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
Brighton move delights for Malian midfielder Malick Yalcouye
by FSL News

Brighton move delights Malian midfielder Malick Yalcouye

Malian midfielder Malick Yalcouye is happy to have joined Brighton from IFK Goteborg on a contract until June 2029.

The 18-year-old player, hailing from Mali and Ivory Coast, joined Goteborg after honing his skills at the Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas. He showcased his talent by making his professional debut in the African Champions League.

Malick’s debut game for Goteborg was in February during the Swedish Cup, and he started his first league match against Djurgardens IF in April.

Demonstrating his prowess, he scored his first league goal for the club later that month against IF Brommapojkarna.

Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, “We are happy to have Malick at the club. He is a talented midfielder with great potential to become a top player.

He is excited about this next career stage, and we look forward to helping him progress.”

Augustine Williams' Indy Eleven meet Sporting KC in US Cup semis
by FSL News

Williams’ Indy Eleven to meet Sporting KC in US Cup semis

Augustine Williams’ Indy Eleven is set to face Major League side Sporting KC in the US Cup semis in August.

Tuesday night, Indy Eleven made history by winning 2-1 against Atlanta United, advancing to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinals for the first time since starting in the tournament in 2014.

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams scored the first goal of the match, marking his third consecutive goal in the Cup. This was also the first goal that Atlanta had conceded after keeping two clean sheets at the start of the tournament.

This victory was Indy’s first win against an MLS opponent in four attempts. Williams opened the scoring in the 31st minute with an assist from Douglas Martinez, who provided his second assist of the tournament.

The second goal which turned out to be the match-winner for Indy, was an own goal caused by a dangerous cross into the Atlanta box intended for Elliot Collier, but inadvertently deflected into the net.

Atlanta’s only goal came from Nick Firmino in the 83rd minute. Inoffensive action, Josh O’Brien had three shots on goal for Indy, while Sebastian Guenzatti had two shots on target.

Los Angeles FC face Seattle in the semifinals, while Sporting KC meet USL Championship side Augustine Williams Indy Eleven after their upset of Atlanta United.

Defender Okoli is excited to begin after joining Leicester
by FSL News

Defender Okoli is excited to begin after joining Leicester

Highly-rated young defender Caleb Okoli has expressed his delight in joining Leicester City from Serie A side Atalanta on a permanent deal, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who played for Italy at the EURO U21 Championships in 2023, has signed a five-year deal with the Foxes as they get ready for the 2024/25 Premier League season.

In an interview with Foxes Hub, Okoli, who is a Okoli is Igbo and Yoruba by descent stated, “I believe the time is right for me to take a major step forward.

I’m thrilled about my decision and eager to begin playing in the Premier League. I feel prepared to start with my new team here in Leicester.”

Okoli, who was born in Vicenza, Italy, joined Atalanta in 2015. He had a successful loan spell at SPAL during the 2020/21 season, making 16 appearances and scoring once in a 2-1 victory over Lecce.

https://twitter.com/LCFC/status/1810699683087671437

 Togolese descent Lilian Brassier joins Marseille
by FSL News

 Togolese descent Lilian Brassier joins Marseille

Togolese descent Lilian Brassier has joined Olympique de Marseille on loan from Stade Brestois. The 24-year-old defender has signed with an option to buy after passing a medical examination.

 The centre-back began his professional career at Stade Rennais and made his debut in Ligue 2 in the 2019-2020 season. He was then loaned to Valenciennes FC, where he played 27 matches.

He was spotted by Stade Brestois 29 and joined them in the following season in Finistère. His skills in duels and heading were noticeable from the start in Ligue 1.

Lilian Brassier is a versatile and adaptable defender known for his quality recovery with his left foot. He played 30 matches, scored 3 goals, and helped Stade Brestois 29 finish on the podium and secure a place in the Champions League during the 2023-24 season.

With over 100 matches and 5 goals in Ligue 1, he has become a reliable central defender at the age of 24.

Tyrese Fornah joins Derby's pre-season ahead of Real Valladolid friendly
by FSL News

Tyrese Fornah joins Derby’s pre-season ahead of Real Valladolid friendly

Sierra Leone International Tyrese Fornah has joined Championship team Derby County for pre-season training in preparation for their friendly match against Real Valladolid.

Tyrese Fornah, 24, is looking to make a good impression on his new boss before the upcoming Championship campaign.

Derby County is set to host Real Valladolid in their final pre-season friendly before the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship campaign next month.

The match will take place at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, with a kick-off time of 3 pm.

Real Valladolid, who is 82% owned by former Brazil international striker Ronaldo, will be competing in La Liga for the 2024/25 season after finishing second in the Segunda Division last season.

They secured automatic promotion by winning 21 of their 42 league matches and finished just two points behind champions Leganes.

In November 2023, Fornah made his international debut for Sierra Leone in the World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and then went on to start in a 2-0 defeat to Egypt.