Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July
by FSL News

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July

Sierra Leone will find out their group opponents for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. (Photo Credit SLFA)

The draw will take place at SuperSport studios in South Africa at 14:30 local time (15:30 Cairo time, 12:30 GMT).

The Leone Stars did not qualify for the AFCON in Ivory Coast as they finished third in Group A behind Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

This time, the Leone Stars are expected to be in Pot Three. A total of 48 nations, including four preliminary round winners, will be drawn into 12 groups, with each group consisting of four teams.

The qualifiers will begin in September 2024 to determine the initial 24 nations competing in Africa’s largest event.

The event will feature CAF legends, team representatives, and members of the Local Organizing Committee.

A Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.

This victory gave the Southern Province side an insurmountable fifteen-point lead over their closest rivals, Bhantal FC.

Since 2019, they made history as the first team from outside the capital city of Freetown to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League three consecutive times.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to claim a league-and-cup double when they face East End Lions in the FA Cup final, pending a decision on the date by the authorities.

Suffian Kalokoh and Kwame Mketiah each scored a goal, giving Bo Rangers a two-goal lead before Wusum’s Paul Jackson Kama netted one back in the 72nd minute. Despite this, Bo Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and secure maximum points.

Coach John Keister reflected on the success, expressing his pride in being a title-winning coach once again.

He acknowledged the challenges of leading a club that had previously won the title twice, but he emphasized the collective pride in their achievements. Keister also shared his personal satisfaction in accomplishing this for the people of Bo City.

Bo Rangers have now secured their third title since the revamp of the Sierra Leone top tier in 2019, with Keister securing his second title in the same period.

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Gabon come from behind to defeat the Gambia in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Gabon come from behind to defeat Gambia in five-goal thriller

Gabon completed an impressive comeback, defeating Gambia 3-2 in their World Cup qualifying fixture at Stade de Franceville.

The victory propelled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s team to second place in Group F, just one point behind leaders Ivory Coast.

Despite falling behind in the first half, Gabon rallied in the second half with goals from Jim Allevinah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Denis Bouanga.

The Gambia fought back with a goal from Ebou Adams, but Gabon held on for the win.

The result puts Gabon in a strong position in the group, while Gambia sits in fourth place.

Meanwhile, Burundi are two points further back after their 3-1 win away against Seychelles in neutral Morocco.

Tuesday’s African World Cup qualifying results

  • South Sudan 0-3 Sudan (Group B)

  • Lesotho 0-1 Rwanda (Group C)

  • South Africa 3-1 Zimbabwe (Group C)

  • Angola 1-1 Cameroon (Group D)

  • Cape Verde 1-0 Libya (Group D)

  • Congo 0-6 Morocco (Group E)

  • Zambia 0-1 Tanzania (Group E)

  • Gabon 3-2 The Gambia (Group F)

  • Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast (Group F)

  • Seychelles 1-3 Burundi (Group F)

  • Mauritius 2-1 Eswatini (Group G)

  • Chad 0-2 Comoros (Group I)

  • Madagascar 0-0 Mali (Group I)

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead

Morocco secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Congo at Stade Adrar during their third match of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening.

The North Africans dominated Congo in their third World Cup qualifier, winning 6-0. Azzedine Ounahi and Chadi Riad scored early goals, while Ayoub El Kaabi completed a hat trick. This victory keeps Morocco at the top of Group E standings with nine points, while Tanzania is in second place with six points.

In Tuesday’s early Kickoff, there were several noteworthy events unfolding – Sudan secured a top position in Group B with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan, with ten points from four games, overtaking Senegal. Meanwhile, South Sudan remains firmly at the bottom with just two points.

In Group F, Kenya and African champions Cote d’Ivoire played to a goalless draw. Cote d’Ivoire maintains their lead with ten points. Kenya moved up to third place with five points.

In the Group G encounter, Mauritius secured a 2-1 victory over Eswatini. This win places Mauritius in fifth place in the group with four points, while Eswatini remains at the bottom, still in search of their first point in the campaign.

The competition for the World Cup berths is intensifying as hopes of historic qualification are ignited among several team.

In Group I, Madagascar and Mali drew 0-0. Madagascar’s Louis Démoléon received a red card early on, leaving his team with ten men for over 70 minutes. Madagascar earned a valuable point, moving them to second place with seven points, while Mali is in fourth place with five points.

Peterborough has confirmed the signing of former Welling United striker David Kamara on a two-year contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Peterborough sign Sierra Leone’s David Kamara on a two-year deal

Peterborough United has officially signed former Welling United striker David Kamara to a two-year contract.

Kamara expressed excitement about joining Posh, thanking the coaches for their support. “I felt comfortable from the start and am eager to return for pre-season to make a good impression.”

Kamara, who is 18 years old, is set to join the Under 21s squad after impressing during a trial period at the club.

He originally came to the attention of Peterborough United through their Academy Head of Recruitment, Sam Gaughran.

Kamara had been scouted multiple times while playing for Welling United and was considered one of the top prospects in non-league football.

Posh Academy Manager Dan Robinson praised Kamara’s qualities, noting, “David’s attributes align with what we are after in our forward players. He is quick, strong, and athletic, with the ability to finish and play across the front three. We look forward to working with him.”

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier
by FSL News

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier

The Benin Republic made history on Monday by defeating the Super Eagles for the first time with a 2-1 win.

As a result, The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification is now in jeopardy. With only three points from four World Cup qualification matches, Nigeria risks missing out on the next football tournament.

The Super Eagles were aiming for a victory after drawing with South Africa a few days earlier, and although the game started well for the Nigerians, they had to wait 25 minutes to take the lead.

Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge gave the Super Eagles the advantage by calmly slotting the ball home inside the box.

The Cheetahs of Benin, led by former Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr, scored to tie the game in the 37th minute through Jodei Dossou after a defensive mistake from the Super Eagles. They then extended Nigeria’s troubles with a goal from Steve Mounie just before halftime.

In the second half, Nigeria made some changes to try to find an equalizer, but the Cheetahs defended well to secure one of the biggest wins in football. After Monday’s result, Nigeria is currently in 5th place in the Group C qualification standings for the 2026 World Cup.

Josh Koroma makes Sierra Leone's debut in World Cup qualifier
by FSL News

Josh Koroma makes Sierra Leone debut in World Cup qualifier

Josh Koroma, a striker for Huddersfield Town, made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso in match day four of the FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

At 25 years old, Koroma was a late addition to coach Amidu Karim’s squad and was substituted into the match in the 78th minute, replacing Augustus Kargbo.

A fantastic goal by striker Amadou Bakayoko secured a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. Bakayoko came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place, while Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Next up, Burkina Faso will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while Sierra Leone will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea
by FSL News

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea

The Black Stars have been performing well in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They had a thrilling comeback win against Mali in Bamako, followed by a 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on Monday, 10 June.

Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta both scored hat-tricks as Ghana secured the win. This victory came after their previous 2-1 triumph over Mali in Bamako.

Meanwhile, the Stallions of Burkina Faso were disappointed to drop points in a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali.

In Group G, Mozambique surprised Guinea with a 1-0 win, earning maximum points on the road.

Ghana 4 – 3 Central African Republic

In a dramatic match, Ghana emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in Kumasi.

Burkina Faso 2 – 2 Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso missed an opportunity to close the gap with a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako.

Guinea 0 – 1 Mozambique

Mozambique secured a 1-0 win over Guinea with a late goal by Geny Catamo.

10 June

Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone (Group A)

Guinea Bissau 1-1 Egypt (Group A)

Benin 2-1 Nigeria (Group C)

Guinea 0-1 Mozambique (Group G)

Uganda 1-2 Algeria (Group G)

Somalia 1-3 Botswana (Group G)

Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Malawi (Group H)

Ghana 4-3 Central African Republic (Group I)

Striker Amadou Bakayoko rescues against Burkina Faso in Bamako
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko rescues Sierra Leone against Burkina Faso

Striker Amadou Bakayoko’s fantastic goal saved a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. He came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

Burkina Faso had a strong start, with Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, making a couple of good saves. The Stallions also hit the post through their top striker, Lassina Traoré.

But a strong show from the Leone Stars saw Burkina Faso lose a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali on Monday.

The Leone Stars were under pressure from the start and conceded in the 42nd minute when Dango Ouattara beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara to make it 1-0 to Burkina Faso after being set up by Stephane Aziz Ki.

The Stallions maintained their momentum after scoring the opening goal and extended their lead through Lassina Traore in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a penalty. Burkina Faso led 2-0 at the break.

Despite this, the visitors managed to score against the run of play in the 58th minute when Augustus Kargbo found the net, narrowing the score to 2-1.

The Comeback

In a strategic move, Coach Amidu Karim introduced Amadou Bakayoko with four minutes left, and the 28-year-old proved to be an inspired substitute by scoring in the 88th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place as Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Looking ahead, the Stallions will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while the Leone Stars will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Burkina Faso (2) 2 (Ouattara 41′, L. Traore 45’+2)

Sierra Leone (0) 2 (Kargbo 58′, Bakayoko 88′)

Burkina Faso: Nikiema, Tapsoba, Nagalo, Yago, Ouedraogo, Banse, Ki (Sampore 69′), Badolo (Toure 89′), Bande (H. Traore 80′), Ouattara (Bouda 88′), L. Traore (Konate 69′).

Sierra Leone: M. N Kamara, Kakay, Samadia (R Michael 86′), Kabia, Davies, Dumbuya (Conteh 69′), Alhassa Koroma, Alh Koroma, Kanu (Bakayoko 86′), Kaikai (Bundu 69′), Kargbo (J. Koroma 78′).

Coach Amidu Karim makes Two Changes for Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Coach Amidu Karim makes three Changes for Burkina Faso

Abdul Jarju Kabia, Hapoel Kfar Saba defender, has been reinstated to the back four for the match day four tie against Burkina Faso. He joined Curtis Davies, Emmanuel Samadia, and skipper Osman Kakay in the defensive lineup.

Defender J Kabia was previously suspended for the Djibouti game but is now back in action.

In a tactical change, Abu Dumbuya has replaced Mustapha Bundu, and Daniel Kanu has come on for Amadou Bakayoko in the attack for Sierra Leone. Defender J Kabia in for midfielder Mahamed Kabia.

Davies, a seasoned player who first represented the England under-21 team in 2006, will make his second international appearance for Sierra Leone against the Stallions of Burkina Faso after scoring his first international goal against Djibouti.

The kickoff at the Stade du 26 Mars is at 19:48 as both West Africans meet for the second time in their history.

Attacker Joshua Abdulai Koroma, who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Huddersfield Town, is named on the bench.

Coach Karim has stressed the crucial importance of securing a victory for qualification and has spoken highly of the players’ preparedness to showcase their best performance.

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

Monday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 19:48 | Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako Mali
Coach Amidu Karim has made two changes for Burkina Faso.
Coach Amidu Karim has made two changes for Burkina Faso.