Category: Sport News

Striker Kei Kamara helps Los Angeles secure US Cup last 16 spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara helps Los Angeles secure US Cup last 16 spot

Los Angeles secured their place in the Round of 16 in the US Open Cup by defeating Las Vegas Lights 3-1 at Cashman Field on Wednesday night. 

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara recorded his first goal for the Black & Gold with a header – just two minutes into the second half. Timothy Tillman crossed the ball from the left wing, and Kamara’s finish found the back of the net.

In the 56th minute, Shawn Smart scored a goal for Las Vegas to level the score. However, LAFC continued to create chances, and in the 70th minute, Cristian Olivera broke the tie by tapping Omar Campos’ deflected cross into the goal.

Olivera then secured LAFC’s win with his second goal in the 91st minute, making it 3-1.

Despite head coach Steve Cherundolo receiving a straight red card in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, LAFC maintained their composure throughout the match.

LAFC will host Loudoun United, a Division II team in the USL Championship, in two weeks at BMO Stadium. 

 

https://twitter.com/LAFC/status/1788430121189384336

Sebastian Bowles departs Luawa FC by mutual consent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastian Bowles departs Luawa FC by mutual consent

Luawa Football Club have announced that they have parted ways with their head coach, British-born Sebastian Bowles, who had been in charge since the start of the Sierra Leone Premier League 2023/24 season.

Luawa has lost three of their last four games, resulting in a drop of 11 points out of a possible 12. They are currently in 9th place with 31 points after winning eight games, drawing nine, and losing nine in the ongoing season.

Coach Sillah, previously the Assistant Coach, will now be the head coach of the club.

They confirmed that Coach Bowles has departed from the club by mutual agreement. “Coach Seb, as he is affectionately known, has been with us for eight months and has made significant contributions to the transformation of the club during his tenure,” the clubs stated.

“Unfortunately, due to safety concerns following an assault he experienced and despite all efforts to reassure his family of his security, Coach Seb and his family feel it is no longer safe for him to remain with the club.”

We would like to express our gratitude to Coach Seb for his time with us and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. Coach Seb will always be a part of our history as we build a unique football development program in Sierra Leone.

Related News… New Boss Excited by Luawa Challenge

Brighton's Carlos Baleba set to boost Cameroon squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba set to boost Cameroon squad

Cameroon’s national football team, the “Indomitable Lions,” is set to add Carlos Baleba to its squad after his recent agreement to represent the team.

Football Sierra Leone understands that the announcement of the squad will provide insight into Brys’s vision for Cameroon’s footballing future.

Baleba is one of Africa’s most promising talents and has emerged as an exceptional midfielder since his transfer to Brighton from Lille last summer.

Baleba, 20, joined Albion in August 2023 from Lille, signing a five-year contract.

Baleba’s absence from Cameroon’s squad during the last Africa Cup of Nations caused controversy, but he has now agreed to play for the team.

Head coach Marc Brys is expected to be named Brighton’s player for the World Cup 2026 upcoming matches against Cape Verde and Angola.Africa’s 

Sébastien Haller eyes in UEFA Champions League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Sébastien Haller could join Uefa Champions League elite

 
The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final will take place at London’s historic Wembley Stadium. This is the 69th season of Europe’s elite club competition and the 32nd since it was renamed the UEFA Champions League.
 
 
 
 
 
Emmanuel Samadia's Hartford suffer defeat to Charleston
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia’s Hartford suffer defeat to Charleston

On Saturday, Emmanuel Samadia, a Sierra Leone International, made his first start in the USL Championship as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Charleston Battery.

It was his eighth appearance in all competition for the Sierra Leonean defender, who is working hard to capture regular first-team football under boss Brendan Burke. 

They failed to equalize with the first-place team in the Eastern Conference after conceding a goal early in the first half.

Charleston took control of the game, scoring the first goal in the 11th minute through Nick Markanich who delivered a left-footed bicycle kick off a corner kick.

Hartford kept the score at 1-0 by blocking three of Charleston’s next five shots and holding the back line.

In the final minutes of the first half, Hartford almost scored an equalizer when Romario Williams hit the post after a pass from Michee Ngalina.

Charleston threatened throughout the game, but Hartford improved their attacking play after the 55th minute.

Marcus Epps had three attempts, but only two were on target. In stoppage time, Hartford nearly equalized, but Anderson Asiedu’s pass to Michee Ngalina was saved.

Hartford lost, dropping to 3-4-0. Renan Ribeiro made his Athletic debut, allowing only one goal and making five saves. The next game will be held on May 11th at 7:00 PM against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Trinity Health Stadium.

Emmanuel Samadia Insights of personal Match statistics
Emmanuel Samadia Insights of personal Match statistics
Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR

The QPR full-back, Osman Kakay, has confirmed leaving his boyhood club after 19 years of service to the London club Queens Park Rangers.

The Sierra Leone defender established himself in the R’s squad during the extended 2019/20 season, making seven appearances. 

In 2021, he helped Sierra Leone qualify for the African Cup of Nations. In the 2022/23 season, he made 24 appearances for QPR.

Kakay, who played 26 games this season, announced that he is leaving QPR, his childhood club. He wrote, “It is time for me to say goodbye to QPR. I have been part of the club since I was 7 years old, and I am thankful for everything the club has done for me and my family.”

Having come through the academy and eventually making over 100 appearances for the club, it means the world to me, especially, as a local boy growing up in South Kilburn. 

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the coaches and staff who have supported me throughout my journey. It has been a pleasure to share the pitch with so many of my teammates. 

Lastly, I would like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart who have stood by me through the highs and lows. It has been an honour to play for QPR, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”

. Alhassan Koroma's Al Shahaniya promoted to Qatar's Super League
by FSL News

Alhassan Koroma’s Al Shahaniya promoted to Qatar’s Super League

Al Shahaniya has been promoted to the Qatar Super League with the help of Sierra Leone International Alhassan Koroma’s outstanding performance.

Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 

They secured their place in the 2024-2025 season league’s First Division in style as the Play-Off pitted the 11th-placed team (Al Markhiya) in the final standings of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League against the second-placed team (Al Shahaniya) in the Second Division championship.

Al Shahania started the match strong, with their 19-year-old left-winger Rubio scoring off a rebound. 

Al Markhiya missed a chance to equalize soon after. While Al Markhiya did rally to bounce back from being a goal down and equalize, Al Shahania hit back with two more late goals to ensure their First Division berth. 

The scorers for Al Shahania were Jaime Rubio (17th minute), Mohammed Abu Shanab (83rd minute) and Mohammed Ibrahim (90+6 minute). Al Markhiya’s only goal came in the 75th minute through Driss Fettouhi. 

Koroma was instrumental in the campaign, scoring seven league goals and providing five assists in his first season at the club.

Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 
Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 
Sierra Leone FA Cup final abandoned as rival fans clash
by FSL News

Sierra Leone FA Cup final abandoned as rival fans clash

On Saturday, at the newly renovated Port Loko field, the Sierra Leone FA Cup final was marred by unruly fan behaviour, leading to chaos and the match being abandoned. 

The Bo Rangers, the defending champions and East End Lions were set to compete in this year’s FA Cup tournament. However, even before the game could commence, fans from both sides started fighting. Law enforcement officials had to intervene by using tear gas to restore order.

The violence began while the FA President, Thomas Brima, was delivering his pre-match speech. Stones were thrown from one side of the stadium to the other. It was unclear who started it, but the police had to intervene to quell the violence. Fortunately, the FA President was unharmed.

Despite fans’ disturbance, the FA Cup final was allowed to proceed until it was halted midway through the second half due to a stone that hit East End Lions player Abdul Nymekye, causing injury. The score was 0-0 at the time. But before the incident, the referee disallowed Bo Rangers’ goal for offside, accumulating more fans’ dissatisfaction.

The Sierra Leone Football Association asks for calm and patience as they await match officials’ reports ahead of the pending Investigation. 

The National Sports Authority has condemned all forms of violence in sports and urges authorities to investigate the violent incident during the final. 

‘Sports should unite people, not incite violence. The game should be won on the pitch, not through violent means. Therefore, the SLFA should find a neutral venue to conclude this year’s FA Cup.’

PSV and Babadi announced the extension of their partnership until 2028 in March 2024.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Youngster Isaac Babadi wins first title with PSV Eindhoven

Isaac Babadi’s PSV Eindhoven clinched their 25th Dutch championship title on Sunday, their first win since 2018. This season’s championship marked Ajax’s demise.

PSV and Babadi announced the extension of their partnership until 2028 in March 2024. 

Since his professional debut for Jong PSV on January 10, 2022, he has contributed in 28 matches across all competitions. He replaced Johan Bakayoko in a 5-1 home win against Almere City in the Eerste Divisie, which was their biggest win of the season at that point.

PSV is the national champion for the 25th time after defeating Sparta Rotterdam 4-2 at the Philips Stadium. Thereby, with two rounds of play to go, PSV is unbeatable.

PSV was inimitable from the beginning of this season. The first seventeen league games were won and only on March 30 did the main squad suffer its first defeat. 

PSV has so far scored 87 points, scored 107 goals and only conceded 19. There remain games against RKC Waalwijk (home) and Fortuna Sittard (away).

Isaac Babadi's PSV Eindhoven clinched their 25th Dutch championship title on Sunday, their first win since 2018. This season's championship marked Ajax's demise.
Isaac Babadi's PSV Eindhoven clinched their 25th Dutch championship title on Sunday, their first win since 2018. This season's championship marked Ajax's demise.
Alex Bangura scores as Middlesbrough humble Watford
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura scores as Middlesbrough humble Watford

Emmanuel Lath scored his 16th league goal of the season, while Alex Bangura and Jones scored a goal each to help Boro beat the Hornets and end the season on a high note.

Bangura, who signed a four-year deal with Boro in September 2023, will be pleased to score his second Championship goal following a series of injuries throughout his debut season.

Boro quickly regained control of the game with two goals from Alex Bangura and Isiah Jones. 

Michael Carrick’s team lost only one game in their final 11 matches and finished in the eighth position, missing out on the playoffs by just four points. On the other hand, Watford finished their season in 15th place.

Watford had an opportunity to take the lead early on through Vakoun Bayo’s header, but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng denied him from close range. At the other end, Daniel Bachmann saved Isiah Jones’ ferocious strike at his near post.

Just before the half-hour mark, Latte Lath scored his sixth goal in a row and his 18th of the season by sweeping home Luke Ayling’s cross from the right byline.

In the final minute of the first half, Edo Kayembe missed a chance to equalise for Watford. In truth, it summed up a first half where the Hornets lacked a sting in the tail.

Nine minutes after the restart, Boro almost doubled their lead on a counter-attack through Luke Thomas. However, Alex Gilbert timed a sliding tackle brilliantly to deny Bayo.

Watford equalized with 20 minutes left when Hoedt headed in Asprilla’s corner. Boro quickly restored their lead through Bangura after great work by Greenwood. Jones secured the win for Boro six minutes from time with an emphatic finish from Ayling’s pass.