Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies

Ex-Sierra Leone coach, Johnathan McKinstry‘s Gambia completed their first session ahead of two highly anticipated international friendly matches this month that aim to sharpen his team.

Both matches are set to unfold in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, Morocco, known for its rich culture and warm hospitality.

The Gambia team, known as The Scorpions, will start their test match on June 6, 2025, against Equatorial Guinea, following a challenging match with Uganda on May 9, 2025.

These friendly games are important for the Scorpions. They are preparing for their World Cup qualifier match against Seychelles in September 2025.

The coaching staff aims to improve the team’s fitness, tactics, and teamwork during these matches.

Currently, The Gambia is struggling in the World Cup qualifiers. They are second from the bottom in Group F, with only 5 points from six matches.

The upcoming friendlies will help the team regain confidence and improve their chances in the qualifiers.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium

The Super Eagles have made several changes to their squad for the upcoming match against Russia in Moscow on Friday June 6, at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium.

The match will be the first senior-level encounter between Nigeria and Russia. After winning the 2025 Unity Cup in London against Jamaica in a dramatic penalty shootout, Chelle is now focusing on Nigeria’s next game.

Football Sierra Leone has learned that Brentford youngster Benjamin Fredrick secured his spot on the squad after a strong debut performance for the Super Eagles in the London Unity Cup.  

Additionally, three players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have been included in the travelling party: Isaac Saviour from Enugu Rangers and Sodiq Ismail and Sikiru Alimi from Remo Stars.

Originally, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel was the only player from the domestic league selected for the trip to Russia. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface will also join the squad from Nigeria.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test

Tunisia defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in an international friendly match on Monday at Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium, scoring both goals in the final moments.

Edmond Tapsoba’s own goal and Hazem Mastouri’s (Tunisia) right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal were enough for the Eagles of Carthage of Tunisia.

Tapsoba’s own goal came in the 60th minute and Mastouri scored the second in the 91st minute as Tunisia emerged victorious.

This friendly match is the first of three practice games for Tunisia in eight days, with upcoming matches against Morocco and Zambia. These games will help the team prepare for key qualifying matches.

In September, the Carthage Eagles will play Liberia again and then face Equatorial Guinea. In October, they will compete against Sao Tome and Principe and have a final match against Namibia.

Tunisia’s recent wins have helped them move up three spots in the FIFA rankings, now sitting at 49th place. These friendly matches will be important in shaping their ranking for the next update in July.

Pyramids beat Sundowns to win maiden CAF Champions League title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids beat Sundowns to win maiden CAF Champions League title

On Sunday, Pyramids FC won their first TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

After the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Pretoria, Pyramids secured a 3-2 win on aggregate. They became the fourth Egyptian club to win Africa’s top club competition, joining Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily.

Pyramids started strong in front of their enthusiastic home fans. In the 23rd minute, striker Fiston Mayele scored the first goal with a low shot into the corner, marking his ninth goal in the tournament.

The team doubled their lead shortly after halftime. In the 56th minute, defender Ahmed Samy scored with a header from a cross by Mohamed Chibi. This goal sent the Cairo crowd into a frenzy.

In the 75th minute, Iqraam Rayners scored for Sundowns, making the score 2-1 and setting up a tense finish. Sundowns pressed for another goal, with key shots from Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba blocked during 10 minutes of added time.

Pyramids defended well, thanks to goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy’s key saves, securing their first continental title 10 years after the club’s founding. Egypt continues to dominate African football, winning the title for three consecutive years after Al Ahly’s successes in 2023 and 2024.

Sundowns aimed for their second CAF title but instead lost their second Champions League final, 24 years after their defeat to Al Ahly in 2001.

Star Sport Academy's Karim lauds team's effort after win over Blackpool
by FSL News

Star Sport Academy’s Karim lauds team’s effort after win over Blackpool

After securing their first victory in the second phase, Star Sport Academy’s head coach, Amidu Karim, praised his team for demonstrating remarkable resilience in their 3-0 win at the SLFA playing ground.

For head coach Amidu Kamrim, who has recently taken over the squad, this 3-0 triumph is especially significant as it marks his first victory in charge. “We are delighted with the effort everyone put in and excited about the future!” he said.

Coach Amidu Karim expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thanks to the Almighty for this first victory. I hope the boys continue to work hard for the upcoming matches.

I want them to stay focused in future games. Today, they showcased an impressive performance. This win underscores our dedication. Overall, the squad displayed outstanding belief and composure.”

Yankuba J. Tarawally, chairman of the club, also congratulated the team on their first triumph of the Leone Rock Premier League second round, following their victory.

“Congratulations to the players, technical team, and management for such a wonderful and tremendous victory. We pray that the team will continue to show the same resilience in the coming fixtures,” he added.