Author: Football Sierra Leone

by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt Keep Faint WAFCON Qualification Hopes Alive

Following their disappointing opening loss, Egypt’s hopes in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 are precarious as they face a strong Malawi team, fresh off a 3-2 victory against 10-time champions Nigeria.

For Mohamed Kamal’s squad, bouncing back is critical; another defeat could derail their chances of reaching the quarterfinals, while Malawi can secure their spot with a consecutive win.

Mohamed Kamal: “Show the true face of Egypt

Despite the 6-0 loss to Zambia in their opener, Kamal remains calm, insisting his team is still learning. “We want to show the true face of the Egyptian team. We’ve reviewed our mistakes and need to grow through these experiences,” he explained. He respects Malawi’s talent, admitting, “They pulled off a significant upset, and we’re preparing for them with complete focus.”

Nadin Ghazi: “It would be a rebirth.

Egyptian captain Nadin Ghazi is resolute despite the defeat. “We’re even more motivated now; we want to make our nation proud,” she stated. For her, winning this match signifies a crucial turning point. “This is our opportunity. Our goal is to take all three points,” she affirmed, emphasizing the unity of her team.

Malawi stays grounded

Despite their win over Nigeria, Malawi’s coach Lovemore Fazili emphasizes the importance of staying focused. “It will be a different match,” he noted, stressing the need for seriousness in preparation. “We’re not underestimating Egypt; we know they can be a challenge.” Midfielder Leticia Chinyamula echoed this sentiment, urging others not to underestimate their potential: “Don’t judge us too quickly. We’ve already moved on from the Nigeria game and are focused on performing even better against Egypt.”

Stat of the Day

Egypt faces a Southern African nation for the fourth time, holding one win and two losses. Their last two matches against COSAFA teams ended in defeats, including a 6-0 loss to Zambia in the current tournament. Their only victory in the finals came against Zimbabwe in 2016, where they won 1-0.

Cameroon book Women's World Cup 2027 spot after win over Nigeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Manga bags a brace as Cameroon edge Mali in a highly entertaining duel

Ngah Manga scored twice to lead Cameroon to a 2-1 victory over Mali in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group D match in Casablanca on Thursday.

With this win, Cameroon improved its record against Mali to four wins and one draw in their last five encounters.

Manga opened the scoring in the 14th minute. She controlled a high pass and finished neatly to put Cameroon ahead. Mali equalised in the 30th minute when Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled Aïssata Traoré. Traoré converted the penalty, making it 1-1.

The first half saw both teams create chances but remain tied. In the 72nd minute, Cameroon regained the lead after a VAR review awarded them a penalty, which Manga converted for her second goal.

Mali pushed for another equaliser, but Cameroon defended well. The best late chance came from Mali’s Fatoumata Diarra, whose shot lacked power and was easily saved by Bihina.

This victory solidifies Cameroon’s strong history against Mali.

Cameroon is participating in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the 13th time, having played in every edition since 1998 except for the last tournament.

Next up, Cameroon will face Ghana, while Mali will hope to bounce back against Cape Verde.

Sierra Leone's Emmanuel Samadia extends Hartford contract
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia extends Hartford contract

Hartford Athletic has extended midfielder Emmanuel Samadia’s contract for two years, starting after the 2026 season.

Samadia has played in six matches as a starter this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He has also made five clearances and four takeaways on defence.

General Manager and Head Coach Brendan Burke praised Samadia for his hard work and skill. He noted that Samadia is a key player for both Hartford Athletic and the national team of Sierra Leone. Burke expressed happiness about Samadia’s continued commitment to the team as they work to keep their core group together.

Since joining Hartford two seasons ago, Samadia has recorded eight assists in 41 starts in the USL Championship. He was an important player when Hartford won the Jägermeister Cup in 2025. Samadia has been part of Sierra Leone’s national team since he was 18, starting in 2020.

Banda scores four times as Zambia Thrash Egypt, Malawi stun Nigeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Banda scores four times as Zambia Thrash Egypt, Malawi stun Nigeria

Zambia’s women’s soccer team began their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a strong 6-0 win over Egypt in Rabat. Barbra Banda starred in the match, scoring four goals, including two in just three minutes after half-time.

Rachel Nachula put Zambia ahead with a penalty in the 25th minute. Banda scored her first penalty in the 60th minute, then added another goal shortly after to make it 3-0.

She completed her hat-trick with a goal in the 87th minute. Substitute Eneless Phiri contributed Zambia’s fifth goal in stoppage time, and Banda finished the scoring in the 96th minute.

This result is a great start for Zambia as they aim for their first Women’s AFCON title.

Elsewhere, Malawi defeated Nigeria 3-2 as they produced one of the biggest shocks in TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history by beating record champions in their Group C opener on Tuesday night.

The Scorchers, playing their first match at the continental finals, stunned the 10-time champions with three second-half goals at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

by Football Sierra Leone

Striker Abu Kamara nets for Hull City in pre-season friendly

Hull City defeated Turkish side Konyaspor 3-0 in a pre-season friendly at Aluminij Sports Park. Enis Destan scored a header, there was an own goal from Konyaspor, and Abu Kamara added another goal.

Goalkeeper Jack Butland, a new signing, made a crucial save early in the match. Nathan Tinsdale, who replaced an injured player, assisted Destan’s goal at the 28-minute mark. Destan was substituted shortly after for Mason Burstow. Konyaspor almost equalised with a shot saved by Butland, and Paddy McNair blocked the rebound.

At half-time, coach Sergej Jakirović made two changes, bringing in Dillon Phillips and Ryan Giles. Giles assisted the second goal when Konyaspor’s goalkeeper deflected a cross into his own player.

City scored a third goal when Millar set up Kamara in the 73rd minute. McBurnie also scored late in the game, but the goal was disallowed for a foul.

Hull City: Butland (Phillips 46’); Drameh (Coyle 60’), McNair (Ajayi 60’), McCarthy (Egan 60’), Jacob (Giles 46’ (Okike 79’)); Zambrano (Slater 60’), Gyabi (Crooks 60’), Ömür (Tinsdale 22’ (Dowell 60’)); Kamara (Silk 75’), Destan (Burstow 32’ (McBurnie 60’)), Akintola (Millar 60’).