Author: Football Sierra Leone

Orlando Pirates suffer heavy CAF Champions League defeat
by Football Sierra Leone

Orlando Pirates suffer heavy CAF Champions League defeat

Orlando Pirates are staring down the barrel of an early exit from the CAF Champions League after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat of the 2025/26 second preliminary round to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Sunday.

As a result, they’ll face a daunting task as they prepare to host Saint-Éloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, aiming to overturn a three-goal deficit.

This loss ended the Buccaneers’ impressive 11-match unbeaten streak across all competitions at the hands of the Congolese side in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie.

Last season, the Pirates made an impressive run in the CAF Champions League, reaching the semi-finals under coach Jose Riveiro before being eliminated by the eventual champions, Pyramids FC.

With new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at the helm, the Buccaneers have kicked off the 2025/26 season with great success.

They cruised through the first preliminary round, sweeping aside Lioli of Lesotho with a dominant 7-0 aggregate score, and bagged their fourth consecutive MTN8 title in South Africa.

Currently, the club sits third in the Betway Premiership, having accumulated 15 points from seven matches, which includes five wins and two losses.

In the latest rankings from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), published on October 14, the club was recognised as the seventh-best team on the continent.

Sierra Leone's referee Suliaman Santio Kamara to officiate WAFU A final in Mali
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s referee Sulaiman Santio Kamara to officiate WAFU A final in Mali

Sierra Leonean referee Suliaman Santio Kamara will officiate the final match between Senegal and Mali in the U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers for Mali 2025.

This appointment comes from the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A. This eagerly awaited final is set to take place today, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 19:00 GMT in Bamako, Mali.

Kamara’s appointment to this prestigious match underscores his professionalism, consistency, and growing reputation as one of the top young referees in the subregion.

“It also underscores the confidence that CAF and WAFU have in Sierra Leonean match officials, the SLFA has said. 

The SLFA sends its heartfelt congratulations to Referee Kamara for bringing pride to the nation and wishes him the very best as he represents Sierra Leone in elite youth football across West Africa.

A recap of the WAFU A U17 qualifiers after two matches
by Football Sierra Leone

A recap of the WAFU A U17 qualifiers after two matches

Sierra Leone U17 are bottom of Group B after their opening two matches in the ongoing WAFU A qualifiers.

In an evening match at the ongoing WAFU A U-17 boys tournament in Bamako, Mali, Guinea and Senegal battled to a 1-1 draw on Thursday.

Earlier that day, Sierra Leone faced Mauritania, suffering a 2-1 defeat after their opening draw against Senegal.

After two rounds of matches, the Sierra Stars find themselves at the bottom of the group with just one point, while Guinea tops the table with four points.

Mauritania holds second place with three points, closely followed by the defending champions, Senegal, who sit in third with two points.

In Group A, Mali sits at the top after two matches and will face The Gambia today at Mamadou Stadium. Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau will go head-to-head with Liberia at Ouezzin Coulibaly Stadium. Both matches are set to kick off at 16:00 as teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals.

Only the top two teams will move on to the semi-finals at the end of the group stage.

In Group A, Mali sits at the top after two matches and will face The Gambia today at Mamadou Stadium.
In Group A, Mali sits at the top after two matches and will face The Gambia today at Mamadou Stadium.
Morocco book last eight FIFA U-20 World Cup spot after win over Korea Republic
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco book last eight U-20 World Cup spot after win over Korea Republic

Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 with a commendable 2–1 victory over the Korea Republic in Rancagua on Thursday evening.

This achievement came through goals from Yassir Zabiri and an own goal by a Korean player. As a result, the Atlas Cubs are set to face the USA in the quarter-finals on Sunday, continuing their notable performance in South America.

The match commenced with an early threat from Korea as Kim Taewon’s powerful shot was expertly cleared off the line by Ismael Baouf within the first three minutes. However, Morocco quickly responded and gained the advantage shortly thereafter. An acrobatic attempt from Yassir Zabiri, which seemed destined to miss, was unfortunately deflected into the net by Shin Minha, putting the North Africans ahead early in the contest.

Morocco demonstrated strong control in their match against Korea, utilizing disciplined defense and rapid attacks. A key moment occurred when Othmane Maamma assisted Zabiri in scoring Morocco’s second goal.

Despite Korea earning a late penalty from Kim Taewon, it only served as a consolation as Morocco won the match, advancing to the quarter-finals under coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

Post-match, Maamma praised the team’s resilience and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for future games. Notably, Morocco has now defeated an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nation in three consecutive tournament editions.

Cape Verde closs-in on first-ever World Cup qualfication
by Football Sierra Leone

Cape Verde close in on first-ever World Cup qualification

Cape Verde could rewrite their own history by reaching the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico if they can win against Eswatini next week.

Cape Verde’s admirable fightback has them two points clear at the section’s summit. Libya now need a miracle to reach the next stage of qualifying.

The Mediterranean Knights exploded out of the blocks. Fadel Mansour played a crisp one-two down the right, and his cross was turned into his own net by the outstretched leg of Pico.

The Blue Sharks responded when Telmo Arcanjo headed home Jamiro Monteiro’s devilish delivery, but Ezzeddin El Maremi stabbed home to restore the hosts’ advantage.

A spectacular, swerving free-kick from El Maremi seemingly put the contest to bed, but an error from goalkeeper Murad Alwuheeshi gave Cabo Verde hope before Willy Semedo scrambled home a leveller.

They’ll host Eswatini at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde stadium, and a win will surely see them making it to the 2026 World Cup as Group D winners.

Libya 3-3 Cabo Verde

Libya goals: Pico OG (2), El Maremi (42), Al-Shalwi (58)

Cabo Verde goals: Arcanjo (30), Lopes Cabral (76), Semedo (82)

Meanwhile,Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Madagascar and Niger claimed crucial wins in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying as Angola, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Sierra Leone were eliminated.