Author: Football Sierra Leone

Egypt's Mohamed Salah reflects on Liverpool’s League title bid
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah reflects on Liverpool’s League title bid

Egypt and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah is pleased with the team’s performance this season following Thursday’s 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester City. (Photo Liverpool FC)

Liverpool now leads the Premier League table by seven points due to this victory. Leicester surprised everyone with a goal from Jordan Ayew six minutes into the game.

Jordan Ayew’s goal for Leicester just six minutes into the match surprised everyone. But Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and Salah’s goals for Liverpool swiftly changed the tide.

Liverpool appears to be in a strong position to win the title after this victory. They have previously suffered in comparable circumstances, particularly during the 2018–19 campaign when they led by a significant margin but lost to Manchester City.

“It feels different, but we must maintain our humility,” Salah added. With 16 goals, he leads the league’s top scoring chart.

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford's radar
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford’s radar

English Championship team Watford is interested in striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has not been performing well at Sevilla in La Liga.

Iheanacho joined Sevilla as a free agent this summer after the expiration of his contract at Leicester City. However, he managed three goals in eleven appearances since joining the club.

Reports from fichajes.net say that Sevilla plans to transfer Iheanacho during the January window to make changes to their squad for the second half of the 2025 season.

Watford wants to sign the Nigerian striker to strengthen their attack as they aim for promotion to the Premier League. Sevilla is also looking to make a deal to create space in their squad.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Watford suffered their first defeat in seven Sky Bet Championship matches, despite Kwadwo Baah’s late volley creating a tense finale in the 2-1 loss to promotion-chasing Burnley at Turf Moor.

SLIFA's Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory
by Football Sierra Leone

SLIFA’s Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory

Jumu Bockarie, head coach of Sierra Leone Premier League side SLIFA FC, spoke to the club’s media following his debut victory in the league, a 1-0 win at the approved school pitch in Freetown last Sunday.

A fantastic goal from Ernest George was the reason for the victory. “I want to express my gratitude to God and my family for their endless love and support. I would also like to thank SLIFA MANAGEMENT for allowing me to continue as head coach for the 2024/2025 season,” stated Bockarie, a UEFA C licensed coach.

“The focus of the staff was on welcoming our players, the style of play, and improving our passing, which played a significant role in our performance. The opponent posed a real challenge in the first ten minutes, but our players adapted well and demonstrated high-quality skills.

He also commented on the team’s performance: “We played very well and achieved a clean sweep across all fronts. Our victory was thanks to a fantastic shot that hit the crossbar, followed quickly by George, who sealed the score.

“It’s a fantastic achievement in my debut season; however, I’m not satisfied yet, and I remain focused on the next game. It’s essential to manage players effectively and use the right tactics.

I am grateful for SLIFA’s support on my journey to becoming a coach, and I am committed to helping our young players grow and entertain our fans,” he added.

In-form Belouizdad to face tricky Al Ahly Champions League tie
by Football Sierra Leone

In-form Belouizdad to face tricky Al Ahly Champions League tie

Algerian side Belouizdad travel to Egypt for a tricky CAF Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly SC on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium.

This match is a rescheduled fixture for Matchday Three in Group C, postponed due to Ahly’s participation in the FIFA InterContinental Cup this week in Qatar.

Belouizdad arrives with confidence following a 1-0 victory over Stade d’Abidjan. Aimen Mahious, the goal-scorer in that match, is a key player alongside Khanyisa Mayo.

The Algerian side has performed impressively, securing five wins in their last six matches and maintaining a defensive record of 333 minutes without conceding.

Sunday’s clash will highlight contrasting styles: Ahly’s defensive stability against Belouizdad’s effective counter-attacking.

Currently third in the group with three points, Belouizdad seeks to advance, while Al Ahly aims for victory to reclaim the top spot and revitalize their campaign.

The last encounter ended in a 0-0 draw, but the stakes are significantly higher this time.

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

AFCON dates and CAF 2025 competition calendar reveal

On Monday, the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the competition calendar for 2025.

Additionally, the EXCO announced that the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held on January 27, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

Morocco has also been selected as the host for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals, while Ivory Coast will host the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

CAF issued the following statement including key dates:

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening Match will be played Sunday, 30 March 2025; Final Match will be played Saturday, 19 April 2025

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2025 – Opening Match will be played Saturday, 26 April 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 17 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 25 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 24 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 1 June 2025

CAF Women’s Champions League 2025: Opening Match will be played Saturday, 8 November 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 23 November 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening match will be played Sunday, 21 December 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 January 2026.