Category: African News

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Liberia shine in victory over Sierra Leone at the SKD Stadium

Liberia shine in victory over Sierra Leone at the SKD Stadium

Liberia took control of the second match after losing the first leg at the Southern Arena on Saturday, June 6th. They led 2-0 at halftime at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium and won the game 3-1.

The hosts played with great confidence, creating numerous chances and converting two crucial opportunities before the break. Their attacking movements consistently troubled the opposition’s defence throughout the first half, while their back line maintained an organised and disciplined approach.

Sebastin Teclar opened the scoring for the home team, followed closely by Ayoubah Kosiah, who extended the Lone Star’s advantage just before the halftime whistle.

After the break, Sierra Leone came out swinging, determined to claw their way back into the match. The Leone Stars entered the friendly with a tactical and psychological edge following their first-leg win, although they made seven changes to their lineup.

Nonetheless, the hosts continued to dominate, and they were rewarded when Philip Tarnue netted his first goal for the Lone Star, extending their lead to 3-0 against Sierra Leone at the SKD.

Sierra Leone managed to score a late goal in the second half, with Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu finding the net. However, Moroccan-Belgian coach Mohammed Erradi celebrated his first win as the manager of Liberia, guiding the Lone Star to a 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone. The supporters in the stadium erupted with cheers after the final whistle as Liberia avenged the first defeat.

Liberian striker Sherman vies for the ball with Sierra Leone defender Alpha Turay
Liberian striker Sherman vies for the ball with Sierra Leone defender Alpha Turay
Mali's youngster Seydou Diarra pens deal with SC Austria Lustenau

Mali’s youngster Seydou Diarra pens deal with SC Austria Lustenau

Newly promoted Austrian Bundesliga team SC Austria Lustenau has signed gifted young player Seydou Diarra. Coming from FC Gueugnon, a team in the French sixth level, the 21-year-old forward has signed a contract through at least 2027.

Diarra, who can play in many attacking roles, last summer switched from Cedar Stars, a Ghana-based club, to Clermont Foot 63 in France. January saw him join FC Gueugnon and score three goals over eleven games.

Diarra is eager for his new adventure and hopes to take home club trophies. He claimed, “From now on, I am quite delighted to be playing for Austria. The team and all the guys have given me a wonderful welcome. The team and I are in good shape, therefore I will do all on the field to reach our shared objectives.

Mirco Papaleo, the athletic director, was upbeat about the recruitment. He continued, “We are happy Seydou chose to come with us. With his speed and skill, he is a gifted young player who will be quite useful for us on the wing. We think he will keep growing with us and turn in great work.

Diarra has been working out with Austria Vienna for two and a half weeks now. The coaches were so impressed by his outstanding play that he was offered a permanent job. He will be playing with Ghanaian player Lord Afrifa, who just moved from Sturm Graz and signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year.

Austria Lustenau was elevated to the Austrian Bundesliga after placing first in Bundesliga 2. On the final day of the season, they defeated SKU Amstetten 2-1 to claim the 2. Liga championship.

Schalke 04 among European clubs interested in Liberia captain Oscar Dorley

Schalke 04 among European clubs interested in Liberia captain Oscar Dorley

Liberian International Oscar Murphy Dorley has once again been headlining the news as top European clubs are eyeing his signature.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who is currently part of Liberia’s Lone Star International friendlies against Sierra Leone, could be on a new roster once again. Spanish giants Deportivo Alavés and Deportivo La Coruña, as well as German clubs Schalke 04 and FC Augsburg, have been linked with Oscar.

The links keep coming for him just before the European summer transfer window opens. The midfielder, who has become one of the most dependable Africans in central Europe while playing for SK Slavia Prague has won several Czech league titles with his club and is a regular participant in UEFA club competitions.

For teams seeking experience and leadership, Oscar is a great choice, as he can play several positions, including central midfielder, defensive midfielder, left midfielder, and even left-back.

Currently under contract with Slavia Prague until June 2027, Oscar, Liberia’s best football talent, is among the highest-rated players in the Czech league. Insiders, however, point to his contract status and the team’s ambitions that may lead to a trade.

Oscar is a desirable prospect for teams looking for seasoned foreign players given over 50 appearances for Liberia and a strong European career.

Focused right now on his international obligations and the next season, he has drawn interest from teams in Spain and Germany. No official offers or contracts have been verified as of yet.

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two year Gambia deal

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two-year Gambia deal

Jonathan McKinstry has penned a two-year contract extension as head coach of the Gambia senior national team beginning June 1st, 2026.  The Ministry of Sports made the announcement early Wednesday morning.

McKinstry was appointed head coach of the Scorpions in January of 2024, replacing the great Tom Saintfeit.  In his tenure as coach, McKinstry has led the team in 20 matches, winning 7, drawing 5, and losing 8.

The Northern Irish technician has been contracted to lead the Gambia national team until the end of 2028. Both the Ministry of Sports and GFF sources have confirmed that the contract was agreed upon last week and is awaiting signature from all necessary parties, including McKinstry himself.

McKinstry will look to qualify the GAM for a third AFCON finals beginning in September. Gambia was placed into Group C with the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Somalia.

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's game plan for Sierra Leone

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia’s game plan for Sierra Leone

The Moroccan-Belgian coach Adil Mohamed Erradi conducted his first training session after his recent appointment as the new Liberia head coach, as he begins to prepare his plans for the Lone Star ahead of upcoming games against neighbours Sierra Leone.

Liberia will be taking on Leone Stars on the 6th and Sierra Leone will reciprocate on the 9th of this month with both being FIFA recognised friendlies. The first match will take place at the Southern Arena in Bo City and return leg will be played in the capital Monrovia.

Erradi takes over from Thomas Kojo who was interim head coach of the Lone Stars and has penned a 3 year deal with the Liberia Football Federation who are hoping to reach continental stage by 2027 in East Africa.

These upcoming friendlies will play a huge role in preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign which is slated to kick off in September.

Mohamed Erradi who was born on December 6th in 19’78 has had an extensive professional career and also owns a UEFA Pro License. He began his coaching journey with a trip to Ghana which then led to him becoming assistant to Juan Carlos Garrido at Raja Casablanca in June of 2017. Later that same year he went on to become technical director at IR Tanger in November of 2017.

In July 2019 he took Rwanda based club APR FC the helm and set the Nations record for most consecutive unbeaten games (50 matches) while winning them three consecutive league titles; 2019–20 20’20-20’21 and 20’21-20’22.

He made Rwandan history in July of 20’22 when he took APR FC to the second round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash