Author: Football Sierra Leone

Alie Conteh nets again as Inter Turku face Başakşehir in second Round
by Football Sierra Leone

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
by Football Sierra Leone

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
by Football Sierra Leone

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
by Football Sierra Leone

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
by Football Sierra Leone

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.