Author: @football_sierra

Football Sierra Leone, all you need to know about the game in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean players at home and Abroad.The award-winning website also covers football from across the continent.
by @football_sierra

Gambia Confirm Temporary CAF Approval for Bakau Stadium

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given temporary approval for the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host events in September 2026.

As a result, the Gambia National Team can play its upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON KE-TZ-UG 27) qualifier against Somalia at home, allowing passionate fans to support their team.

Gambian clubs taking part in CAF Interclub Competitions in September 2026 can also play their home games at the Independence Stadium.

CAF recognised the improvements made at the stadium in an official letter signed by Acting General Secretary Mr Samson Adamu. They thanked the GFF, its leaders, and the Gambian Government for their commitment and teamwork to upgrade the stadium to meet continental standards.

GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo stated, “This is a great achievement for Gambian football and a happy day for our country. Playing at home in front of our loyal fans gives the Scorpions a real advantage. We thank President Adama Barrow, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the stadium management, and all Gambians for their support.”

While this approval is an important step, the GFF knows there is more work to do for permanent accreditation. CAF will send a report noting minor issues that need attention. The GFF and all national partners will work to ensure the stadium meets all CAF requirements.

CAF may send an inspector to attend a matchday in September to check the stadium’s readiness. The Federation welcomes this and will strive for smooth matchday operations.

by @football_sierra

Brima and Juana win Baltic Women’s Football League title

Two Sierra Leoneans were part of the FC Riga Women’s side that won the Baltic Women’s Football League (BWFL) championship in Riga on Saturday, defeating “MFA Žalgiris-MRU” from Vilnius 7:0.

Kumba Zainab Brima, who scored a hat trick, and Hannah Juana both celebrated together after full time. Minami Oi opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the third minute, followed by two goals from Kumba Brima. Oi scored another penalty just before halftime.

In the second half, Oi, Brima, and Karen Muradyan added more goals for a strong victory.

The BWFL tournament was established in 2005 and has been running for five seasons. After the 2010 competition, the BWFL tournament was suspended, but the competition was resumed in 2017.

Since the tournament was resumed, the best achievements of the Latvian representatives have been third place in 2017, 2019 and 2022, but in recent seasons a place in the final has been won – silver for the RFS team in 2024 and gold for the “Riga” football players in 2025.

Kumba Zainab Brima, who scored a hattrick and Hannah Juana both celebrated together after full time.
Kumba Zainab Brima, who scored a hattrick and Hannah Juana both celebrated together after full time.
by @football_sierra

Sierra Leone’s Ismaël Kabia joins Scottish club St Mirren

The 20-year-old winger, a Sierra Leonean native, has joined Scottish side ST Mirren as their ninth signing of the summer, moving from the English Premier League champions Arsenal for the 2026/27 season.

An impressive 2024/25 campaign saw Ismeal make his first-team debut for us in our 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round at Emirates Stadium.

Ismeal signed a second professional contract with us in August 2025 and was loaned to Shrewsbury Town for the 2025/26 season, where he made 43 appearances and won the League Two Goal of the Month award for April with a stunning long-range shot against Fleetwood Town.

He first joined Arsenal’s senior squad in September 2024, making a first-team appearance during a 5-1 EFL Cup win over Bolton Wanderers. After a pre-season friendly against Real Betis, Ismeal chose to join Craig McLeish’s team despite interest from other clubs. He will be available for selection in the upcoming Premier Sports Cup match against Rangers.

Manager Craig McLeish expressed excitement about the signing, highlighting Ismeal’s skills as a fast, direct winger who excels in one-on-one situations and emphasising that he brings motivation and potential for development.

by @football_sierra

South Africa and Ghana keep World Cup qualifying hopes alive

South Africa secured a 2-1 win against Nigeria in a play-off match for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, keeping their hopes alive. Additionally, Ghana emerged victorious over the Ivory Coast.

Nigeria’s women’s football team has failed to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. They lost 2-1 to South Africa in a playoff at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nigeria entered the tournament as the favourites but was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon after a loss to Malawi in the group stage.

South Africa’s goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane sealed the victory, despite a late penalty from Christy Ucheibe for Nigeria.

This outcome is disappointing for Nigeria, which has participated in every Women’s World Cup since 1991, winning WAFCON ten times.

Asisat Oshoala, a key player, struggled to score and was substituted, leading to questions about her future in international play.

In the earlier match, Ghana came back to beat Ivory Coast 2-1. Ghana’s victory came against a backdrop of player pay disputes, but they secured their place in the next round of qualifiers alongside South Africa.

Under the tournament’s qualification format, the four losing quarter-finalists progress to an African play-off. The two winners of those play-off matches will then qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-offs, where they will have another opportunity to secure places at Brazil 2027.

Star Sport Academy suffer opening defeat in the West Africa Champions Cup
by @football_sierra

Star Sport Academy suffer opening defeat in the West Africa Champions Cup

On Friday in Kankan, Guinea, the Star Sport Academy West Africa Champions Cup 2026 campaign got off to a rocky start as we faced a tough 4-0 defeat against Karfamoriah FC in our opening match at the Stade M’Balloue Mady.

Despite showing moments of promise, our team struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Karfamoriah side, who capitalised on the defensive weaknesses of Star Sport Academy.

Souleymane Diawara was the standout player for the hosts, scoring twice to firmly establish his team’s dominance.

Amadou Mansare and Mohamed Lamine Conde also chipped in with goals, leading Karfamoriah FC to a convincing victory and securing all three points.

Although the result was disappointing, Star Sport Academy has the chance to regroup, evaluate their performance, and come back stronger in the next match.

Coach Amidu Karim’s squad is eager to put this setback behind them and deliver a significantly better performance as they continue their journey in the Champions Cup on Sunday against AS Real Bamako of Mali. 

All these matches are part of the preparation for their maiden CAF Champions League debut, so they’ll have enough time to regroup. 

Star Sport Academy suffer opening defeat in the West Africa Champions Cup
Star Sport Academy suffer opening defeat in the West Africa Champions Cup