Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone edge Ethiopia in Group A World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone named a strong squad for FIFA Series in Azerbaijan

A total of nineteen foreign-based players have been selected for Sierra Leone’s FIFA Series matches this month, which include friendly encounters against Oman and Azerbaijan set to take place in Baku on March 27 and 30.

Notable players in the squad include Crystal Palace’s rising star Hindolo Mustapha, currently on loan to West Brom, Mustapha Bundu from German side Hannover, inform striker Daniel Kanu, who has recorded sixteen goals across thirty-eight for Walsall so far this season, Sullay Kaikai from Cambridge United, Juma Bah of Nice, and Amadou Bakayoko, who is competing in the J2 League. These strong selections highlight the promising talent available for the upcoming matches.

The upcoming friendly matches will feature an exciting group stage with host nations Azerbaijan, Sierra Leone, Oman, and Saint Lucia, delighting fans in Azerbaijan.

On March 27, Sierra Leone will take on Oman in a critical match that will decide which team moves forward to the finals. The winners of this opening clash will face off on March 30 for the championship, promising an electrifying finish to the tournament.

Meanwhile, the teams that don’t secure victory in their first matches will battle it out for third place, adding an extra layer of competition. This tournament aims to showcase emerging talents while promoting international camaraderie.

All FIFA Series 2026 matches will be broadcast worldwide, ensuring that fans from every corner of the globe can tune in and support their national teams, while also shining a spotlight on the nations involved.

The match schedule of the tournament: 

March 27

15:00. Oman vs Sierra Leone

Dalga Arena

19:00. Azerbaijan vs Saint Lucia

Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium

March 30

15:00. Third place match (losing teams)

Dalga Arena

19:00. Final (winners)

Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium

Full Squad listed

Goalkeepers

Alhaji Sesay, Francis Koroma, Mamadou Jalloh

Defenders

Abdulai Juma Bah, Abdul Jarju Kabia, Alpha Turay, Nathaniel Jalloh, Citta Bah, Sallieu Tarawalie, Emmanuel Sahr Samadia, Idris Kanu

Midfielders

Kamil Conteh, John Billi Sesay, Alhassan Koroma, Saidu Fofanah, Santigie Fornah, Hindolo Mustapha, Mustapha Bundu, Kwame Quee

Forwards

Amadou Bakayoko, Yayah Kallon, Samuel Ghandi, John Thomas Kamara, Daniel Kanu, Sullay Borbor Kaikai 

Zambia's Chipolopolo set to face Argentina in Buenos Aires
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Chipolopolo set to face Argentina in Buenos Aires

Zambia is set to face Argentina in a highly anticipated friendly match on March 31 at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires.

This encounter, part of the March FIFA international matchdays, marks the inaugural meeting between the two nations and presents the Chipolopolo with a rare opportunity to test their skills against the reigning world champions.

Coach Moses Sichone plans to use this match as a chance to evaluate his squad in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team will kick off a domestic training camp next week, before heading to Argentina, where they will concentrate on their preparation and tactical adjustments.

The invitation to play Argentina necessitated a shift in Zambia’s plans, as they had already committed to participating in the Four Nations Tournament in Botswana.

To accommodate both events, the federation opted to send a local squad to the tournament while retaining the senior national team for this historic clash in Buenos Aires.

“We received an invitation to play Argentina, and it’s an opportunity we can’t afford to miss. When the world champions come calling, you answer. It’s a clear indication of the respect Zambia has earned on the global stage,” explained a federation spokesperson. However, since this match coincides with the Four Nations Tournament, they decided it was best to send their local team to Francistown.

The federation emphasised the Four Nations Tournament as a key platform for preparing their Olympic team. “With our Olympic participation confirmed, the tournament will help refine our squad selection, including both local and international players,” a spokesperson stated.

Following the friendly against Argentina, Zambia will focus on upcoming continental competitions, particularly the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The coaching staff aims to use the March matches to fine-tune the squad and evaluate player performance against local rivals and elite international teams.

Serie C side Casertana confirm Yayah Kallon's Sierra Leone call-up
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Serie C side Casertana confirm Yayah Kallon’s Sierra Leone call-up

The Italian has said that Coach Mohamed Kallon, a legendary former striker who made his mark at Inter, Reggina, and Monaco, has invited the young talent to participate in friendly matches against Oman and Azerbaijan, scheduled to take place in Baku on March 27 and 30.

Last August, Casertana FC announced that it had secured Yayah Kallon, bringing him on board permanently from Hellas Verona. Kallon expressed his excitement about rejoining Rossoblu after a successful stint with the national team last season.

This marks a thrilling new chapter for the Sierra Leonean winger, who was born in 2001 and has previously played in Serie A with Genoa and Hellas Verona.

The upcoming friendlies will showcase a group stage featuring host nations Azerbaijan, Sierra Leone, Oman, and Saint Lucia, offering exciting matches for fans in Azerbaijan.

On March 27, Sierra Leone will face Oman in a match that will determine which team advances to the finals. The victors of the opening day will go head-to-head on March 30 for the championship, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

Meanwhile, the teams that don’t come out on top in their first matches will compete for third place, adding another layer of competition. This tournament is set to spotlight emerging talents while also fostering international camaraderie.

All FIFA Series 2026 encounters will be broadcast globally, ensuring that fans across all regions can tune in and cheer for their national teams while enjoying increased visibility for the participating nations.

The match schedule of the tournament: 

March 27

15:00. Oman vs Sierra Leone

Dalga Arena

19:00. Azerbaijan vs Saint Lucia

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium

March 30

15:00. Third place match (losing teams)

  • Dalga Arena

19:00. Final (winners)

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium
Morocco awarded as Senegal stripped off Afcon title following CAF's decision
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco awarded AFCON title as Senegal is stripped after CAF’s decision

Morocco has been declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final due to Senegal’s controversial walk-off.

In the match on January 18, Senegal initially won 1-0, but the game was disrupted when Senegal’s players refused to continue after a last-minute penalty was awarded to Morocco, which had been tied at 0-0.

After a 17-minute delay, the players returned, but Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Senegal’s Pape Gueye later scored in extra time. However, Caf has reversed the result, recording it as a 3-0 victory for Morocco instead.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced plans to appeal this decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling it “unfair” and damaging to African football.

CAF’s ruling followed an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), which cited a violation of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations, stating that a team refusing to play is deemed the loser.

The FRMF emphasised that its appeal aimed to enforce the competition’s rules, not to challenge the teams’ performances.

After the announcement, some Senegalese players took to social media to react, with Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr sharing laughing emojis. At the same time, West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf posted a celebratory image with the caption “Champions, speak up!”

During the final, with the score tied, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty following a VAR review. However, after a dispute, Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, led his team off the field. Following the delay, Senegal returned, but Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Gueye scored to secure the initial win.

Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, described Senegal’s actions as “shameful,” and Fifa president Gianni Infantino criticised the “ugly scenes.” Thiaw later acknowledged that ordering his team off the pitch was a rash decision made in the moment. Morocco parted ways with Regragui on March 5, just four months before the World Cup finals.

Osman Kakay's Košice for Slovak Cup semi-final against Tatran Presov
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay’s Košice set for Slovak Cup semi-final against Tatran Presov

Set for today's Slovak Cup semi-final against a formidable team, Sierra Leone International Osman Kakay will be looking to help his side, FC Košice, against Presov Tatran in the first leg.

The Slovnaft Cup, named after its sponsorship, is the only nationwide knockout tournament in Slovak football, where the champion of this competition earns a spot in the first round of UEFA Europa League qualification.

Kakay and his Slovak team have had a remarkable run in the tournament, reaching this stage after an impressive 4-0 win over DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda on March 4th.

Sierra Leone International joined the club in 2025 and has set eyes on his first silverware in Slovakia.

Their next opponent, Tatran Presov, poses a difficult obstacle. One of the most powerful teams in Slovakia, Slovan, brings quality and experience to create a high-stakes scenario.

Košice’s path has been driven by a growing team belief as well as solid home backing. The semi-final presents an opportunity to make a statement on the national level as well as get to the finals.

Fans should anticipate a rapid, passionate fight as both sides crave silverware. As Slovakia gets ready for a spectacular confrontation, all eyes will be on this cup “cracker.”