Category: Sport News

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Star Sport Academy Enjoy Dream Debut, Secure Next-Round Spot

Star Sport Academy have continued its remarkable rise by reaching the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League in its maiden appearance in the competition.

Founded less than four years ago and having spent only two seasons in the Sierra Leone Premier League, the Freetown-based club secured qualification after a 1-1 away draw against Medina United in Banjul, The Gambia, on Sunday.

The Sierra Leonean vice-champions advanced on the away goals rule after the first leg ended in a goalless draw at the Southern Arena in Bo last weekend.

Santigie Fornah gave Star Sport Academy a vital breakthrough eight minutes into the second half, heading home to put his side in control of the tie. Although Medina United equalised deep into stoppage time through Ebou Sanyang, the goal came too late to deny the visitors a historic qualification.

The achievement makes Star Sport Academy only the third Sierra Leonean club in the CAF Champions League era to progress beyond the preliminary qualifying round, following FC Kallon in 2007 and Bo Rangers in the 2023/24 campaign.

Before the competition was rebranded from the African Cup of Champions Clubs to the CAF Champions League, several Sierra Leonean clubs also enjoyed success on the continental stage. Real Republicans, Sierra Fisheries (now FC Kallon), and Mighty Blackpool all eliminated opponents, with Mighty Blackpool remaining the country’s only club to have reached the quarter-finals of Africa’s premier club competition.

Star Sport Academy’s reward is a second qualifying round showdown against Moroccan giants RS Berkane next month. The Sierra Leonean side will host the first leg as they seek to continue their fairytale run in African football.

Star Sport Academy Enjoy Dream Debut, Secure Next-Round Spot
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s representatives are in interclub action today

Sierra Leone’s two teams are back in action today for the 2026/27 CAF interclub competitions. Star Sport Academy and East End Lions both have important first-round return matches in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup in The Gambia and Liberia, respectively.

Star Sport Academy, playing in their first-ever CAF Champions League, travel to Banjul to face Medina United Academy at the Independence Stadium at 16:30 GMT. Their first match ended in a 0-0 draw, keeping the tie open for today’s game.

This match is significant because it marks the return of interclub and senior international football to The Gambia after more than six years. If today’s game ends in another 0-0 draw, the teams will go to penalties to decide who advances.

Additionally, any scoring draw would impact the aggregate score and depend on CAF’s rules, while a loss would end Star Sport Academy’s first continental campaign.

On the other hand, East End Lions, the Orange FA Cup champions, go into their second-leg match against Ivorian team Afad Plateau with a slight advantage.

They will meet at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia at 16:00 GMT after drawing 1-1 in the first match in Abidjan. This result was East End Lions’ best away performance in CAF interclub competition.

Now tied on aggregate, a goalless draw would allow East End Lions to advance to the next round under the away-goals rule, as they scored once in Abidjan.

This is a chance for Sierra Leone’s clubs to shine on the continental stage, gain experience, and possibly advance in Africa’s main interclub competitions.

Star Sport Academy aims to make history in their first Champions League campaign, while East End Lions look to build on their strong away result. By the end of the day, we will know if Sierra Leone has two clubs, one club, or no clubs advancing to the next round.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alie Ramadan Kabia Joins Vålerenga

Star Sport Academy has confirmed that key player and one of their exceptional young talent, Alie Ramadan Kabia, has officially joined Norwegian club Vålerenga Fotball Elite, competing in the Norwegian top League.

The 18-year-old has been outstanding throughout his time with Star Sport Academy and has now signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2030.

“We are incredibly proud of Alie and this remarkable achievement. This is another exciting step in his football journey, and we do not doubt that he will continue to shine on the big stage.”

Kabia, who will train with the A-team, is ready to play for Vålerenga as soon as the work permit is approved.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal Thrash Sierra Leone in WAFU Zone A U17 Qualifiers

Sierra Leone’s U-17 football team suffered a devastating 5-0 defeat to Senegal in their recent match at the WAFU Zone A tournament.

This loss followed a disappointing performance in which they conceded four goals to The Gambia in their earlier match, bringing their total to an alarming nine goals conceded over just two games.

With these results, the Sierra Stars has been eliminated the tournament, which serves as a crucial qualifier for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

As they look to salvage themselves, their next game is against Mauritania in what will be their final group match. The pressure is on for Sierra Leone to perform and secure a victory.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Serhou Guirassy’s brace powers Dortmund to victory

Serhou Guirassy scored twice and also netted an own goal as Dortmund won their Champions League opener at the Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday. Renato Veiga’s own goal gave Dortmund the lead early in the second half, but Santiago Mourino equalized for Villarreal.

Guirassy restored Dortmund’s lead in the 80th minute, then scored a penalty. However, he later scored an own goal. Villarreal failed to score in their four away matches last season, missing several chances.

Dortmund went into halftime level. In the 53rd minute, Veiga accidentally deflected a cross into his own goal, but Mourino equalized soon after. Guirassy finally scored in the 80th minute after a pass from Fabio Silva.

Since the start of the 2024-25 season, Guirassy has been involved in 26 goals in 25 Champions League games, a record only Erling Haaland has bettered. Villarreal nearly equalized late on when a shot was deflected wide.