Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone up two places from 124 to 122 in latest FIFA rankings after September's International break. 34 in Africa!!!
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone move up two places in latest Fifa ranking

Sierra Leone has climbed to 122nd place in the latest FIFA world rankings, which were released on Thursday morning.

The Leone Stars improved their standing by 10.6 points compared to the rankings from July, bringing their total to 1150.01 points and surpassing Malaysia, Azerbaijan, and Zimbabwe in the process.

Sierra Leone’s move comes after recent results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they played to 1-1 in Guinea-Bissau and a 2-0 win over Ethiopia.

Currently, they are third in Group A of the World Cup qualifiers, aiming for a place in the playoff, although the possibilities are very slim.

On the African continent, Sierra Leone sits in 34th place, trailing The Gambia at 30th, Sudan at 31, Niger at 32, and Togo at 33 standings.

Morocco continues to sit atop the African and Arab rankings, followed by Senegal in 18th, Egypt in 35th, and Algeria in 38th.

Spain is in first place, followed by France, which has moved up to second position, just behind the Spaniards.

The French team triumphed over Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1), with Kylian Mbappé surpassing Thierry Henry to become the second-highest scorer in the history of the national team, now with 52 goals.

In the remainder of the Top 10, England (4th), Netherlands (7th), and Belgium (8th) maintained their rankings. Croatia (9th) and Italy (10th) each improved by one spot, securing a place in the elite segment of the ranking.

Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

A total of USD 355 million has been allocated for club football, representing a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous edition. This funding is part of the renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association.

More clubs than ever are set to benefit from the FIFA World Cup™, as FIFA gears up to implement an enhanced edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 edition of its flagship men’s competition.

As per the renewed memorandum of understanding signed by FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) in March 2023, clubs who release players for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will benefit from USD 355 million overall.

For the first time since its inception, the CBP distribution principles have been adjusted to now allow every club whose players directly feature either in the FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers or the final tournament to receive a share of the solidarity fund.  

This new approach means that any club that releases a player for a FIFA World Cup 26 qualifier will now be directly compensated for said release, irrespective of whether the player plays at the final tournament, an additional step to increase solidarity aimed at providing a fairer and more inclusive redistribution across global club football.

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal

Sierra Leone's U17 girls made a significant impact by defeating Senegal 2-1 in their opening match of the WAFU CAF qualifiers held in the Liberian capital on Wednesday.

Marian Sankoh opened the scoring with a brilliant long-range strike in the 20th minute, giving Sierra Leone an early lead. However, Senegal responded, equalising in the 61st minute thanks to a goal from Ndeye Haby Barro.

As both teams fought hard for a winner, it was Sierra Leone’s Mareray Turay who ultimately made the difference. In the 78th minute, she headed home a well-placed pass from the left wing, beating the Senegalese goalkeeper and sealing the victory for her team.

Woman of the Match Game 1: Marian Sankoh and the victory have placed Sierra Leone in an advantageous position as they prepare to take on the host nation, Liberia, this Friday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Sierra Leone is scheduled to play against Liberia on Friday, September 19. Following this match, they will face Senegal on September 23 and conclude their campaign with another match against Liberia on September 25.

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
On Wednesday, Sierra Leone and Senegal before their opening action at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
On Wednesday, Sierra Leone and Senegal before their opening action at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
Sierra Leone and Senegal players battled for the ball on Wednesday
Sierra Leone and Senegal players battled for the ball on Wednesday
Jaze Kabia helps Grimsby Town to Carabao Cup fourth round
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jaze Kabia helps Grimsby Town to Carabao Cup fourth round

Jaze Kabia scored the winner as Grimsby Town, who knocked out Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, secured a deserved win against struggling Sheffield Wednesday to reach the fourth round.

Grimsby performed better in the first half and eventually took the lead shortly after the interval when Sierra Leonean native Jaze Kabia scored with a header from Reece Staunton’s corner kick. (Photo Grimsby Town)

Afterwards, the visitors created further chances to extend their lead, but a single goal was sufficient against a Wednesday side that made 10 alterations following their Championship loss to Bristol City on Saturday.

This marks Grimsby’s return to the fourth round for the first time since the 2001-02 season.

The struggling home team had only managed two wins this season, both achieved on penalties against Bolton and Leeds in this competition, but they failed to find an equaliser to take the match to penalties, with visiting keeper Christy Pym not being called into action for a single save.

Grimsby brought around 6,000 fans from Lincolnshire to South Yorkshire and started brightly against a largely inexperienced Wednesday team.

Kabia scored with a header just four minutes into the second half, helping Grimsby take the lead after a strong first half against Henrik Pedersen’s team.

Despite chances for Jamie Walker and Charles Vernam, Wednesday struggled to respond. Grimsby now awaits a favourable draw for the tournament’s last 16 next Wednesday, while the Owls turn their attention to seeking their first Championship win of the season against Portsmouth on Saturday, with the Mariners facing Barnet in League Two.

Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has reiterated Morocco's readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.

In a beIN Sports interview, he stated that the country’s preparations stem from years of planning and investment, rather than hurried efforts at the last minute.

He acknowledged the vision of King Mohammed VI, whose reforms over the past twenty years have focused on developing world-class sports infrastructure and cultivating football talent across the nation. “Thanks to His Majesty’s long-term vision, Morocco is poised to deliver a benchmark event that will set a high standard for future AFCON tournaments,” Lekjaa remarked.

The 2025 AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will take place across six cities in Morocco, each featuring newly constructed or completely renovated stadiums that rank among the most modern in Africa.

In addition to state-of-the-art venues, the country has bolstered its logistics, security, and hospitality services to meet global expectations.

Lekjaa emphasised that Morocco envisions this tournament as more than just a sporting event, viewing it as a celebration of African unity and solidarity. He noted, “This isn’t just about football; it’s a chance to showcase brotherhood across Africa.”

The North African country aims to combine its excellent infrastructure and hospitality to elevate continental competitions. For Lekjaa, the 2025 AFCON will highlight Morocco’s growing status as a global sports destination and honour the traditions that make the tournament a beloved African event.