Category: Sport News

Josh Koroma named Huddersfield Town Playe of the Month
by Football Sierra Leone

Josh Koroma named Huddersfield Town Player of the Month

Josh Koroma was named as the Blue and White Player of the Month for February 2025 at Huddersfield Town.

This is his second Player of the Month award this season; he also won for September 2024.

In February, the team earned seven points from their matches, and Koroma scored two key goals: one in the win against Barnsley and another that helped secure three points against Shrewsbury. His strong performance led to him being voted Player of the Month.

Callum Marshall and Tawanda Chirewa received other votes, but Koroma was the top choice.

Mr. S. Taylor from Holmfirth and Junior Member J. Sykes from Huddersfield voted for Koroma, who received his award and receive a signed picture during their Sky Bet League One 1-0 defeat to Wrexham on Tuesday, March 4.

Financial boost for African teams and others in FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Financial boost for African teams and others ahead of FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA has unveiled an impressive prize pool of $1 billion for the upcoming 2025 Men’s Club World Cup, signaling a significant boost for international club football. Although the governing body has not disclosed the specific allocation of the prize money among participating teams, it is widely believed that the financial rewards will heavily favor top European clubs.

Notably, both Chelsea and Manchester City are anticipated to secure a minimum of $55 million each, reflecting their stature in the footballing world and their potential success in the tournament. This substantial financial incentive aims to enhance competition and elevate the prestige of the Club World Cup on a global scale.

The African teams taking part are Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “The FIFA Club World Cup will be the highlight of club football and will show strong support for clubs in ways no other event has done. All money made from the tournament will go to the clubs involved and through the solidarity program; FIFA will not keep any of it. FIFA’s reserves for developing global football will stay intact.”

The 100-day milestone is an important step toward a tournament that aims to reshape club football globally. The financial support will greatly help the African teams, and other clubs on the continent will also gain from the solidarity program.

The four teams are getting ready for the competition. Ahly, Esperance, and Sundowns will all compete in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals in April. Esperance and Sundowns will face each other again after last season’s semi-final, which Esperance won. Ahly will play Sudanese club Al Hilal for a chance to reach the last four.

Sierra Leone U17 gear up for Guinea Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U17 gear up for Guinea Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers

The Sierra Leone National U-17 Women’s Team has conducted its initial training session at the Southern Arena in Bo City as they ramp up preparations for their forthcoming match against Guinea in the Second Preliminary Round of the U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers.

Following a strong victory over the Central African Republic in the first preliminary round, our players are now concentrating on achieving another win.

The opening leg is scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the Southern Arena in Bo City, while the return leg will occur on March 15 at Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako, Mali.

With dedication, effort, and a strong sense of teamwork, both the players and coaching staff are entirely focused on earning a place in the final tournament.

The winner of this matchup will proceed to compete against the team that comes out on top between Ivory Coast and Burundi in the concluding round of the qualifiers.

The Sierra Leone Women’s U-17 team will play against Guinea in the second round of the African Qualifiers for the U-17 Women’s World Cup
The Sierra Leone Women’s U-17 team will play against Guinea in the second round of the African Qualifiers for the U-17 Women’s World Cup
Adel Amrouche named new Rwanda head coach on a two year deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Adel Amrouche named new Rwanda head coach on a two-year deal

Algerian coach Adel Amrouche has been appointed as the new head coach of the Rwandan national team, marking his return to coaching. The Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) confirmed his 24-month contract on March 2.

Amrouche’s main goal will be to revitalize the Amavubi and guide them to the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He will be supported by Eric Nshimiyimana and Dr. Carolin Braun as part of a new technical team.

With extensive experience managing national teams, including Tanzania and Kenya, Amrouche is expected to instill tactical discipline and resilience in the squad.

His immediate focus will be on preparing Rwanda for FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with key matches against Nigeria on March 21, 2025, and Lesotho on March 25, 2025. His appointment aims to steer Rwandan football toward international success.

https://twitter.com/FERWAFA/status/1896200779037565279

Abu Kamara nets as Hull City defeat Mustapha Bundu's Plymouth Argyle
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara nets as Hull City defeat Mustapha Bundu’s Plymouth Argyle

Joe Gelhardt and Abu Kamara scored in the second half, leading the City’s Tigers to a win 2-0 at the MKM Stadium in the English Championship on Tuesday night over Plymouth Argyle.

This victory allowed Hull City to distance themselves from the Championship relegation zone. They are now five points clear, while a struggling Plymouth Argyle is six points away from safety.

Rubén Sellés made four changes to his lineup following Cardiff City’s recent defeat. Abu Kamara, João Pedro, Steven Alzate, and Gustavo Puerta were newly included, while Eliot Matazo, Matt Crooks, Lincoln, and Regan Slater were benched.

The Tigers created several chances early on, including Gelhardt’s free-kick that hit the defensive wall and missed headers from Puerta and McLoughlin. Conor Hazard made key saves to keep Plymouth in the game.

In the 48th minute, Gelhardt broke the deadlock, scoring after a deflected attempt. Coyle then assisted Kamara, whose cross led to Joseph’s initial shot being saved.

City extended their lead after an hour when Puerta set up Kamara for an easy finish into an open net. As the match neared its end, McLoughlin’s shot went over, and Plymouth’s attempts, including a header from Wright and a shot from Ogbeta, failed to find the net.

Mustapha Bundu’s team has not achieved an away victory in 18 Championship matches this season, scoring only six goals – and they never appeared close to breaking that dismal streak after going behind, even against a Hull team that holds the worst home record in the league.

Plymouth head coach Miron Muslic said: “We simply didn’t show up in a game that we knew was a big one for us.

“There are too many players who cannot deliver consistently the performances that we need to be competitive. The reality in the Championship is fighting for every inch on the pitch, and we missed this today completely.

“The second goal, with all due respect, this player (Pedro) is one-and-a-half metres offside. I think at this level we should see this.”

Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle names World Cup Qualifiers squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle names World Cup Qualifying squad

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle has revealed his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match against Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles are set to play against the Warriors on March 25.

The match will take place at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria will also face Rwanda four days prior to their game against Zimbabwe.

Among the fresh faces is Genk forward Tolu Arokodare, who has been selected for his inaugural appearance with the Super Eagles, joining the team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

The 24-year-old has exhibited outstanding performance in the Belgian Jupiler League, netting 16 goals and supplying 5 assists over 28 matches.

Tolu Arokodare has also scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, highlighting his ability to find the back of the net.

Defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams are included for the first time. Home-based goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defender Jordan Torunarigha, midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Cyriel Dessers and Nathan Tella may also return if they make the final list of 23 players.

This selection shows recent successes and the potential to improve the Super Eagles’ attack.

Sierra Leone new head coach Mohamed Kallon start prep for Guinea-Bissau and Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon starts prep for Guinea-Bissau and Egypt

Expectations are rising as Sierra Leone’s newly appointed head coach, Mohamed Kallon, gets to work ahead of World Cup qualifying matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt later this month.

The former Inter Milan and Monaco striker has overseen two training sessions with the local players since being announced as the Leone Stars’ new manager.

On March 20, for the first time, Kallon will be at the Sierra Leone dugout when they welcome Guinea-Bissau in the Liberian capital. After that, they will travel to play Group A leaders Egypt, which will be a difficult match.

At the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in September 2023, Sierra Leone suffered a 2-1 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group A match.

Just behind Egypt, Guinea-Bissau is presently ranked second in Group A.

Read Related Leone Stars – Sierra Leone News – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Mohamed Kallon passed his message to home-based players in Monday's training session in Freetown Sierra Leone.
Mohamed Kallon passed his message to home-based players in Monday's training session in Freetown Sierra Leone.
The team excelled in two challenging training sessions, one in the morning and another in the evening, featuring key players like Musa “Tombo” Noah Kamara, Quamie Quee, and Abu “Diaby” Dumbuya.
The team excelled in two challenging training sessions, one in the morning and another in the evening, featuring key players like Musa “Tombo” Noah Kamara, Quamie Quee, and Abu “Diaby” Dumbuya.
South Africa and Egypt share CHAN qualifier spoils at Free State Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa and Egypt share CHAN qualifier spoils at Free State Stadium

Jamie Webber scored a stunning goal to equalize for South Africa against Egypt in the first round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Free State Stadium on Sunday night.

Egypt took the lead in the 66th minute with a goal from Mohamed Hassan Hashem Abdelaal, stunning the home crowd. However, Webber leveled the match in the 80th minute, beating Egyptian goalkeeper Mahmoud Mohamed Kassem.

Coach Molefi Ntseki expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not securing a win. “A solid structure is essential as it helps players understand their roles and responsibilities,” he noted.

Ntseki acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially with a second leg to play in Egypt. Egypt’s coach Wael Reyad mentioned that many players were absent due to passport issues and recognized the match’s difficulty for his team.

Ntseki’s squad will return to Johannesburg on Monday and remain in camp until they travel to Egypt on March 6, 2025. The winner of this matchup will progress to the next round of the CHAN qualifiers in May 2025.

Harambee Stars coaching job excites Benni McCarthy
by Football Sierra Leone

Harambee Stars coaching job excites Benni McCarthy

Famous South African footballer, Benni McCarthy, has been speaking after he was unveiled as head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars.

This is an important moment for Kenyan football and for the view of South African coaches in Africa. McCarthy is the first South African to coach a national team outside the COSAFA region. He is excited about bringing a winning attitude to the Harambee Stars.

“I am honored to take on this role and excited about the journey ahead with the Kenyan national team,” McCarthy said. “I have seen the talent in this country, and I believe we can compete at the highest level.”

With his coaching team, which includes Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, McCarthy wants to create a structured and competitive team. “We aim to build a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success,” he added.

McCarthy and his team will begin as Kenya prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed is confident in the new technical team. He said: “We believe Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team. His experience and dedication to Kenyan football match our goals. We also welcome Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. This team has the expertise we need to instill discipline and a winning mindset as we prepare for upcoming competitions.”

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier

Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, is set to host Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau Fifa World Cup matchday five qualifier on March 20th due to the ongoing suspension of Sierra Leone’s home stadium.

The match is crucial to both teams in the race to Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The African Football Confederation (CAF) has designated a quartet of referees from Ghana to officiate this important encounter, which is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 local time.

This match is crucial for both teams seeking to advance in the qualifying rounds. Following this pivotal matchup, Guinea-Bissau will return to host the Burkina Faso national team at home on March 24.

This second fixture represents round six from Group A in the qualification process. Sierra Leone will travel to Cairo to battle leaders Egypt in their match day six of the qualifiers.

Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.
Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.