Category: Sport News

Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

Senegal’s Edouard Mendy calls on teammates to prove themselves against France

Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This match will be the second time the Lions of Teranga face Les Bleus in the group stage, having famously stunned the defending champions 1-0 in their first match in 2002. Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals that year, becoming only the second African nation to achieve this feat.

In the upcoming tournament, Senegal is once again drawn with France in Group I, along with Norway and Iraq. They have qualified for four World Cups: 2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026, with a record of five wins, three draws, and four defeats across twelve matches.

“All of our opponents are strong, especially France,” Mendy told FIFA.com. “This is why we play football— to challenge ourselves against the best. We have the chance to do just that in our first World Cup match.”

Mendy emphasised his role in inspiring the next generation, mentioning, “It’s important to give back, as I’ve received so much. I want to help future players from Senegal achieve great things.”

Looking back at their historic victory over France, he said, “That match was a pivotal moment for our country, being our first World Cup win. Now we have our own match to prepare for in a new era.”

Senegal topped Group B in African qualifying, finishing with a 4-0 win against Mauritania. This World Cup will also be notable for being co-hosted by three nations and expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32.

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana's draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana’s draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Ghana and Wales drew 1-1 in their first-ever matchup on Tuesday at the Cardiff City Stadium. It was Carlos Queiroz’s first game in charge of the Black Stars.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored for Ghana in the second half to take the lead, but Lewis Koumas scored a header in the third minute of stoppage time to level things up for Wales.

Wales dominated early on in the game and had opportunities to score first but Lawrence Ati- Zigi made two crucial saves to deny Daniel James. After the early pressure from Wales died down, Ghana started to find opportunities to score.

Jordan Ayew had a chance to score after keeper Karl Darlow fumbled the ball, but Darlow saved Ayew’s shot. Marvin Senaya also shot towards goal, and his volley deflected off a player and forced Darlow to make a diving save.

Late into the first half, Thomas Partey went into a tackle, and the Welsh bench protested for a second yellow. However, instead of getting yellow-carded, he was only warned by the referee.

Queiroz made four substitutions at half-time which saw Kwasi Sibo, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. The subs gave Ghana a spark forward as they soon created chances. Yirenkyi scored from a team effort after his first shot hit the crossbar, but he was there to tap in the rebound.

Ghana looked like the winners, but the late goal from Wales silenced the stadium. Neco Williams crossed a ball to the back post where Koumas timed his run perfectly and scored his header goal.

Queiroz gave his reaction to the game. He says the team needs to work on some decision making and team chemistry, but praised them for how far they got in a short time of training. He says the players executed the game plan he provided them, but most notably spoke about Yirenkyi, who he says is a player for the future.

Ghana will remain in Cardiff to train today before departing for the United States for another friendly before their opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's game plan for Sierra Leone

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia’s game plan for Sierra Leone

The Moroccan-Belgian coach Adil Mohamed Erradi conducted his first training session after his recent appointment as the new Liberia head coach, as he begins to prepare his plans for the Lone Star ahead of upcoming games against neighbours Sierra Leone.

Liberia will be taking on Leone Stars on the 6th and Sierra Leone will reciprocate on the 9th of this month with both being FIFA recognised friendlies. The first match will take place at the Southern Arena in Bo City and return leg will be played in the capital Monrovia.

Erradi takes over from Thomas Kojo who was interim head coach of the Lone Stars and has penned a 3 year deal with the Liberia Football Federation who are hoping to reach continental stage by 2027 in East Africa.

These upcoming friendlies will play a huge role in preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign which is slated to kick off in September.

Mohamed Erradi who was born on December 6th in 19’78 has had an extensive professional career and also owns a UEFA Pro License. He began his coaching journey with a trip to Ghana which then led to him becoming assistant to Juan Carlos Garrido at Raja Casablanca in June of 2017. Later that same year he went on to become technical director at IR Tanger in November of 2017.

In July 2019 he took Rwanda based club APR FC the helm and set the Nations record for most consecutive unbeaten games (50 matches) while winning them three consecutive league titles; 2019–20 20’20-20’21 and 20’21-20’22.

He made Rwandan history in July of 20’22 when he took APR FC to the second round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania

Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania

Senegal triumphed in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.

Tanzania took an early lead with Hamis Chenga scoring in the seventh minute, but Senegal equalised in the 64th minute through Ibrahima Dione, capitalising on a free-kick mishap.

The match proceeded to penalties, where Senegal showed composure, converting all four attempts. Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior scored for Senegal, while Tanzania converted two through Usuph and Mbegelendi but missed two crucial penalties.

This victory marks Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and highlights the strength of their youth football development. Despite the loss, Tanzania celebrated a historic campaign, reaching their first final and qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The night ultimately belonged to Senegal, as they showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster the DR Congo camp

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster DR Congo camp

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) national team is getting a significant boost for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the addition of two key players to its roster.

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and CD Castellón FC winger Brian Cipenga have officially joined the Leopards’ training camp in Belgium, completing the squad.

According to a recent update from the Federation of Congolese Football Associations, the arrival of the duo means the entire team is now present and accounted for.

“The squad is now united, ready to ramp up preparations and embark on a new chapter in the history of Congolese football,” the statement reads.

With Wan-Bissaka, a former Manchester United star, and Spain-based Cipenga on board, coach Sébastien Desabre now has a full complement of players as they gear up for an upcoming friendly against Denmark.

On Wednesday, the Leopards will face their Scandinavian rivals at Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liège, with the match set to kick off at 20:00 local time.

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the final 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The team includes captain Jordan Ayew and key players like Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Antoine Semenyo. It consists of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven attackers.

In goal, Benjamin Asare from Hearts of Oak joins experienced keepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. His selection excites local fans as he is one of the few home-based players.

The defence features Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and others to strengthen the backline.

Midfielder Thomas Partey will lead the midfield alongside Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, and others, providing varied options.

The forward line includes Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, along with Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu, ensuring plenty of scoring potential.

The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia

Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia

Sierra Leone has on Monday, June 1, 2026, named a 25-man squad for next month’s international friendlies against regional rivals Liberia, with caretaker coach John Keister set to lead the Leone Stars in the two-match series.

The squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talent as Sierra Leone continues preparations for future continental and global competitions.

Key attacking names include experienced Sullay KaiKai, Mustapha Bundu, Mohamed Buya Turay and Amadou Bakayoko, while highly rated Manchester City defender Abdulai Juma Bah and forward Daniel Kanu are among the younger players selected.

The Leone Stars will host Liberia at the Southern Arena in Bo City on June 6 before travelling to Monrovia for the return fixture at the SKD Sports Complex on June 9.

Amidst coaching uncertainty, the scheduled matches will offer Keister an opportunity to assess his squad, strengthen team chemistry, and evaluate new options as Sierra Leone seeks to build momentum on the international stage.

The Mano River Union neighbours share a longstanding football rivalry, and the two friendlies are expected to provide a competitive test for both sides despite their non-competitive status.

With a mix of established performers and rising prospects, Sierra Leone’s latest squad signals a continued focus on squad development and long-term team building ahead of upcoming international assignments.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/2061675032665850219

Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
Sierra Leone Unveils Squad for Friendlies Against Liberia
Daniel Kanu has been named in the Sierra Leone squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Liberia

Daniel Kanu receives Sierra Leone call-up

Daniel Kanu has been named in the Sierra Leone squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Liberia.

The Leone Stars are scheduled to face Liberia on Saturday, June 6 (5 pm BST) and again on Tuesday, June 9 (5 pm BST) as part of their preparations for future competitive fixtures.

Kanu, 21, will be aiming to carry his impressive domestic form onto the international stage after enjoying a standout loan spell with Walsall during the 2025/26 campaign.

The striker played a key role throughout the season, earning widespread recognition for his performances and contributions in front of goal.

His excellent displays were rewarded with four end-of-season awards, underlining his impact and making him one of the club’s standout performers.

IF Elfsborg confirm Momoh Kamara's Sierra Leone call-up

IF Elfsborg confirm Momoh Kamara’s Sierra Leone call-up

Swedish club IF Elfsborg has confirmed that attacker Momoh Kamara has been invited for Sierra Leone International friendlies against Liberia this month.

The Leone Stars are scheduled for July 6 and July 9 at the Southern Arena in Bo, followed by a return leg in Liberia against the Lone Star.

Matches are part of Sierra Leone’s preparation ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in the race to East Africa, where they will face tough competition from teams like DR Congo, Zimbabwe, and Equatorial Guinea.

The qualification process kicks off in September 2026 and will continue through March 2027. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set the dates for the next Africa Cup of Nations from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

This tournament, branded “PAMOJA 2027,” meaning “together,” will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – marking the first time that AFCON will be held across three nations.

The recent announcement of the tournament dates has been approved by the FIFA Council, although the venues for the opening match and the final are yet to be revealed by CAF.

Sierra Leone turn to John Keister as Leone Stars caretaker coach

John Keister returns to lead Sierra Leone as interim coach

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has appointed Technical Director John Edward Keister as caretaker head coach of the Leone Stars for the upcoming double-header international friendlies against Liberia, as uncertainty continues to surround the team’s long-term leadership ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Keister, a former FC Johansen, Bo Rangers FC and Leone Stars coach, returns to the dugout alongside assistants Alhaji Foray of Bo Rangers and Mohamed Lamin Kamara of East End Lions, forming an interim technical team tasked with restoring stability and sharpening competitive performance solely for the warm-up home and away games against Liberia on June 6 and June 9.

His return comes after his previous spell ended following Sierra Leone’s failure to reach the 2023 AFCON, which led to his dismissal amid a poor run of results. Despite that setback, Keister remains a defining figure in modern Leone Stars history. 

The former Bo Rangers boss previously guided Sierra Leone to the 2021 AFCON finals, ending a 25-year absence from the continental tournament. That period was widely credited for rebuilding the squad’s identity through youth integration and experienced core selection, even though consistency in competitive qualifiers remained a recurring challenge.

According to the SLFA, Keister is now back as interim charge for just two games and would face a transitional window with pressure to assess squad depth, restore tactical structure, and set a clearer competitive direction as attention turns toward AFCON 2027 qualification.

However, reaction among supporters remains divided. One fan in Freetown summed up the sentiment: “He brought us back to AFCON after so many years, but we can not keep going in cycles; we need a clear direction now.”