al Hilal.

The Semi-finals will be held from April 10 to 12 for the first legs and April 17 to 19 for the second legs. The team that wins the first Semi-final will play at home for the first leg of the Final on May 15. The second leg of the Final will take place on May 24.

Quarter-Final Draw

QF1: RS Berkane (Morocco) vs Al Hilal (Sudan)  

QF2: Espérance ST (Tunisia) vs Al Ahly (Egypt)  

QF3: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs Stade Malien (Mali)  

QF4: AS FAR (Morocco) vs Pyramids FC (Egypt)  

Semi-Final Draw  

SF1: Espérance ST/Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns/Stade Malien  

SF2: AS FAR/Pyramids FC vs RS Berkane/Al Hilal  
CAF Interclub group stage draw the date and venue confirmed

CAF Inter-club Quarter-Final Draw procedures confirmed

Ahead of Tuesday's Draw, the Confederation Africain de Football (CAF) has clarified the methods that would be employed to define the Quarter-finals and Semi-finals of the CAF Champions League 2025/26 and CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26.

CAF will employ a multi-pot arrangement for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw.

The four runners-up from the group stage—RS Berkane, AS FAR (both Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)—are in Pot 1.

Separate pots contain the four group champions: Pyramids FC (Group A), Al Ahly FC, both of Egypt (Group B), Sudans Al Hilal SC (Group C), and Stade Malien (Group D) from Mali.

The draw starts by picking one team from the runners-up pot (Pot 1). Excluding the pot related to the runners-up team’s own group, CAF then picks one ball from each of the other three group-winner buckets to make sure no same group clubs meet in the quarter-finals.

One of those three possible opponents is chosen from an empty pot (Pot 6) and blended to verify the quarter-final match-up. The identical stages are done until all four quarter-finals are arranged. Notably, runners-up will be playing the first leg at home.

One pot for the semi-finals has QF1, QF2, QF3, and QF4. Semi-final 1 features the first two balls drawn facing one another, with the first drawn home for the first leg. Semi-final 2 under the same home-leg rule is formed by the two remaining quarter-final victors.

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup draws uare sing the same format.

Olympique Club de Safi (Morocco), AS Maniema Union (DR Congo), AS Otoho (Congo), and Al Masry SC (Egypt) make up Pot 1’s four group runners-up.

Each of the four group victors is assigned their own pot: Pot 2 (winners of Group A) holds USM Alger from Algeria, Pot 3 (winners of Group B) contains Morocco’s Wydad AC, Pot 4 (winners of Group C) contains CR Belouizdad from Algeria, and Pot 5 (winners of Group D) contains Egypt’s Zamalek SC.

Kailahun Town Chief pours libation to begin Dr Saffa Abdulai's artificial turf distribution

Kailahun Town Chief pours libation to begin Dr Saffa Abdulai’s artificial turf distribution

Town Chief Alpha Bingo Ndolleh emphasised the importance of the initiative for heritage, divine and ancestral blessings during the libation ritual at Kailahun Mini Stadium. He observed the once-decaying area would be a little stadium on Sunday.

National Stadium Manager Paul Damulay expressed appreciation to Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the NSA Executive Director, for seeing local training in the installation of the synthetic turf. Caretaker Saidu Daboh stated the endeavour was a long-awaited dream and lauded President Bio’s selection of Dr Abdulai.

While Chairman Ahmed Kekeh Sahr Lamin presented ideas for a vocational college in cooperation with Dr Abdulai, Secretary General of the Kailahun District Descendant Association, Nasiru Deen Koroma recognised the years of work to improve the area.

Dr Abdulai stated that President Bio would officially launch the stadium following the turf installation and underlined the community’s ownership of the project, financed from his own funds.

Highlighting the progress achieved under Saffa’s direction at NSA, MP Sarty Banya urged for ongoing upkeep of the project. Philip Foday Momoh of the Kailahun District Football Association noted Dr Abdulai’s love of football.

Former MP Madam Navo Kaikai praised Dr Abdulai’s commitment to the community and pledged assistance for a basic pavilion with restrooms.