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The reigning defending champions and current league leaders, Bo Rangers, dominated Real Republicans in a spectacular game that saw them move five points clear at the top of the league table.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers thrash Republicans to open a five-point gap

The reigning defending champions and current league leaders, Bo Rangers, dominated Real Republicans in a spectacular game that saw them move five points clear at the top of the league table. 

Bo Rangers have won 15 games this season after the 5-0 hammering of Real Republicans on Wednesday, causing Soccer Ambassadors to fall into the relegation zone. John Keister’s team dominated the struggling visitors, scoring three goals in the first half-hour of the game at Southern Arena.

Mohamadu Lamin and Suffian Kalokoh scored two goals each, while Mohamed Kabba added another goal to the Southern Arena’s tally, igniting a celebratory atmosphere. 

This win highlights their determination to clinch yet another Sierra Leone top-tier title. This season, Real Republicans have won only four matches, lost eleven, and drawn the other nine.

They now find themselves in the relegation zone, with just 21 points after 24 games. 

Elsewhere, Wusum Stars continue their strong form by defeating Freetonians SLIFA 2-0 in Makeni, while Wilberforce Strikers secured a 1-0 away victory over East End Lions.

Rangers, Ports, Lions & Kallon battle for a CAF Confed Cup spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rangers, Ports, Lions & Kallon battle for Confed Cup spot

This will be intriguing as the winner of this year’s Sierra Leone FA Cup will represent the West African nation in the next CAF Confederation Cup. (Photo Credit Kemokai Sportgraphy)

On Friday, Sierra Leone’s League Leaders, Bo Rangers, will play against the Water Front Boys Ports Authority in the first FA Cup semi-final at the SLFA’s academy turf. 

The semi-finals are expected to be fascinating as all four teams compete for a spot in the next CAF Confederation, making a place in the final crucial.

Coach John Keister will be desperate to overcome Ports in the showpiece encounter for a place in the final.

The WaterFront boys have not won any of their last three matches, including a goalless draw in the league on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Rangers have scored eight goals in their previous three league matches and have nine maximum points.

On Saturday, one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated football clubs, East End Lions, will face off against FC Kallon.

The last Sierra Leone’s representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, FC Kallon, will surely face a stiff test against East End Lions in the second semis at the same venue.

This game promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams seek to secure a spot in this year’s final. 

In the first round of the league, both teams played to a goalless draw. However, FC Kallon has been in good form lately, winning their last three games and accumulating nine points.  They have scored six goals and conceded only one against Real Republicans.

East End Lions, on the other hand, have shown improvement under their Ghanaian coach and are unbeaten in their last three league games.

The semi-finals are expected to be a fascinating contest as all four teams compete for a spot in the next CAF Confederation, making a place in the final crucial.
The semi-finals are expected to be a fascinating contest as all four teams compete for a spot in the next CAF Confederation, making a place in the final crucial.
New NSA boss Dr Saffa Abdulai aim to transform sports in Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New NSA boss Dr Abdulai aim to transform sports in Sierra Leone

Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq, the CEO of Luawa FC, expressed his delight at the prospect of revamping the National Sports Authority (NSA) as he looks forward to his new challenge.

After confirming his appointment as the new Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), succeeding Dr. Kenneth Brima, who served for over five years, Saffa has stated that he is excited about this opportunity. 

He aims to focus on the entire project of the NSA, making it more effective and ensuring that sports benefit young people.

The former Premier League Board Chairman plans to create job opportunities for the youth and put Sierra Leone back on the map in terms of winning Internationally. These were his first words to FootballSierraLeone.Net.

In 2019, supported by the government of Sierra Leone, H.E Julius Maada Bio invested Le 2 billion to jumpstart football development in the country.

The move was highly celebrated as it aimed to revive football, which had been absent for over five years. 

Football is not just a sport in Sierra Leone – but also a source of entertainment and inspiration for people of all ages. The large turnouts in football matches under Saffa’s leadership created a significant financial boost across the country, bringing joy to families.

Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai is a versatile individual who is a lawyer, a media CEO, a civil rights activist, and a club owner. 

He is highly respected for his role in reviving Sierra Leone football in 2019, as the country’s top-flight football league had been inactive for over six years. He also served as the chairman of the Premier League club Old Edwardians in a capacity of over ten years.

Abu Komeh's brace helps Bo Rangers maintain top spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Komeh’s brace helps Rangers maintain league lead

Bo Rangers, the reigning champions of Sierra Leone, won their 13th match of the Leone Rock Premier League against Kholifa Stars with a 3-0 victory, maintaining their position at the top of the league table.

In their pursuit of another championship title, Coach John Keister’s team knows that only a win will secure their spot – two points ahead of their closest rivals, FC Kallon with a game at hand.

Striker Abu Komeh scored two goals and Mohamadu Lamin scored one during the first half, which proved crucial in securing their victory at the Southern Arena on Sunday.

The hosts dominated the game from the start, and their efforts paid off in the 8th minute when Abu Komeh scored the first goal. Four minutes later, Mohamadu Lamin doubled their lead.

Komeh’s second goal came in the 20th minute, which helped Bo Rangers preserve their position two points ahead of FC Kallon and seven points ahead of Bhantal FC.

In other matches, East End Lions won 4-1 against Lamboi FC at the Sierra Leone Football Association playing turf – while FC Kallon secured a 2-0 victory against Kahunla Rangers as they keep tabs with league leaders.

FC Kallon secured a 2-0 victory against Kahunla Rangers as they keep tabs with league leaders.
FC Kallon secured a 2-0 victory against Kahunla Rangers as they keep tabs with league leaders.
Sierra Leone mourns one of its greatest Lamin Bangura
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone mourns Lamin Bangura one of its greatest

Ports Authority head coach Lamin Bangura, one of Sierra Leone’s greatest footballers of all time, has sadly passed away following a tragic road accident on Tuesday. 

The late Bangura was a successful coach and player in West Africa, winning titles in Guinea and Sierra Leone. He suffered fatal injuries that ultimately led to his death. Several players and officials are currently in critical condition after a serious accident. 

“On March 25th, 2024, the team departed from Freetown en route to Kenema for a Premier League match between Kanhula Rangers and Port Authority. Unfortunately, while traveling along Konta Line Mile 91, their bus collided with a stationary vehicle, resulting in the tragic loss of a beloved football legend,” Ports Authority confirmed. 

Bangura helped Sierra Leone qualify for Tunisia AFCON 1996 and played for the team in AFCON 1994 and 1996. He also played a key role in As Kaloum’s CAF Clubs Cup final 1995.

The former ASEC Mimosas Abidjan defender was a crucial figure in guiding the Diamond Stars to their first Premier League title in 2012. It was the first Sierra Leonean club outside Freetown to win the league.

“I write with pain upon hearing the sudden death of one of our national football heroes, Coach Lamin Bangura, together with the bus driver and conductor.

Coach Lamin, you have done a lot for the growth of football in Sierra Leone as a player and coach. You represented the country, coached the National U23, and won the 2012 Sierra Leone Premier League with Diamond Stars. Your diligence is admirable,” SLFA’s boss, Thomas Brima

“We extend our deepest condolences to the club, families, and friends of those who lost their lives, including the head coach, Lamin Bangura. Our hearts go out to you all,” The Sierra Leone FA stated

“The Board extends its sympathy to all individuals impacted by this incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” the Sierra Leone Premier Board noted.

The league board announced the cancellation of the Kahunla Rangers and Ports Authority scheduled match on 27th March 2024 due to an unfortunate event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ports Authority FC and the family of Head Coach Lamin Bangura. May his soul rest in peace. East End Lions FC stands in solidarity with Ports Authority FC. Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved Coach Bangura,” EE Lions posted.

“Your kindness and love touched us deeply, and your departure has left a void that cannot be filled. We will miss you dearly,” Freetown City FC.