Author: Football Sierra Leone

Points shared between JS Kabyile and AS FAR in Inter Club tie
by Football Sierra Leone

Points shared between JS Kabyile and AS FAR in Inter Club tie

JS Kabylie and AS FAR finished their match with no goals on Saturday evening at the Martyr Hussein Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou.

It was a tough match in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. Aymen Mahious and Riyad Bouddebouz tried to put pressure on the Moroccan defense, but AS FAR stayed strong and organized.

AS FAR’s best chance came from Zakaria Hadraf, who faced goalkeeper Gaïa Merbah one-on-one in the 27th minute. However, Merbah made a crucial save.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams looking for chances but unable to score.

In the 55th minute, Bouddebouz took a powerful shot, but AS FAR’s goalkeeper El Khayati made another good save. The match ended without a winner. Both teams now face pressure to improve in their upcoming games to keep their chances of qualifying alive.

African Champions League resumes on Friday as Al Ahly ready for action
by Football Sierra Leone

African Champions League resumes on Friday as Al Ahly ready for action

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League kicks off with an exciting opening day on Friday, as record champions Al Ahly take on Tanzania’s Young Africans in Cairo.

Later that day, South African powerhouses Mamelodi Sundowns host Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman in Pretoria, a match expected to have a significant impact on the standings in Group C as the campaign reaches its midpoint.

The weekend also features other key matchups, including a high-stakes Group A encounter on Saturday between RS Berkane and title holders Pyramids FC.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, teams will be vying for dominance in their groups, striving to build on strong starts or reignite their hopes of qualification.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixtures (All times GMT)

Group A – Saturday, 24 January

13:00 — Power Dynamos FC (ZAM) vs Rivers United FC (NGA)

19:00 — RS Berkane (MAR) vs Pyramids FC (EGY)

Group B – Friday, 23 January

16:00 — Al Ahly SC (EGY) vs Young Africans SC (TAN)

Saturday, 24 January

16:00 — JS Kabylie (ALG) vs AS FAR Rabat (MAR)

Group C – Friday, 23 January

18:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA) vs Al Hilal Omdurman (SUD)

Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — St Éloi Lupopo (DRC) vs MC Alger (ALG)

Group D – Saturday, 24 January

16:00 — Espérance de Tunis (TUN) vs Simba SC (TAN)

Sunday, 25 January

16:00 — Stade Malien (MLI) vs Petro Atlético (ANG)

Mama Sow's on Senegal skipper Sadio Mane's last AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Mama Sow on Senegal skipper Sadio Mane’s last AFCON

A former technical director of the Senegal national team has expressed a different viewpoint from those encouraging Sadio Mané to rethink his decision to retire from international football.

Sadio Mané’s retirement discussions are gaining attention after he led Senegal’s national team, the Teranga Lions, to win their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, defeating Morocco 1-0.

Mama Sow, who was Senegal’s technical director from 2000 to 2006, has weighed in on Mané’s future with the national team.

Sow said, “I completely understand his decision. Sadio Mané has given everything to Senegal. Beyond football, he is a true patriot. If he says this is his last final, it means his body has spoken.” He believes Mané may be considering retirement due to the high demands of professional football.

Mané, a former Liverpool FC star, has announced his plans to retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June.

He hinted at his retirement before the tournament in Morocco and confirmed it after winning the title on Sunday. In an interview with beIN Sports, Mané stated, “I will try to play in the 2026 World Cup and then I will retire from international football.”

He also praised the Saudi Pro League, saying it is very competitive and one of the best leagues in the world. Mané was named the AFCON 2025 Man of the Competition, winning this award for the second time in his international career, after winning it in 2021.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Football Sierra Leone

FIFA’s Infantino condemns as CAF reviews footage of Senegal players and officials

FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal players and coaching staff following the chaotic end of the Africa Cup of Nations final.

He emphasised that violence and walk-offs have no place in football and stressed the importance of respecting match officials’ decisions.

The final, in which Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco, was marred by a disputed penalty that led to player protests and halted play.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced it would review footage of the incident and pursue disciplinary actions against those responsible for the unacceptable behaviour.

Sierra Leone's Kallum Cesay nets winner in five-goal thriller
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay nets winner in five-goal thriller

Kallum Cesay scored his fourth and the winning goal in a thrilling match, helping Salford equal points with Swindon.

Ryan Graydon nearly scored first with a header, but missed the target from Luke Garbutt’s cross. In the 24th minute, Oliver Turton scored for Salford with a header from Garbutt’s corner.

Seven minutes later, Graydon set up Kelly N’Mai in the box, who scored to make it 2-0. Swindon responded with Joel McGregor heading the ball in at the far post to cut the lead. Salford’s Jorge Grant then hit the crossbar with an inswinging corner.

Graydon missed a chance to score again when Connor Ripley made a mistake while trying to clear the ball. After halftime, Matthew Young saved a shot from Gavin Kilkenny from outside the box.

Salford made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute when Daniel Udoh passed the ball to Cesay, who scored. Aaron Drinan scored a header for Town from a cross by Fletcher Holman, giving them hope, but Salford held on to win.