Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Hartford Athletic deal for Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia pens new Hartford Athletic contract extension

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia has agreed to stay with Hartford Athletic for another two years, until the 2026 USL Championship season. The deal is awaiting approval from the league and federation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here in Hartford, and I’m happy to stay with the club long-term,” said Samadia.

“I want to thank Coach Burke for the trust and belief he’s shown in me, and the Hartford Athletic fans who have made me feel welcome and supported us all year long. We still have work to do this year, but I can’t wait to create more memorable moments with this club for years to come.”

The 23-year-old has made a significant impact in his first season of American soccer, excelling as a versatile wingback. He ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3), chances created (23), crosses (70), and interceptions (22), and has been recognized with USL Championship Team of the Week honours at both left-back and right-back positions.

Samadia has played a key role in Hartford’s recent success, contributing to the team’s seven-match undefeated streak and assisting on two of Mamadou Dieng’s six goals during this period, while creating 12 chances.

“Emmanuel’s development this year has been incredible, and we would not be in the position we’re in without him,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke.

“We’re thrilled to have him with us for the long term, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop and be a leader for us in the seasons ahead.”

The Freetown, Sierra Leone native has also impressed in six appearances with the Sierra Leone National Team this year, providing two assists in World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

Samadia and Athletic are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM.

New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

History: Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time

The Sierra Leone U20 team, known as the Shooting Stars, won 3-0 against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. This victory secured their spot in the WAFU U20 final and a place in the next African Cup of Nations for U20.

The Shooting has qualified for the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in the history of Sierra Leone football thanks to goals from Idrissa Sesay’s early opener before Samuel Ghandi doubles their lead.

They scored the third when skipper Momoh Kamara, who was named Man of the Match for the third in the competition – received a clever pass from the right slotted in past the Gambia keeper to ensure victory.

The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations also doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where teams who reach the semi-finals stage qualify automatically.

History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast's crucial AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast’s crucial AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone

The Laurent Pokou Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the upcoming match between the African Champions Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone for the crucial match day three 2025 qualifier.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced on Tuesday that the first leg of the double header will be held on October 11 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire.

In January this year, Ivory Coast defeated a local stars team from Sierra Leone 5-1 in a friendly match. The two teams will face each other again in a doubleheader that could prove decisive in their quest for a spot in the tournament, this time with a much stronger Leone Stars team.

The return leg between Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone is scheduled for four days later, on October 15, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. 

Côte d’Ivoire – led by head coach Emerse Faé, has had a flawless start in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, collecting maximum points by defeating Zambia 2-0 and Chad 2-0, placing them at the top of Group G with six points.

After a disappointing draw with Chad, the Leone Stars suffered a defeat in Zambia due to Kings Kangwa’s superb free kick. They must avoid consecutive losses to revive hopes of reaching Morocco in 2025.

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to battle Gambia for a place in U20 AFCON

On Wednesday, Sierra Leone will face off against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium for a spot in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The match will kick off at 1 pm local time.

A win for the Shooting Stars would mean they reach the AFCON U20 tournament for the first time in the history of Sierra Leonean football.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.

The Gambia advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifiers after playing to a goalless draw with Mali on Sunday, September 22, at the SKD Sports Complex.

This result placed The Gambia in the second spot in Group B, alongside group winners Senegal. The next stage will involve the four qualifying teams competing for a place in the finals.

In Group A, Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars finished as group winners with seven points from three games. They will face The Gambia, who finished as runners-up in Group B, in the battle for one of the two AFCON slots.

Senegal finished at the top of Group B with four points from two games, while The Gambia secured qualification for the semifinals with just two points from two games. They put up a strong fight in their opening match against Senegal, forcing them to a 2-2 draw.

Guinea finished as runners-up in Group A with five points, a point adrift of hosts Liberia. They will face defending champions Senegal in the semifinals.

Wednesday Semi-final lineups

Senegal vs. Guinea

Sierra Leone vs. Gambia

The two finalists will automatically qualify for the 2025 U-20 AFCON Finals.

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.
The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, promising high-stakes action as each team vies for a chance at the championship.