Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA President Babadi Kamara attends WAFU A Zonal meeting in Kinshasa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA President Babadi Kamara attends WAFU A Zonal meeting in Kinshasa

On Saturday, October 4th, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, participated in a WAFU A zonal meeting held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Chairing the gathering was CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and other football heads from West Africa. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 47th CAF General Assembly.

The gathering brought together presidents and representatives from WAFU A member associations to discuss crucial developmental priorities for football in the region. Key topics included youth competitions, the growth of infrastructure, and strategies for enhanced collaboration among member federations.

Similar to the CECAFA held Zonal meeting in Kinshasa ahead of the CAF Ordinary General Assembly.

CAF President Dr. Motsepe met with CECAFA President Alexandre Muyenge and other CECAFA leaders. He praised CECAFA for successfully hosting the TotalEnergies CHAN Competition in August. He noted that the tournament helped revive football in East Africa and improved cooperation among governments, sponsors, and fans.

Additionally, COSAFA held a meeting in Kinshasa on Friday morning to discuss football development in the region. COSAFA countries expressed their gratitude to Dr. Motsepe for providing more financial support to Zones and Member Associations. This support allows them to organize more competitions and programs.

Sierra Leone to face Senegal in U17 AFCON Qualifiers Opener in Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to face Senegal in U17 AFCON qualifying opener in Mali

Against Senegal in Group B, Sierra Leone's U17 team will start their 2025 TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying run on October 6th in Mali.

The WAFU Zone A qualifiers will take place from October 5-18, 2025. The young Stars face a tough challenge against Senegal, known for their strong youth football program and recent success.

In Group A, Mali and Liberia will officially kick off the qualifiers on Sunday, October 5th, followed by The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

Sierra Leone’s technical crew is still upbeat despite the difficult start. Head coach Mohamed Konneh will be hoping they start well to make a statement on the continental scene.

The squad consists of promising academy players and emerging local talent. The 2025 U17 AFCON finals will showcase the best young teams in Africa and serve as a qualifying event.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) prioritizes youth development, seeing this tournament as key for future national team stars.

Fans are hopeful the U17 team will proudly represent Sierra Leone as they face Senegal, followed by Mauritania and Guinea in Group B for a chance to advance.

U17 qualifying scheduled for Mali 2025
U17 qualifying scheduled for Mali 2025
South Africa thrash Caledonia in U20 World Cup to keep qualification hopes alive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa thrash Caledonia in U20 World Cup to keep qualification hopes alive

Africa U-20 champions South Africa reignited their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with an impressive 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in Rancagua.

After a tough loss in their opener against France, the Amajita bounced back in style, with Siviwe Magidigidi shining by scoring twice and winning a penalty.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Siviwe Nkwali headed in a powerful effort from a corner kick. Just nine minutes later, Magidigidi was taken down in the box, setting up Shakeel April to calmly convert the resulting penalty and double South Africa’s lead.

Right before halftime, Magidigidi added to his impressive performance with a precise finish from the edge of the area, giving Raymond Mdaka’s side a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

Seven minutes into the second half, Magidigidi found the net again, this time finishing from close range for his brace and effectively putting the game out of reach. Substitute Lazola Maku then capped off the rout with a beautifully executed strike from distance ten minutes before the final whistle.

Coach Raymond Mdaka welcomed the resounding victory but acknowledged that his team could have been even more ruthless in front of goal. “It was a challenging game as we absolutely needed to win and score goals,” Mdaka said.

“We feel we should have netted even more since we were wasteful with the chances created. While we played well defensively, we were a bit sluggish up front. We need to sharpen our tactical and positional discipline, and honestly, we could have scored nine or ten goals.”

This resounding win puts South Africa firmly back in the mix in Group E, where they are set to face the United States on Sunday in a crucial decider for a spot in the knockout stages.

Morocco stun Brazil to reach knockout stages U20 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco stun Brazil to advance in FIFA U20 World Cup

Morocco surprised another global powerhouse, defeating Brazil 2-1 to secure their advancement in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. Argentina will also progress after overcoming Australia.

Earlier that day, Cuba made a comeback from two goals down against Italy to achieve their first point in the finals, while Mexico managed to earn another last-minute draw against Spain.

Morocco secured their position at the top of Group C with an impressive victory over Brazil. In a first half with few chances, the South Americans were given a prime opportunity when Luighi seemed to be fouled by Ismael Baouf in the penalty area. However, upon review, the referee changed his call and penalised the Brazilian for diving.

Morocco gained momentum in the match and took the lead when Gessime Yassine’s long cross was converted by a spectacular scissor kick from Othmane Maamma.

The Atlas Cubs extended their lead as Yassine fought for possession in midfield and set up Yassir Zabiri, who struck confidently from the left side of the box with the outside of his foot.

Although Brazil’s captain, Iago Teodoro, scored a late penalty to reduce the deficit, the day ultimately belonged to the African team.

Sunderland's Bertrand Traoré and Brentford's Dango Ouattara will be key figures as Sierra Leone host the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a crucial clash for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Traoré & Dango Ouattara named in Burkina Faso’s squad for Sierra Leone & Ethiopia

Sunderland's Bertrand Traoré and Brentford's Dango Ouattara will be key figures as Sierra Leone host the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a crucial clash for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

On Wednesday, October 8th, in the capital city of Liberia, both teams are poised to secure crucial points in their pursuit of qualification for the esteemed tournament.

This match is anticipated to be a thrilling contest, as both nations strive to strengthen their positions within Group A of the African qualifiers.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso will face a stiff contest despite being the favourites in the favorites. However, they are fully aware of the challenge posed by a resilient Sierra Leone side.

Burkina Faso will heavily rely on their seasoned players, including top talents from European clubs such as Sunderland’s Bertrand Traoré, Brentford’s Dango Ouattara, Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen and Issa Kaboré on loan at Wrexham, to put on a strong show in front of their home supporters.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone is looking to pull off an upset after the 2-2 draw in June 2024 with striker Amadou Bakayoko’s equaliser in the 87th minute.

Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.
Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.