Author: Football Sierra Leone

Banda scores four times as Zambia Thrash Egypt, Malawi stun Nigeria

Banda scores four times as Zambia Thrash Egypt, Malawi stun Nigeria

Zambia’s women’s soccer team began their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a strong 6-0 win over Egypt in Rabat. Barbra Banda starred in the match, scoring four goals, including two in just three minutes after half-time.

Rachel Nachula put Zambia ahead with a penalty in the 25th minute. Banda scored her first penalty in the 60th minute, then added another goal shortly after to make it 3-0.

She completed her hat-trick with a goal in the 87th minute. Substitute Eneless Phiri contributed Zambia’s fifth goal in stoppage time, and Banda finished the scoring in the 96th minute.

This result is a great start for Zambia as they aim for their first Women’s AFCON title.

Elsewhere, Malawi defeated Nigeria 3-2 as they produced one of the biggest shocks in TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history by beating record champions in their Group C opener on Tuesday night.

The Scorchers, playing their first match at the continental finals, stunned the 10-time champions with three second-half goals at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

Striker Abu Kamara nets for Hull City in pre-season friendly

Hull City defeated Turkish side Konyaspor 3-0 in a pre-season friendly at Aluminij Sports Park. Enis Destan scored a header, there was an own goal from Konyaspor, and Abu Kamara added another goal.

Goalkeeper Jack Butland, a new signing, made a crucial save early in the match. Nathan Tinsdale, who replaced an injured player, assisted Destan’s goal at the 28-minute mark. Destan was substituted shortly after for Mason Burstow. Konyaspor almost equalised with a shot saved by Butland, and Paddy McNair blocked the rebound.

At half-time, coach Sergej Jakirović made two changes, bringing in Dillon Phillips and Ryan Giles. Giles assisted the second goal when Konyaspor’s goalkeeper deflected a cross into his own player.

City scored a third goal when Millar set up Kamara in the 73rd minute. McBurnie also scored late in the game, but the goal was disallowed for a foul.

Hull City: Butland (Phillips 46’); Drameh (Coyle 60’), McNair (Ajayi 60’), McCarthy (Egan 60’), Jacob (Giles 46’ (Okike 79’)); Zambrano (Slater 60’), Gyabi (Crooks 60’), Ömür (Tinsdale 22’ (Dowell 60’)); Kamara (Silk 75’), Destan (Burstow 32’ (McBurnie 60’)), Akintola (Millar 60’).

Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu delighted after Ipswich Town move

Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu has expressed delight after he signed for Ipswich Town from Leicester City ahead of the new season. Fatawu, 22, joined Town for an undisclosed fee and signed a five-year contract running until 2031.

Abdul made an impression at the FIFA World Cup this summer, participating in all four of Ghana’s matches, including one against England, and has a total of 32 caps with three goals for his country.

His career includes Champions League experience with Sporting in Portugal and a successful spell at Leicester, where he netted nine goals in 44 appearances last season. Abdul will join his new teammates at a training camp in La Manga, Spain, this week.

“I’m proud to be with Ipswich Town,” Abdul said. “The club’s ambition is exciting, and I’m eager to contribute to our Premier League preparations. After speaking with the manager, Gary O’Neil, I understand the expectations and can’t wait to meet my teammates and start working. The supporters are incredibly passionate, and I’m excited to play for them.”

Manager Gary O’Neil expressed enthusiasm about the signing, noting, “Abdul is a young player with good experience. He has strong physical and technical qualities, is comfortable on the ball, and can excel in one-on-one situations.”

Born in Tamale, Ghana, Abdul began with Steadfast before moving to Dreams FC in the Ghanaian Premier Division in 2021. His performances earned him a transfer to Sporting, followed by a loan to Leicester, where he contributed to their Championship victory and promotion to the Premier League, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

In international play, he was named Player of the Tournament during the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in March 2021 and made his senior debut later that year. He represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and recently played in all four matches in North America.

Alie Conteh nets again as Inter Turku face Başakşehir in second Round

Alie Conteh nets again as Inter Turku face Başakşehir in second Round

Having played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Sierra Leone International Alie Conteh scored in the opening 7 minutes. The forward was again on target as he played a pivotal role in FC Inter Turku’s 2–1 victory over FK Sarajevo, which secured their advancement to the next stage of the UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign.

FC Inter Turku will face Turkish side Başakşehir Fatih Terim in Istanbul next week in the second round of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

Conteh’s 58th-minute decisive goal came at a crucial moment in the match, proving his qualities and determination as he helped the Finnish side navigate a challenging two-legged tie against their Bosnian opponents.

The Europeans continue next week!

The Conference League qualifiers continue next week against Turkish side Başakşehir.

The first leg will be played in Istanbul on Wednesday, July 22, at 8:45 PM, and the second leg will be played a week later in Turku.

FC Inter – Başakşehir FK (2nd leg) Thursday 30 July at 19:00 at Veritas Stadium

Sulaiman Kargbo's last-gasp header inspires Lions to Orange FA Cup victory

Sulaiman Kargbo’s last-gasp header inspires Lions to Orange FA Cup victory

Sulaiman Kargbo’s last-minute header proved to be the difference in a close 1-0 victory over Mighty Blackpool FC at the Southern Arena in Bo City on Saturday. East End Lions claimed the 2026 Orange FA Cup.

Kargbo’s goal came in the 89th minute after continuous pressure from Mighty Blackpool, but it was Lions who nicked the victory from a corner kick. 

East End Lions Chairman Anthony Junior Navo acknowledged the team’s work. “On behalf of the Executive, Technical Team, Players, and the whole East End Lions family, I extend congratulations to everyone linked with this great club for our historic FA Cup triumph over Mighty Blackpool.

This win demonstrates the tenacity, discipline, and effort our team showed throughout the tournament. Our players and coaching staff deserve great praise for their hard work in bringing this honoured award back to Freetown.

Special gratitude to Sulaiman S. Kargbo (SS) for the goal-winning FA Cup title and qualifying East End Lions for the CAF tournament football. This success proves our team’s drive and might.”

As a result of this triumph, Lions is expected to represent Sierra Leone in the second-tier CAF Interclub competition – The CAF Confederation Cup. 

Schalke 04 among European clubs interested in Liberia captain Oscar Dorley

Schalke 04 among European clubs interested in Liberia captain Oscar Dorley

Liberian International Oscar Murphy Dorley has once again been headlining the news as top European clubs are eyeing his signature.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who is currently part of Liberia’s Lone Star International friendlies against Sierra Leone, could be on a new roster once again. Spanish giants Deportivo Alavés and Deportivo La Coruña, as well as German clubs Schalke 04 and FC Augsburg, have been linked with Oscar.

The links keep coming for him just before the European summer transfer window opens. The midfielder, who has become one of the most dependable Africans in central Europe while playing for SK Slavia Prague has won several Czech league titles with his club and is a regular participant in UEFA club competitions.

For teams seeking experience and leadership, Oscar is a great choice, as he can play several positions, including central midfielder, defensive midfielder, left midfielder, and even left-back.

Currently under contract with Slavia Prague until June 2027, Oscar, Liberia’s best football talent, is among the highest-rated players in the Czech league. Insiders, however, point to his contract status and the team’s ambitions that may lead to a trade.

Oscar is a desirable prospect for teams looking for seasoned foreign players given over 50 appearances for Liberia and a strong European career.

Focused right now on his international obligations and the next season, he has drawn interest from teams in Spain and Germany. No official offers or contracts have been verified as of yet.

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two year Gambia deal

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two-year Gambia deal

Jonathan McKinstry has penned a two-year contract extension as head coach of the Gambia senior national team beginning June 1st, 2026.  The Ministry of Sports made the announcement early Wednesday morning.

McKinstry was appointed head coach of the Scorpions in January of 2024, replacing the great Tom Saintfeit.  In his tenure as coach, McKinstry has led the team in 20 matches, winning 7, drawing 5, and losing 8.

The Northern Irish technician has been contracted to lead the Gambia national team until the end of 2028. Both the Ministry of Sports and GFF sources have confirmed that the contract was agreed upon last week and is awaiting signature from all necessary parties, including McKinstry himself.

McKinstry will look to qualify the GAM for a third AFCON finals beginning in September. Gambia was placed into Group C with the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Somalia.

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana's draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana’s draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Ghana and Wales drew 1-1 in their first-ever matchup on Tuesday at the Cardiff City Stadium. It was Carlos Queiroz’s first game in charge of the Black Stars.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored for Ghana in the second half to take the lead, but Lewis Koumas scored a header in the third minute of stoppage time to level things up for Wales.

Wales dominated early on in the game and had opportunities to score first but Lawrence Ati- Zigi made two crucial saves to deny Daniel James. After the early pressure from Wales died down, Ghana started to find opportunities to score.

Jordan Ayew had a chance to score after keeper Karl Darlow fumbled the ball, but Darlow saved Ayew’s shot. Marvin Senaya also shot towards goal, and his volley deflected off a player and forced Darlow to make a diving save.

Late into the first half, Thomas Partey went into a tackle, and the Welsh bench protested for a second yellow. However, instead of getting yellow-carded, he was only warned by the referee.

Queiroz made four substitutions at half-time which saw Kwasi Sibo, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. The subs gave Ghana a spark forward as they soon created chances. Yirenkyi scored from a team effort after his first shot hit the crossbar, but he was there to tap in the rebound.

Ghana looked like the winners, but the late goal from Wales silenced the stadium. Neco Williams crossed a ball to the back post where Koumas timed his run perfectly and scored his header goal.

Queiroz gave his reaction to the game. He says the team needs to work on some decision making and team chemistry, but praised them for how far they got in a short time of training. He says the players executed the game plan he provided them, but most notably spoke about Yirenkyi, who he says is a player for the future.

Ghana will remain in Cardiff to train today before departing for the United States for another friendly before their opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

IF Elfsborg confirm Momoh Kamara's Sierra Leone call-up

IF Elfsborg confirm Momoh Kamara’s Sierra Leone call-up

Swedish club IF Elfsborg has confirmed that attacker Momoh Kamara has been invited for Sierra Leone International friendlies against Liberia this month.

The Leone Stars are scheduled for July 6 and July 9 at the Southern Arena in Bo, followed by a return leg in Liberia against the Lone Star.

Matches are part of Sierra Leone’s preparation ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in the race to East Africa, where they will face tough competition from teams like DR Congo, Zimbabwe, and Equatorial Guinea.

The qualification process kicks off in September 2026 and will continue through March 2027. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set the dates for the next Africa Cup of Nations from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

This tournament, branded “PAMOJA 2027,” meaning “together,” will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – marking the first time that AFCON will be held across three nations.

The recent announcement of the tournament dates has been approved by the FIFA Council, although the venues for the opening match and the final are yet to be revealed by CAF.

Mohamed Salah and Marmoush headline Egypt's preliminary World Cup picks

Mohamed Salah and Marmoush headline Egypt’s preliminary World Cup picks

Stars Salah, Marmoush and El Shenawy are among a 27-strong FIFA World Cup preliminary squad named by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan.

Ahead of the nation’s final training camp this month, the Egyptian Football Association has announced a preliminary 27-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Head coach Hossam Hassan’s selection is highlighted by a core group of ever-present stars, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Trezeguet and Nice’s Mohamed Abdelmonem.

The squad also contained some surprises, most notably the absence of Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed, as well as the omission of Zamalek players Mohamed Shehata and Nasser Mansi

Egypt’s preliminary World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers

Mohamed Alaa Mohamed El Shenawy Mostafa Shobeir El Mahdy Soliman

Defenders

Hossam Abdelmagid Mohamed Abdelmonem Tarek Alaa Ahmed Fatouh Karim Hafez Mohamed Hany Yasser Ibrahim Rami Rabia

Midfielders

Emam Ashour Marwan Attia Nabil Emad Hamdi Fathi Haitham Hassan Mohannad Lashin Mahmoud Saber Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” Mostafa Zico Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”

Forwards

Aqtay Abdullah Hamza Abdulkarim Ibrahim Adel Omar Marmoush Mohamed Salah

All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following the submission by participating teams, on June 2.

Five debutants in line to feature for the Pharaohs

While all the nation’s big names are present in Egypt’s preliminary list, coach Hossam Hassan has also named five potential debutants among his selection, including highly-rated teenage forward Hamza Abdelkareem, who is on loan at Barcelona B, as well as ENPPI forward ​​Aqtay Abdullah.

The squad, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, will play a pair of warm-up matches against Russia on May 28th and then Brazil a week later.

Egypt’s World Cup 2026 fixtures and group