Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Showdown in Bamako as Sierra Leone eye second win

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso recently lost 2-1 to Egypt, so they will surely be looking for a win against Sierra Leone. The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, on the other hand, registered their first 2-1 victory over Djibouti in Matchday three of the qualifiers.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team needs to either win or avoid defeat against Burkina Faso to keep their World Cup hopes alive. A loss will significantly reduce the Leones Stars’ chances.

This upcoming match at the 26th of March Stadium will be the second meeting between the two West African nations, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso last played each other almost 30 years ago.

Sierra Leone won with a score of 2-1, thanks to Mohamed Kallon’s winning goal at the 1996 Nations Cup in South Africa. Now, both teams are set to meet again in Bamako for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. What will the outcome be this time?

Burkina Faso is coming off a defeat to Egypt but started their World Cup qualifying journey with a draw against Guinea-Bissau and a victory over Ethiopia.

On the other hand, Sierra Leone’s recent 2-1 win against Djibouti brought an end to their four-match winless run.

This victory has moved Sierra Leone to fourth place in the group standings, just behind Burkina Faso on goal difference.

Despite the recent defeat, Traore was a standout performer for Burkina Faso against Egypt, and he is expected to lead the attack again.

Monday – 10 June, 2024

  • Somalia v Botswana (Group G) | 1300 | Maputo, Mozambique
  • Equatorial Guinea  v Malawi  (Group H) | 1300 | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 
  • Madagascar v Mali (Group I) | 1300 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Guinea Bissau v Egypt (Group A) | 1600 | Bissau, Guinea Bissau
  • Benin v Nigeria (Group C) | 1600 | Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
  • Uganda v Algeria  (Group G) | 1600 | Namboole, Uganda
  • Guinea  v Mozambique (Group G) | 1900 | El Jadida, Morocco
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
The Gambia secured their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by defeating Seychelles 5-1.
by FSL News

Gambia thrash Seychelles in coach Mckinstry’s first game

The Gambia secured their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by defeating Seychelles 5-1 under new head coach Johnathan Mckinstry.

The resounding win lifted The Gambia in Group F, while Seychelles remain without any points after three matches.

The home team wasted no time asserting their authority, with Muhammed Badamosi opening the scoring in the 10th minute.

After the recess, the Gambia continued their dominant play, with goals from Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh, Badamosi, and Adama Sidibeh.

Despite efforts, Seychelles struggled to contain The Gambia’s attacks.

The comprehensive victory boosts morale for The Gambia as they prepare to face Gabon. At the same time, Seychelles will need to regroup quickly as they host Burundi, seeking their first points of the campaign.

Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier

Cameroon’s Captain Vincent Aboubakar scored two goals as the team defeated Cape Verde Islands 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier, putting them level with Libya at the top of Group D with seven points.

Center-back Michael Ngadeu made a strong comeback, scoring in the 13th minute to give Cameroon the lead.

Ngamaleu provided the assist for the second goal 12 minutes later, and Jamiro Monteiro scored for the opposing team in the 37th minute.

But a foul on Ngamaleu by Deroy Duarte three minutes later gave Cameroon a penalty that Aboubakar converted to restore their two-goal lead.

The Indomitable Lions went 4-1 up when a 54th-minute cross into the opposing box was headed forward by Ngadeu and finished off by Nouhou Tolo.

The home side’s day was complete when Onana saved a stoppage-time penalty from Kevin Pina.

With the most World Cup appearances among African countries, Cameroon faced a threat to their 2026 bid due to a conflict between the football federation and sports ministry.

The government appointed a new coach without consulting the federation president, leading to disputes and power struggles. After weeks of tension, a compromise was reached.

Morocco beat Zambia as South Africa & Nigeria draw in Uyo
by FSL News

Morocco defeat Zambia as Nigeria & South Africa draw in Uyo

Morocco defeated Zambia 2-1 with an early penalty by Hakim Ziyech and a goal by Eliesse Ben Seghir, while Zambia managed a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya.

Nigeria and South Africa played to a 1-1 draw, with Themba Zwane scoring for South Africa and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalizing for Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday.

Cote d’Ivoire secured a 1-0 victory over Gabon with a goal from Seko Fofana, maintaining their lead in Group F.

Morocco 2 – 1 Zambia

In the match between Morocco and Zambia, an early penalty scored by Hakim Ziyech gave the Atlas Lions the lead. Eliesse Ben Seghir extended their lead after the break, but a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya in the 80th minute reduced Zambia’s deficit. This result propelled Morocco ahead of Zambia in Group E. 

Cote d’Ivoire 1 – 0 Gabon

Seko Fofana’s goal helped the Elephants secure a narrow victory over Gabon, maintaining the reigning African champions’ winning streak in Group F and their position at the top.

Nigeria 1 – 1 South Africa

In Uyo, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced South Africa, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Themba Zwane scored for Bafana Bafana in the 29th minute, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized for Nigeria shortly after the break.

Lesotho top Group C after win over Zimbabwe as Mozambique edge Somalia
by FSL News

Lesotho top Group C as Mozambique edge Somalia

Lesotho secured a significant 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon to lead Group C of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Rethabile Rasethuntsa opened the scoring for Lesotho in the 21st minute, while Jane Thaba Ntso doubled their advantage just ten minutes later, securing the win.

With this impressive win, Lesotho now sits atop Group C with five points from three matches, while Zimbabwe is at the bottom with just two points.

In another match, Mozambique secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Somalia, with goals from Alfons Amade and Stanley Ratifo, moving them level on points with the group leaders.

Elsewhere, Kenya and Burundi played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested match.

These results will have a significant impact on the standings and the hopes of each nation to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

How qualifying works

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden

Norwich City FC striker Abu Kamara made his England men’s U20 debut in Croatia as they defeated Sweden 2-1 at Stadion ŠRC Sesvete on Friday.

Kamara played 66 minutes before being replaced by Millwall winger Romain Esse.

In their first game this month, Ben Futcher’s team secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Will Alves and Dane Scarlett.

Alves scored early, and Scarlett added another goal just before the hour mark. Sweden scored a late goal, but England held on for the win.

England: 1 Jed Ward (Bristol Rovers), 2 Kellen Fisher (Norwich City), 5 Ben Nelson (Leicester City), 7 Abu Kamara (Norwich City), 8 Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), 9 Dane Scarlett (Tottenham Hotspur) ©, 10 George Earthy (West Ham United), 14 Kaelan Casey (West Ham United), 16 Noel Buck (New England Revolution), 18 William Alves (Leicester City), 23 Ben Christie (Aston Villa)

Substitutes: 4 Samuel Braybrooke (Leicester City) for Buck 50, 17 Martial Godo (Fulham) for Alves 50, 6 Charlie Hughes (Wigan Athletic) for Bellingham 55, 15 Bradley Hills (Norwich City) for Nelson 55, 3 Archie Brown (K.A.A. Gent) for Casey 55, 21 Alex Matos (Chelsea) for Chrisene 55, 20 Romain Esse (Millwall) for Fisher 65, 19 Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri (Sheffield Wednesday) for Earthy 65, 12 Roman Dixon (Everton) for Scarlett 65, 11 Benico Baker-Boaiter (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Kamara 65

Substitutes not used: 13 Tommy Simkin (Stoke City), 22 Tommy Setford (Ajax), 23 Ben Cisse (West Bromwich Albion)

Interim head coach: Ben Futcher

Goals: William Alves 11, Dane Scarlett 59

Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order

On Friday, a significant development unfolded for the Sierra Leone Football Association as their administrative office was ordered to be sealed by the High Court. This action is likely to have a substantial impact on the operations and activities of the association.

The football body revealed that law enforcement, acting on the High Court’s instructions, closed their office, leaving their staff unable to access the premises.

SLFA’s President Thomas Daddy Brima, currently with the Sierra Leone national team for World Cup qualifiers, has assured that the issue would be resolved swiftly and called on staff to respect court orders.

This follows a case involving allegations of match-fixing against former Internationals Ibrahim Koroma and Samuel Barley.

In 2014, both players were implicated in a match-fixing scandal resulting in their indefinite suspensions, along with 13 others. Solicitors to the claimants are unavailable for comments.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso on match day four, scheduled for Monday. All team activities will be outside the country, but the Secretariat’s functions will remain critical.

Winning at the Stade du 26 Mars would significantly enhance the Leone Stars’ chances of earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.

"The win will give us confidence," said Osman Kakay
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

“The win will give us confidence,” said Osman Kakay

Sierra Leone’s right back, Osman Kakay, is thrilled with the Leone Stars’ 2-1 victory over Djibouti and sees it as a powerful motivation for their crucial match against Burkina Faso in Mali on Monday. (Photo Credit SLFA)

Kakay led coach Karim’s side to a well-deserved win against Djibouti on match-day three of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.

Securing a second win at the Stade du 26 Mars would significantly enhance the Leone Stars’ chances of earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.

“It was our first win in the group, a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey to qualify for the global tournament. We are delighted to have secured our first win in the group.

The team performed well, and while no game is easy, our main objective was to secure the result, which will boost our confidence for Monday,” Kakay shared.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is focused on diligently preparing for the upcoming match against Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali on Monday.”

After three matches in the group stage, Egypt leads with 9 points, Guinea-Bissau has 5 points after drawing with Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone have 4 points each, and Ethiopia is on 2. In contrast, Djibouti has yet to earn a point.

Wednesday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Trezeguet's brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea secure win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trezeguet’s brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea stun Algeria

Trezeguet’s brace secured Egypt’s flawless start in the quest for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification with a 2-1 triumph over Burkina Faso, while Guinea stunned Algeria on their home turf.

Egypt 2 – 1 Burkina Faso Group A

The Pharaohs had an excellent start in Cairo, with Mahmoud Trézéguet scoring two early goals in the first 10 minutes. Lassina Traoré got a consolation goal for the Stallions, but it wasn’t enough as the Egyptians held on for the win. This victory secured their third win in as many matches and maintained their position at the top of Group A.

Algeria 1 – 2 Guinea Group G

Stylishly, Guinea revived their FIFA World Cup ambitions with a crucial 2-1 away victory at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers against Algeria. Mortaye Sylla scored in the 50th minute and Aguibou Camara found the net in the 63rd minute, securing a stunning victory for Guinea against the former African champions on their home turf.

Mali 1 – 2 Ghana Group I

In a thrilling comeback, Jordan Ayew found the net in injury time, leading Ghana to a crucial 2-1 victory over Mali.

In the 58th minute, Kamory Doumbia put Mali ahead, but Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew scored to secure a comeback win for Ghana in Bamako.

In other fixtures, Senegal, missing Sadio Mane due to injury, achieved a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Diamniadio, marking Aliou Cisse’s 100th game in charge of the Teranga Lions.

Furthermore, Benin, Libya, Malawi, and Sudan claimed victories and former Fulham assistant coach Luis Boa Morte commenced his tenure in charge of Guinea-Bissau with a goalless draw against Ethiopia.

All participating countries will have another match before the middle of next week, as the African World Cup qualifying takes a break until March next year.

The continent has secured nine places at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. All group winners will earn a spot in the tournament.

On Monday, Egypt will head to Guinea Bissau, determined to extend their victorious run in the qualifiers.

  • Thursday’s African World Cup qualifying results
  • Egypt 2-1 Burkina Faso (Group A)
  • Guinea-Bissau 0-0 Ethiopia (Group A)
  • Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Group B)
  • Mauritania 0-2 Sudan (Group B)
  • Benin 1-0 Rwanda (Group C)
  • Libya 2-1 Mauritius (Group D)
  • Algeria 1-2 Guinea (Group G)
  • Malawi 3-1 Sao Tome e Príncipe (Group H)
  • Mali 1-2 Ghana (Group I)
Sierra Leone's head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s 2-1 win against the Sharks of Djibouti in their match-day three 2026 World Cup qualifier in Morocco – on Wednesday.

It was his first win in the group. The victory marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s quest to secure a spot in the global tournament. However, Karim also urged his players to remember that African football is rapidly improving.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is set to continue their preparations for the upcoming match against the Les Étalons of Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali, on Monday.

Karim’s squad is set to receive a substantial boost with the acquisition of Huddersfield Town’s attacker, Josh Koroma. His arrival is poised to provide essential momentum for the team as they gear up for a challenging match against Burkina Faso.

“I was pleased with the victory as it was much-needed. However, as I’ve always said, teams in African football are rapidly improving,” Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“I understand that fans were expecting more goals from the team, but the determination from the players was evident. Djibouti proved to be a tough side, but we fought back and secured the win.

“In today’s African football landscape, there are no underdogs. Djibouti’s recent performance exemplifies this shift. As we prepare to face Burkina Faso, we recognize the need for a revised game plan, and we are committed to beginning our preparations as soon as we arrive in Mali.”

Monday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali