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Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone share points in World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone share points in World Cup qualifier

Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau battled to a tense 1-1 draw in their quest for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at the vibrant Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Thursday.

The opening half was charged with intensity as both teams sought to establish dominance, with the home side employing a relentless high press that set the tone for the match.

OCG Nice’s defender Abdulai Juma Bah had to be substituted early in the second half after picking up an injury. The first significant opportunity of the match came from Mama Balde, whose powerful strike was expertly saved by Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Alhaji Sesay, signalling a bright start for the home team.

As the match neared halftime, Sierra Leone began to find their groove. The crowd was stunned when veteran striker Kei Kamara leapt above the defenders to deliver a brilliant header from a distance, sending the ball crashing into the net and lifting the spirits of their fans just before the break.

The second half saw Guinea-Bissau come back with renewed vigour. After a series of missed chances, Mama Balde struck the equaliser in the 74th minute, firing a powerful shot from inside the box that bulged the net, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters and levelling the score at 1-1.

As the game progressed, both teams made strategic substitutions; Kamara and Augustus Kargbo made way for Mohamed Buya Turay and Momoh Kamara. Emmanuel Samsadi’s well-taken free kick was skillfully parried away by the agile home goalkeeper. Ultimately, neither side could find a breakthrough.

In the group stage, Egypt leads the table with 16 points and will host fifth-placed Ethiopia on Friday at the Cairo Stadium, while Burkina Faso, sitting in second with 11 points, will head to Djibouti, who are at the bottom of the group.

Kei, Alhassan and Augustus to spearhead Sierra Leone's attack
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kei, Alhassan and Augustus to spearhead Sierra Leone’s attack

Veteran forward Kei Kamara, Blackburn Rovers winger Augustus Kargbo, and Qatar-based striker Alhassan Koroma will spearhead Sierra Leone’s attack as they face Guinea-Bissau in Group A of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.  

Coach Kallon retains his midfield duo of Tyrese Fornah and Abu Dumbuya. In the defence, Osman Kakay is making his debut with the current coaching staff, accompanied by Abdulai Juma Bah, Alpha Turay, and Salliue as Keeper Alhaji Sesay continues in goal.

At present, the visitors sit third in the group with eight points, two points ahead of their opponents.  

Both teams are eager to enhance their qualification prospects for a chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup. In their last meeting, Sierra Leone claimed victory with a score of 3-1 in the Liberian capital back in March.

Sierra Leone listed team for Guinea Bissau
Sierra Leone listed team for Guinea Bissau
Preview: Steep contest as Sierra Leone set to battle Guinea-Bissau
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Steep contest as Sierra Leone set to battle Guinea-Bissau

At Estadio 24 de Setembro, the two nations aim to raise their ranks in the CAF World Cup qualifiers as they battle it out on Thursday afternoon, as Guinea-Bissau welcomes Sierra Leone.

An intriguing tie that will offer both West African nations a chance to get back on track with a win. Hosts Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone are in the hunt for their first-ever World Cup appearance to be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Hosts Djurtus are going into this contest with six points from six matches, but they’re hoping to build on that. Especially after losing their last two matches to Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso in March, this might look like a way to get themselves back on track.

Guinea-Bissau sits fifth in Group A, five points behind second-place team Burkina Faso and two points adrift of Thursday’s opponent Sierra Leone.

Since their last qualifying game against Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau has lost friendly matches against Burundi and Gabon, making it seven straight losses. They have not won in ten games across all competitions since their last victory, a 1-0 win against Eswatini in September 2024.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon’s side is in full gear as they seek their first World Cup spot with a slim chance to qualify for next year’s event in North America. Their qualifying campaign has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and two losses. Their most recent game was a 1-0 loss to Egypt.

Sierra Leone has only one clean sheet in their last six games in the race, which has been a big problem for them. They need to improve defensively as they head into the final four qualifiers starting tomorrow.

The likes of Augustus Kargbo from English Championship side Blackburn Rovers, Hannover attacker Mustapha Bundu, veteran attacker Kei Kamara, who recently celebrated his 41st birthday, are expected to be key to Sierra Leone winning in Bissau.

Nineteen-year-old Abdulai Juma Bah is set to earn his third cap for the visitors after an impressive couple of months, during which he also secured a loan move to Nice from Manchester City.

A recap of the qualifiers: The nine Group victors will be eligible for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Second round (playoff): The four top group runner-ups will be drawn into playoffs to decide the CAF representative at the interconfederation playoffs to determine which six teams will play in a playoff event – one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC, plus two from CONCACAF – the last two World Cup spots available.

Guinea-Bissau suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the World Cup qualifier matchday five in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, in March.
Guinea-Bissau suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the World Cup qualifier matchday five in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, in March.
Guinea Bissau during Tuesday's training session at the Estadio 24 de Setembro
Guinea Bissau during Tuesday's training session at the Estadio 24 de Setembro
Osman Kakay, Mohamed Buya Turay return to Sierra Leone squad for World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay, Mohamed Buya Turay return to Sierra Leone squad for World Cup qualifiers

Head Coach Mohammed Kallon has announced a 26-man Leone Stars team for Sierra Leone’s next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia on 4th and 9th August, 2025 respectfully.

The squad consists of foreign-based and home-based players chosen specifically to create a strong team battling to represent the country with pride.

Kosice defender Osman Kakay is back on the Sierra Leone national team. He last played against Zambia in the AFCON qualifiers. Mohamed Buya Turay, who has been away from the team for a long time, is also included in the squad for next month’s matches.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon listed six new faces – the 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐮𝐩𝐬 are 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗵 (SLIFA FC), 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗺𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗮 (East End Lions), 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘂 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗵 – Sierra Leone U-20 goalkeeper, recently signed new deal at Brøndby IF before being sent on loan to Finland, 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 (Port Authority), 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝗟. 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗵, (Luawa FC) and 𝗠𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗕. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝗮𝘆 (FC Kallon).

The first contest against Sierra Leone will be officiated by a team of referees from the Ivory Coast at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau. The Djurtus are looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is two points adrift of Sierra Leone, currently in third place in their group with 8 points. Sierra Leone’s hopes for the USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup are still alive, with just 15 days to go in the hunt to increase their point on the table.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1961066180967338000

SLFA's president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA’s president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance

Presently in Kampala, Uganda for the CAF Impact Strategic Roundtable workshop, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara, together with Acting General Secretary, Ｍohamed Benson Bawoh, join global heads.

This event marks the inaugural appearance of the new SLFA president at a continental gathering that unites African football executives, focusing on governance, sustainable development, and initiatives aimed at transforming the game across the continent.

For the first time, CAF will bring together all 54 Presidents of Member Associations alongside their General Secretaries to a practical workshop aimed at strengthening financial governance, promoting youth competitions and driving impactful community outreach initiatives.

The participation of SLFA highlights President Kamara’s commitment to making Sierra Leone pivotal in the continent’s football reforms and developmental projects.

President Kamara is anticipated to meet with CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and other leaders of CAF Member Associations for a face-to-face strategic meeting on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This important meeting will coincide with the final of the CHAN Tournament.

The discussions in Nairobi will cover various crucial topics essential to the advancement of African football.

The CAF IMPACT sessions, held in three separate groups, will offer practical guidance on program goals, the rights and responsibilities of Member Associations, financial contributions and reporting, and measures to prevent the misuse of CAF IMPACT funds.

Sarah Mukuna, Director of Member Associations at CAF, stated: “This CAF IMPACT workshop is unprecedented, uniting Presidents and their administrative teams to collaboratively enhance governance and impact.

It demonstrates CAF’s dedication to providing our leaders with the necessary tools to make African football competitive and self-sustaining on a global scale.”