Author: Football Sierra Leone

Mali book U17 AFCON semis spot with victory over Tunisia
by Football Sierra Leone

Mali book U17 AFCON semi-final spot with victory over Tunisia

Mali secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Tunisia in an intense 10-9 penalty shootout after finishing 1-1 in regulation time on Friday evening at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida.  

The fiercely contested match saw both teams give it their all, but it was Mali who remained composed during the penalties to earn their place in the final four of the continental tournament.  

Seydou Dembélé put Mali ahead in the 42nd minute, expertly finishing a well-coordinated move with a precise strike into the top corner.  

The West African side controlled much of the first half, applying high pressure and generating numerous opportunities through Dembélé and Soumaila Fané.  

Tunisia emerged stronger after halftime and eventually got their reward in the 79th minute when Anisse Saidi hit a powerful low shot from distance to equalize for the North Africans.  

With the match tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation, it went directly to a penalty shootout to establish the winner.  

The shootout became a lengthy ordeal, as both sides confidently converted pressure-laden penalties in an impressive demonstration of poise.  

After 19 successful attempts, Tunisia’s Slim Bouaskar had his penalty blocked by Mali’s goalkeeper, Cheick Diarra, who then scored to send Mali into the semi-finals, sparking celebrations.  

Mali’s progression highlights their strong U-17 AFCON history as they prepare to face Burkina Faso, aiming for their third title after wins in 2015 and 2017.  

Tunisia exits the tournament proudly after a commendable challenge against one of Africa’s top youth teams.

Ivory Coast through to U17 Cup of Nations semis after defeating Senega
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivory Coast through to U17 Cup of Nations semis after defeating Senegal

Ivory Coast won 5-3 on penalties after playing to a goalless draw against defending Champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

The match was intense and tactical, with Cote d’Ivoire defeating the defending champions. Both teams played carefully and did not show their usual fast-passing style.

Key players like Alynho Haidara from Cote d’Ivoire and Barhama Ndiaye from Senegal were quiet for most of the game. In the second half, both teams tried harder to score.

In the 87th minute, Vaboue Doumbia had an excellent opportunity to score, but his low cross nearly went in with the goalkeeper out of position. Senegal almost won at the end when substitute Ibrahima Sow’s close-range shot was cleared off the line.

With the score at 0-0, the match went to penalties. Cote d’Ivoire won 5-3 in the shootout.

Ziyad Baha nets twice as Morocco beat South Africa in U17 AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Ziyad Baha nets twice as Morocco beat South Africa in U17 AFCON

Morocco advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating South Africa 3-1 on Thursday in Mohammedia.

Playing in front of a supportive home crowd at Stade El Bachir, Morocco took control early, with Ismail El Aoud scoring in the 13th minute.

South Africa fought back and equalized with Neo Bohloko’s header in the 54th minute but Morocco quickly regained the lead. Ziyad Baha scored twice, first in the 61st minute and then a minute later, securing the win.

Morocco defended well throughout the match, with goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch making key saves to maintain their advantage.

This victory confirmed Morocco’s spot in the semi-finals, joining Burkina Faso, who beat Zambia 6-1 earlier in the day. Morocco’s strong attacking and defensive play makes them a top contender for the U-17 AFCON title.

Al Ahly, Esperance, Sundowns all set for Intriguing second leg CAF Champions League ties
by Football Sierra Leone

Al Ahly, Esperance, Sundowns all set for Intriguing second leg CAF Champions League ties

The CAF Champions League semi-finals are on the line Tuesday as four teams look to overcome deficits, while others aim to protect slim leads in quarter-finals are entering a critical phase with second-leg matchups set to determine who advances to the final four of Africa’s top club tournament.

Sundowns up against tough Esperance

Mamelodi Sundowns heads into a challenging match against Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis with a narrow 1-0 lead. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s squad needs to stay firm to avoid last season’s semi-final disappointments.

Key players include Namibian forward Peter Shalulile and Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro. Sundowns will rely on their experience against a determined Esperance team aiming for their fifth Champions League title.

Under coach Maher Kanzari, they seek to turn the deficit around, with star player Youcef Belaïli expected to lead their attack. The Tunisian crowd will be a crucial motivator as Esperance looks to make a comeback.

MC Alger seeks revenge against Orlando Pirates

MC Alger faces a tough challenge after losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the opening match in Algiers. The return leg in South Africa presents a significant test for the Algerians, who now must produce a strong away performance to remain in the competition.

Coach José Riveiro’s Pirates are the favorites for the second leg in Johannesburg.

The Buccaneers displayed solid defense in the first encounter, and fans hope to see players like Evidence Makgopa return to scoring form or potentially witness a surprising comeback from Monnapule Saleng, who recently resumed training after an extended absence. MC Alger will aim to harness their belief and character to defy the expectations away from home and turn the tie in their favor.

Pyramids FC are ready but cautious in Morocco

Egypt’s Pyramids FC holds a strong lead in the quarter-finals after a 4-1 victory over Morocco’s Royal Army in Cairo. The team’s attacking trio, consisting of Ibrahim Adel, Ramadan Sobhi, and Fiston Mayele, played a key role.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic aims to secure their advancement in the upcoming match in Rabat. Despite the setback, Royal Army’s coach, Alexandre Santos, remains hopeful for a comeback on home ground. The match is taking place amid tensions between the clubs due to complaints over fan restrictions and stadium access.

Al Ahly cautious of an upset as Al Hilal prepares for an ambush in Nouakchott.

Al Ahly holds a 1-0 lead against Al Hilal ahead of their second-leg match in Nouakchott, due to security issues in Sudan. Coach Marcel Koller aims for improved offensive play from players like Achraf Bencharki, Imam Ashour, and Wissam Abu Ali, while veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy anchors the defense. 

Uncertainty grips Sierra Leone FA after chaotic Congress
by Football Sierra Leone

Uncertainty grips Sierra Leone FA after chaotic Congress

In the highly anticipated Football Congress of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, FIFA and CAF representatives witnessed severe violence and misconduct.

Just prior to the start of the congress, there were several injured individuals, including the President’s Personal Assistant, David Turner. This unexpected act of violence, unprecedented in any sporting event in Sierra Leone, resulting to Ordinary Congress was aborted.

The congress was intended to elect various independent committees for a four-year mandate, specifically the Ethics Board, the SLFA Appeals and Disciplinary Committees, the newly proposed Audit and Compliance Committee, and the electoral bodies.

It was also slated to review and approve newly proposed football statutes, as well as other agenda items typical for annual ordinary congresses, such as the approval of the annual audit report and the budget for the upcoming year.

The behavior of delegates and supporters at the congress has been condemned by a significant portion of Sierra Leoneans, as well as by global football pundits and analysts. It has embarrassed the nation and raised concerns about FIFA’s next steps.

During the congress, there was evident animosity and division within the Executive Committee (EXCO), political divides among delegates, and a desperate scramble for power among leading aspirants. The involvement of government officials and security forces, who appeared to incite problems in favor of certain candidates, further exacerbated the situation.

According to a reliable and knowledgeable source, the only viable option for FIFA in this context is to establish a Normalization Committee due to the level of conflict and incidents that violate FIFA’s policies against third-party interference.

Normally, FIFA would refer such matters to the General Secretary of FIFA and CAF to determine a new attempt at convening the congress. However, due to the extensive violence, reported divisions among EXCO members, and inappropriate behavior towards FIFA and CAF representatives, it is likely that the FIFA Secretariat, responsible for operational affairs and decision-making in the absence of a FIFA Council meeting, will move towards implementing a Normalization Committee.

The source explained that a Normalization Committee would be authorized by FIFA statutes and would be supervised and directed entirely by FIFA. Unlike an elected executive, this committee would be accountable only to FIFA.

The only other alternative would be a more lenient approach involving one more attempt to convene the congress, which is typically pursued when issues are less severe than those currently faced in Sierra Leone.

The source concluded that the FIFA General Secretariat would probably wait for reports from the FIFA and CAF representatives, as well as the General Secretary of the SLFA, before consulting with the Head of the African Division and the CAF General Secretary for a final decision, which could be expected before the end of the week.