Author: FSL News

* Established in 2014 © 2021 FSL MediaFootball Sierra Leone - all you need to know about the game in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean footballers at home and abroad.Founded by Alie Ahmed Bittar in 2014, Bittar is one of the leading journalists from Sierra Leone with over 25 years covering football.The award-winning website also covers football from across the continent.We aim to continue pursuing up-to-date reports for our readers in Sierra Leone and across the globe.FSL Media is always informative, accurate and consistent. Make Football Sierra Leone Your daily news feed.Follow our social media pages on Twitter @football_sierra, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook. Permission to use our content is granted subject to crediting our website as the source.Contact: Managing Editor Alie Ahmed Bittar - Email: bittar@footballsierraleone.com - Tel: +44 (0) 7861141119
Uganda's Cranes set for International friendly doubleheader
by FSL News

Uganda’s Cranes set for International friendly doubleheader

Uganda Cranes have finished selecting their squad in Marrakech, Morocco against Cameroon on Friday, June 6, and the Gambia on Monday, June 9—as the Cranes prepare for upcoming competitive matches.

Bobosi Byaruhanga, Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita, Allan Oyirwoth, Isaac Muleme, and Elvis Bwomono have joined the team, increasing the total number of players to 27.

Striker Steven Mukwala will not be joining the team due to a minor injury he sustained while playing for Simba SC in Tanzania.

Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick was the first of the eight foreign-based players to arrive at the training camp. With Mukwala’s injury, there are now seven foreign players available.

The team will hold its second training session this evening in Marrakech, with all players expected to participate.

Full Uganda Cranes Squad in Marrakech:

Goalkeepers

Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows, South Africa)

Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia)

Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)

Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda)

Defenders

Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren, Scotland)

Nico Wadada (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy)

Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)

Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic, England)

Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)

Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic)

Midfielders

Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots, USA)

Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia)

Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)

Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)

Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France)

Forwards

Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)

Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)

Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)

Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)

Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda)

Mohammad Shaban

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.

Sierra Queens one step closer to Women's Cup Mauritania title
by FSL News

Sierra Queens one step closer to Women’s Cup Mauritania title

The Sierra Leone Women’s National Team, fondly known as the Sierra Queens, is poised to win the Women’s Cup title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in the semi-final held at the Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium on Thursday.

They will face the winner of the match between Senegal and Liberia. The second semi-final will take place later in the evening at the same venue, featuring Liberia against Senegal.

The match saw Salamatu Kamara net the decisive goal in the 85th minute of the second half, showcasing her impressive skills and determination on the field.

For the third consecutive match, Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Hannah Juana, was named Woman of the Match. Her exceptional performance, marked by crucial saves and a commanding presence in the box, played a pivotal role in ensuring her team’s progression to the final.

With her help, the Sierra Queens continue to inspire their fans and carry the hopes of a nation as they strive for championship glory.

Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu pens new Barnet deal
by FSL News

Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu pens new Barnet deal

Barnet has signed new deal with Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu, who was part of the 2021 Cup of Nations squad in Cameroon.

Idris played a significant role for the Bees last season, making 38 appearances in the Vanarama National League. He contributed 2 goals and 3 assists during the title-winning season, including a crucial goal in the thrilling comeback against Dagenham & Redbridge, which ended in a 4-3 victory.

Having joined the club in September 2022 from Peterborough United, Idris quickly became a regular and key player in Manager Dean Brennan’s squad. In total, he has made 117 appearances for Barnet, scoring 18 goals and providing 9 assists.

Speaking about his new contract, Barnet Manager Dean Brennan said, “Idris has been a special player for the club over the last two years and has played a massive part in our success. He’s a huge personality within the group, and we’re delighted he has committed his future to the football club.”

Nigeria win U-20 AFCON bronze after defeating hosts Egypt on penalties
by FSL News

Nigeria win U-20 AFCON bronze after defeating hosts Egypt on penalties

Nigeria secured third place in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 after winning an eye-catching penalty shootout 4-1 against the host team, Egypt, on Sunday.

The third-place match at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo ended in a tie at 1-1 after 90 minutes, leading to penalties where Nigeria kept their cool to claim their fifth bronze medal in U-20 AFCON history.

This victory marked Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal and their 14th top-three finish in U-20 AFCON history. It also continued their good record against host teams, as they beat Egypt for the second consecutive tournament.

Egypt, on the other hand, could not keep their perfect record in third-place matches and conceded their first goal at this stage.

Egypt started strong, scoring in the third minute with a goal from Osama Omar. Nigeria equalized early in the second half when Bidemi Amole scored.

The match went straight to penalties without extra time. Nigeria scored all four of their penalty kicks, while Egypt missed two.

Egypt’s early goal pressured Nigeria, but Nigeria soon took control, creating several chances. Clinton Jephta and Precious Benjamin both tested goalkeeper Abdel Monem Tamer, while Israel Ayuma missed with long shots.

Two minutes into the second half, Nigeria equalized when Divine Oliseh passed to Amole, who scored. Nigeria pushed for a winner, with substitutes Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi boosting the attack. Egypt almost clinched victory in stoppage time, hitting the bar and post.

With a 1-1 draw at the end of regular time, the match went to penalties. Nigeria scored all four of their penalties, while Egypt’s Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka had their shots saved by 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

FT 1-1 Penalties – Nigeria (4-1)Egypt