Author: Football Sierra Leone

CAF holds Women's Media Officers Workshop in Rabat, Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF holds Women’s Media Officers Workshop in Rabat, Morocco

The first CAF Women’s Media Officers Workshop has started in Rabat, Morocco, with twenty participants, mostly women from various African regions. (By Marie Esther Samura, Participant )

The workshop, themed “Her Path: Born Winner,” aims to help media officers improve their skills in media operations and communication strategies, supporting CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s goal of increasing women’s representation in African football.

The first day, May 13th, featured an introduction to the CAF Future Media Officers Program by Mr. Luxolo September, who highlighted advancements in CAF’s media operations since 2021 and emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and empowering women in the field.

CAF Media Manager Charlotte Eyoum discussed the CAF Women’s Football Events and Opportunities Program, noting successful training sessions that have increased visibility for women media officers and connected them with experienced professionals.

Media Consultant Christophe Kukawka covered media facility planning in stadiums and the importance of staffing and training. He also introduced the New Media Mixed Zone concept and provided an overview of press operations.

Sheriff Hassan, CAF’s Head of Digital and Marketing, spoke about the federation’s digital platform, highlighting improvements in the production and global distribution of football content.

The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring women journalists and football administrators, focusing on the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah wins Football Writers' Award
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah wins Football Writers’ Award

Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has won the Football Writers’ Association award for the best men’s  player of the season.

Salah scored 28 goals and assisted 18 times to help Liverpool win the Premier League title. He set a record for the most goal contributions in a single 38-game Premier League season.

Salah also scored three goals and assisted four times as Liverpool reached the last 16 of the Champions League. Last month, the 32-year-old signed a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield until 2027.

Salah received 90% of the votes from over 900 FWA members, the largest margin of victory this century.

His Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk came second, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was third, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice finished fourth. Salah is now one of only two players, along with Thierry Henry, to win this award three times.

Noah Makanza's brace helps DRC's U20 Improve qualification chances
by Football Sierra Leone

Noah Makanza’s brace helps DRC’s U20 Improve qualification chances

DR Congo won 3-1 against the Central African Republic (CAR) in Group C of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. This victory helps DR Congo’s chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Noah Makanza scored two goals, and Samuel Ntanda added a late header to secure the win at the New Suez Stadium. With this result, DR Congo now has four points after an opening 1-1 draw with Ghana.

CAR took an early lead with a goal from Raphael Nzabakomada in the 10th minute. However, DR Congo quickly responded. After missing a first-half penalty, Makanza scored to equalize just minutes later, finishing the first half at 1-1.

DR Congo started the second half strong and took the lead five minutes in when Makanza scored his second goal with a close-range shot. Ntanda then closed the match with a goal in the 59th minute, heading in a cross from Messy Manitu after a fast counterattack.

Coach Guy Bukasa had told his team to stay focused and play aggressively to beat a strong team like CAR. The players listened well and played with discipline.

In the final minutes, CAR tried to come back with several shots, but they could not get past DR Congo’s defense. This result leaves CAR with only one point after two matches, having drawn with Senegal in their first game. Their chances of moving forward now depend on their last group match.

DR Congo, however, is in a good position as they prepare for their next match against the defending champions Senegal. The Congolese team remains unbeaten in the tournament and showed better teamwork, taking more shots on target and winning more duels during the game.

Later, Senegal faced Ghana in another important match in Group C.

Star Sport Academy Management Pleased with Cita Bah's Progress
by Football Sierra Leone

Star Sport Academy Management Pleased with Cita Bah’s Progress

Sierra Leone’s Star Sport Academy’s management has said they are happy with Cita Bah, their left back, who has been a critical performer this season.

Thanks to his outstanding showings in the Leone Rock Premier League, Bah, 18, was a member of the Sierra Leone national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt.

Coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute to replace SS Bah, he made his first international appearance with the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone U20 side during their 4-1 triumph over Egypt at the Suez Canal Stadium.

“As a club, we want to express our delight in Cita Bah’s development, and we hope he continues to progress,” said Alpha Fawundu, Secretary General of the club.

Bah was with FDC Vista in Russia before switching to FC Vans in Armenia before this season.

Bah was with FDC Vista in Russia before switching to FC Vans in Armenia prior to this season
Bah was with FDC Vista in Russia before switching to FC Vans in Armenia prior to this season
Mustapha Bundu's Plymouth Argyle relegation to League One Confirmed
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu’s Plymouth Argyle relegation to League One Confirmed

Sierra Leone International Mustapha Bundu’s Plymouth Argyle has been relegated following their 2-1 defeat to Leeds on Saturday at the Home Park Stadium.

Manor Solomon’s stoppage-time goal gave Leeds United a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle, securing the Championship title as Plymouth faced relegation. With Burnley winning 3-1 against Millwall, Leeds claimed the title on goal difference after being promoted to the Premier League last month.

Plymouth took the lead when Mustapha Bundu’s shot hit the post and deflected in off Sam Byram. Leeds struggled against a strong Plymouth team until Willy Gnonto equalized from a low cross by Solomon early in the second half.

Leeds had a goal by Joel Piroe disallowed for offside, although they pushed for a winner. Just as it seemed Leeds would finish second, Solomon scored a low shot into the corner, sparking celebrations among the fans.

Leeds started well, with Byram, Ao Tanaka, and Willy Gnonto missing chances before halftime. In the second half, Piroe again missed a chance, and Byram’s header went wide.

With Burnley winning, Farke sent on Patrick Bamford and Largie Ramazani to find the title-winning goal. Just when defeat seemed likely, Solomon broke into the box and scored, sending the away fans into a frenzy.