Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone's head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s head coach Karim reflects on victory over Djibouti

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s 2-1 win against the Sharks of Djibouti in their match-day three 2026 World Cup qualifier in Morocco – on Wednesday.

It was his first win in the group. The victory marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s quest to secure a spot in the global tournament. However, Karim also urged his players to remember that African football is rapidly improving.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is set to continue their preparations for the upcoming match against the Les Étalons of Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali, on Monday.

Karim’s squad is set to receive a substantial boost with the acquisition of Huddersfield Town’s attacker, Josh Koroma. His arrival is poised to provide essential momentum for the team as they gear up for a challenging match against Burkina Faso.

“I was pleased with the victory as it was much-needed. However, as I’ve always said, teams in African football are rapidly improving,” Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“I understand that fans were expecting more goals from the team, but the determination from the players was evident. Djibouti proved to be a tough side, but we fought back and secured the win.

“In today’s African football landscape, there are no underdogs. Djibouti’s recent performance exemplifies this shift. As we prepare to face Burkina Faso, we recognize the need for a revised game plan, and we are committed to beginning our preparations as soon as we arrive in Mali.”

Monday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali

 

Huddersfield Town's Josh Koroma could make Sierra Leone's debut in Bamako
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma could make Sierra Leone debut in Bamako

The English League One attacking player is on the verge of making his debut with the Sierra Leone National team in Bamako, marking a significant moment in his career.

Koroma, with Sierra Leonean heritage, hails from Peckham, South London, and has been honing his football skills since the tender age of 3. His inclusion is set to provide a vital lift for coach Amidu Karim’s squad as they prepare for a challenging match against Burkina Faso.

This follows Sierra Leone’s recent victory in Group A, where they secured a win against Djibouti with notable goals from Curtis Davies and Augustus Kargbo.

Mon June 10th 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali

Background

Huddersfield Town signed forward Josh Koroma from Leyton Orient ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. Born on 9 November 1998, Josh joined the Leyton Orient Academy at 15 years old.

He made his First Team debut for Orient in April 2016 and signed his first professional contract five months later.

Koroma played a key role in Orient’s championship-winning campaign and later moved to Rotherham United on loan.

The former Leyton Orient attacker scored important goals upon his return to Huddersfield Town, securing their place in the Sky Bet Championship. With Neil Warnock’s return, re-signing Josh became a top priority for the team.

Debutant Curtis Davies nets as Sierra Leone register first win In Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies nets as Sierra Leone register first win

Curtis Davies made history as the oldest international debutant to score for a national team in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. This happened after a tense 2-1 victory against Djibouti at Stade El Abdi on Wednesday night.

The Leone Stars started the brightest as they took the lead in the 12th minute, capitalizing on their early pressure with a goal scored by 39-year-old Curtis Davies, marking his competitive national team debut.

Following a defensive blunder by coach Amidu Karim’s side, Djibouti was awarded a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Emmanuel Samadia was handballed inside his penalty area. Gabriel Dadzie stepped up to take the penalty and successfully sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The game entered a scrappy period towards the end of the first half, with neither side creating clear goal-scoring chances.

In the 51st minute of the match, the Leone Stars increased their lead when Augustus Kargbo successfully found the back of the net.

Despite this, Djibouti persisted in their efforts to score a second goal, while Sierra Leone responded by making defensive substitutions in an attempt to control the game.

Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.

Sierra Leone: Kamara, Davies, Kabia, Kakay, Alusine Koroma, Samadia, Kaikai (D Kanu 67’), Bakayoko (A Conteh 67’), Bundu (Dumbuya 79’), Alhassan Koroma (Sillah 88’), Kargbo (Michael 79’)

Djibouti: Luyima, Farada, Siad, Abdi (Omar 72’), Hamadou, Mohamed, Elabeh (Elmi 90’), Aden (Ramadan Abillahi 73’), Akinbinu, Dadzie, Abdillahi

Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.
Sierra Leone managed to maintain their lead and achieved a much-needed 2-1 victory in Morocco, confidently navigating the remaining minutes of the game.
Debut for Curtis Davies, Bakayoko, Kaikai leads the attack against Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debut for Curtis Davies as Bakayoko & Kaikai lead attack


Curtis Davies, a seasoned player who first represented the England under-21 team in 2006, is on the brink of making his official international debut for Sierra Leone, where he is expected to showcase his skills and experience as a central defender.

“If I make my international debut for the team, it will be a great honour. My father will fly out for the games, and he is as excited as I am. If I am selected, it will be a significant moment for my family,” Davies stated confidently to Football Sierra Leone a few days ago.

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, is confident about his team’s chances for today’s World Cup qualifier against Djibouti.

Forest Green striker Amadou Bakayoko and Cambridge United attacker Sullay Kaikai will lead the Leone Stars.

Augustus Kargbo, a key player in Cesena’s successful Serie B promotion campaign, and Mustapha Bundu from Plymouth Argyle are set to take the field at the El Hadija Stadium this afternoon.

Coach Karim has underlined the crucial importance of securing a victory for qualification and has spoken highly of the players’ preparedness to showcase their best performance.

Sierra Leone’s Last three Games L-L-L

Djibouti’s Last Three Games D-L-D

Wednesday – 05 June 2024

  • Sierra Leone v Djibouti (Group A) | 1600 | El Jadida, Morocco
Sierra Leone first team for Djibouti's Sharks
Sierra Leone first team for Djibouti's Sharks
Malawi referee Godfrey Nkhakananga will officiate Sierra Leone & Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malawi’s Godfrey Nkhakananga will officiate Sierra Leone & Djibouti

Malawi referee Godfrey Nkhakananga has been appointed to officiate the upcoming match between Sierra Leone and Djibouti’s Sharks at El Jadida, Morocco.

He will be supported by fellow Malawian Clemence Kanduku and Lucky Kegakologetswe from Botswana as Referee One and Referee Two, respectively, for Group A matchday three.

The match commissioner will be Sekou Konneh from Liberia, with Dintaw Keabetswe from Botswana as the fourth official and Bimbyo Patrick James from Gabon as the referee assessor.

Nkhakananga gained attention when he controversially allowed a goal for Silver Strikers against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on 23rd September 2023, despite blowing his whistle before the goal.

As a result, he received a four-month ban but returned to officiate matches in the Four Nations tournament, including a game between Kenya and Zimbabwe.