Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle's contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali Fédération part ways with coach Eric Sékou Chelle

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s contract.

In a statement reported on national television, no reason was given for the decision. The sacking occurred days after Mali were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

The decision was unanimously made by the Executive Committee in an extraordinary session, with the approval of the relevant authorities on Thursday.

Mali suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Ghana at the Stade du Mars in Bamako last week before drawing with a ten-man Madagascar on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Malian Eagles face a tough challenge in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently have just five points after four matches.

FEMAFOOT has expressed its gratitude to Sekou Chelle for his leadership of the national team and has also thanked the Department of Sports for their ongoing support.

Malian football is entering a new chapter as the federation seeks a new coach. Mali is among several African nations making changes to their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

A Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.

This victory gave the Southern Province side an insurmountable fifteen-point lead over their closest rivals, Bhantal FC.

Since 2019, they made history as the first team from outside the capital city of Freetown to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League three consecutive times.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to claim a league-and-cup double when they face East End Lions in the FA Cup final, pending a decision on the date by the authorities.

Suffian Kalokoh and Kwame Mketiah each scored a goal, giving Bo Rangers a two-goal lead before Wusum’s Paul Jackson Kama netted one back in the 72nd minute. Despite this, Bo Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and secure maximum points.

Coach John Keister reflected on the success, expressing his pride in being a title-winning coach once again.

He acknowledged the challenges of leading a club that had previously won the title twice, but he emphasized the collective pride in their achievements. Keister also shared his personal satisfaction in accomplishing this for the people of Bo City.

Bo Rangers have now secured their third title since the revamp of the Sierra Leone top tier in 2019, with Keister securing his second title in the same period.

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead

Morocco secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Congo at Stade Adrar during their third match of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening.

The North Africans dominated Congo in their third World Cup qualifier, winning 6-0. Azzedine Ounahi and Chadi Riad scored early goals, while Ayoub El Kaabi completed a hat trick. This victory keeps Morocco at the top of Group E standings with nine points, while Tanzania is in second place with six points.

In Tuesday’s early Kickoff, there were several noteworthy events unfolding – Sudan secured a top position in Group B with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan, with ten points from four games, overtaking Senegal. Meanwhile, South Sudan remains firmly at the bottom with just two points.

In Group F, Kenya and African champions Cote d’Ivoire played to a goalless draw. Cote d’Ivoire maintains their lead with ten points. Kenya moved up to third place with five points.

In the Group G encounter, Mauritius secured a 2-1 victory over Eswatini. This win places Mauritius in fifth place in the group with four points, while Eswatini remains at the bottom, still in search of their first point in the campaign.

The competition for the World Cup berths is intensifying as hopes of historic qualification are ignited among several team.

In Group I, Madagascar and Mali drew 0-0. Madagascar’s Louis Démoléon received a red card early on, leaving his team with ten men for over 70 minutes. Madagascar earned a valuable point, moving them to second place with seven points, while Mali is in fourth place with five points.

Peterborough has confirmed the signing of former Welling United striker David Kamara on a two-year contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Peterborough sign Sierra Leone’s David Kamara on a two-year deal

Peterborough United has officially signed former Welling United striker David Kamara to a two-year contract.

Kamara expressed excitement about joining Posh, thanking the coaches for their support. “I felt comfortable from the start and am eager to return for pre-season to make a good impression.”

Kamara, who is 18 years old, is set to join the Under 21s squad after impressing during a trial period at the club.

He originally came to the attention of Peterborough United through their Academy Head of Recruitment, Sam Gaughran.

Kamara had been scouted multiple times while playing for Welling United and was considered one of the top prospects in non-league football.

Posh Academy Manager Dan Robinson praised Kamara’s qualities, noting, “David’s attributes align with what we are after in our forward players. He is quick, strong, and athletic, with the ability to finish and play across the front three. We look forward to working with him.”

Striker Amadou Bakayoko rescues against Burkina Faso in Bamako
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko rescues Sierra Leone against Burkina Faso

Striker Amadou Bakayoko’s fantastic goal saved a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. He came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

Burkina Faso had a strong start, with Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, making a couple of good saves. The Stallions also hit the post through their top striker, Lassina Traoré.

But a strong show from the Leone Stars saw Burkina Faso lose a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali on Monday.

The Leone Stars were under pressure from the start and conceded in the 42nd minute when Dango Ouattara beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara to make it 1-0 to Burkina Faso after being set up by Stephane Aziz Ki.

The Stallions maintained their momentum after scoring the opening goal and extended their lead through Lassina Traore in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a penalty. Burkina Faso led 2-0 at the break.

Despite this, the visitors managed to score against the run of play in the 58th minute when Augustus Kargbo found the net, narrowing the score to 2-1.

The Comeback

In a strategic move, Coach Amidu Karim introduced Amadou Bakayoko with four minutes left, and the 28-year-old proved to be an inspired substitute by scoring in the 88th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place as Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Looking ahead, the Stallions will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while the Leone Stars will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Burkina Faso (2) 2 (Ouattara 41′, L. Traore 45’+2)

Sierra Leone (0) 2 (Kargbo 58′, Bakayoko 88′)

Burkina Faso: Nikiema, Tapsoba, Nagalo, Yago, Ouedraogo, Banse, Ki (Sampore 69′), Badolo (Toure 89′), Bande (H. Traore 80′), Ouattara (Bouda 88′), L. Traore (Konate 69′).

Sierra Leone: M. N Kamara, Kakay, Samadia (R Michael 86′), Kabia, Davies, Dumbuya (Conteh 69′), Alhassa Koroma, Alh Koroma, Kanu (Bakayoko 86′), Kaikai (Bundu 69′), Kargbo (J. Koroma 78′).