Author: Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco

Following a 0-0 tie after in 120 minutes of play in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout. This win confirms their place in the semifinals against Morocco.

Saving penalties from Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was crucial. Evelyn Badu’s ultimate penalty delighted players and supporters.

Ghana were more energetic, and the game was very hotly fought. Stella Nyamekye’s first-half strike was ruled out for offside, and Badu failed a vital opportunity near the end of normal time. The shootout resulted from both sides’ difficulties in generating chances.

Algeria left the competition with no goals against, whereas Ghana hopes to capture their first continental championship following three prior second-place finishes. Tuesday at 19:00 GMT marks the semifinal against Morocco.

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad

As the club tries to rebuild its team after relegation from the English Football League, Carlisle United Football Club has formally confirmed the purchase of seasoned Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi on a two-year deal.

After a brief stint at Cypriot side Anorthosis, the 30-year-old player reunites with Brunton Park, having previously spent four years in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell. Mugabi played 125 times during his time at Fir Park before leaving in the summer of 2023.

Originally from the youth academies of Fulham and Southampton, Mugabi became well-known during his time at Yeovil Town, where he played in the English Football League before relocating north of the border. He has 20 caps for the Uganda national team on the global stage.

Carlisle United’s head of recruitment, Martin Foyle, praised the defender’s profile, adding, He has a wealth of experience from Scotland, overseas, and international football; he has a great attitude that will help to raise expectations on and off the field.

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal

West Ham have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million. The 20-year-old will join the club’s preseason training camp in Germany this week.

When Slavia Prague claimed the Czech top-flight championship last season, Diouf was instrumental in their victory. Though many clubs wanted him, he selected West Ham because it fit my plan.

“I want to let the West Ham fans know I am here with them very gladly. Diouf told the club’s website, I believe we will have a great season this year.

Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. Everyone, I believe, dreams of this.”

Diouf, who can play at left back or left wingback, was a player the club had been monitoring for some time, said manager Graham Potter.

“I believe he would be a great addition to the team; he is young, hungry, and ambitious.”

At 18, Diouf left Senegal for Norway’s Tromso in February 2023, scoring three goals in 21 games. A year later, he joined Slavia Prague, where he scored on his debut.

Last season, he netted seven goals as Slavia won the championship, conceding only 18 goals in 35 games. Diouf made his Senegal debut in a Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi in September 2024 and participated in a friendly win over England in June.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa unbeaten in Women’s Cup of Nations Group stage

Having won the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa defeated Mali 4–0 to finish first in Group C and move on to the knockout stage.

Starting flawlessly, Banyana Banyana quickly assumed their power. Five minutes in, Lebohang Ramalepe set the tone for what would turn out to be a long day for the Malian defence with a composed right-footed finish into the upper right corner.

South Africa increased their advantage in the 32nd minute when Refiloe Jane whipped a remarkable free kick into the upper left corner, leaving Mali goalie Fatoumata Karentao stranded.

South Africa demonstrated their aggressive approach and midfield control in the first half with two goals.

In the second half, their enthusiasm held. With a sharp left-foot shot in the 61st minute following a nice feed from Karabo Dhlamini, Hildah Magaia scored her third goal. Ronnel Donnelly contributed yet another goal in the 79th minute after a perfect setup from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

Mali was at times threatened with actions from Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Fatou Dembele, but South Africa’s strong defence and Andile Dlamini’s critical saves kept them from scoring.

South Africa’s strength was evident in their score, their organisational structure, inventiveness, and continuous strain.

South Africa advances boldly into the knockout rounds as they seek continental triumph by coming first in Group C.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
Nigeria's Super Falcons eye win over Algeria in WAFCON Group B
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Super Falcons eye win over Algeria in WAFCON Group B

Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON- Super Falcons Target 3rd Win

The Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON showdown kicks off this Sunday at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with both teams fighting for top spots in Group B of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON – Key Battle for Group B Supremacy

The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s team, are in top form — winning 1-0 over Botswana and 3-0 against Tunisia. With these two strong performances, they sit first in the group and have already secured a place in the knockout stage. Now, they are targeting a 3rd big win to close the group on a high note.

Algeria, however, remain undefeated too. They drew 0-0 with Tunisia and beat Botswana 1-0. Sitting second in the group, the Algerian women’s team can also reach the WAFCON 2024 quarter-finals if they manage to avoid defeat against Nigeria.

The head to head record heavily favors Nigeria, who have beaten Algeria in all four of their previous meetings. Their latest clash was a friendly match in October 2024, where the Super Falcons won 4-1 underlining their dominance in this fixture.

This Group B WAFCON battle is more than just about advancing it’s about momentum, pride, and setting the tone for the knockout stage. With both sides showing defensive strength and attacking promise, Sunday’s WAFCON fixture could be a thrilling decider.