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Buya replaces Alhaji as Sierra Leone make three changes.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Buya replaces Alhaji as Sierra Leone make three changes

Head coach Amidu Karim made three changes from the goalless draw with Ethiopia at El Jadida Stade El Abdi on Wednesday. 

Mohamed Buya Turay, Alusine Koroma and Sullay Kaikai replaced Alhaji Kamara, Abu Dumbuya, and Jonathan Morsay, respectively, in his squad to face Egypt in Liberia on Sunday.

Alusine Koroma, Sullay Kaikai and Mohamed Buya Turay replaced Abu Dumbuya, Jonathan Morsay and Alhaji Kamara in his squad to face Egypt.

Tyrese Fornah, who made his International debut for Sierra Leone last Wednesday in the goalless draw with Ethiopia, kept his place as a holding midfielder.

The Derby County midfielder played 77 minutes before being replaced by striker Alusine Pagal Koroma. 

Coach Karim keeps faith in the same back four with Osman Kakay, Mohamed Kabia, Abdul Jarju Kabia and Emanuel Samadia. 

Today’s mouthwatering encounter in Monrovia will be the third between the two nations in Group A of the World Cup qualifier.

Group A Recap 

Ethiopia 0-0 Sierra Leone

Egypt 6-0 Djibouti

Burkina Faso 1-1 Guinea-Bissau

Sierra Leone and Ethiopia played to a barren draw in their opening game under obstructive weather conditions at the El Jadida Stade El Abdi on Wednesday. 

Burkina Faso, semi-finalists at the last CAF African Cup of Nations, required an excellent equaliser from Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore to snatch a point at home to Guinea-Bissau.

Mo Salah becomes Egypt’s all-time top scorer in a World Cup qualifier after his four goals against Djibouti. 

How qualifying works

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

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Mohamed Buya Turay replaces Alhaji Kamara in attack as Sierra Leone make three changes
Mohamed Buya Turay replaces Alhaji Kamara in attack as Sierra Leone make three changes
Sierra Leone with a chance to shine and make world headlines
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone with a chance to shine and make world headlines

On Sunday, a win for Sierra Leone will surely make global news as they welcome African giant Egypt for their third meeting in match day two of their 2026 World Cup Group A qualifier in the Liberia capital, Monrovia.

Maximum points for the host will be significant as Egypt and Sierra Leone gear up for a pivotal World Cup qualifying match.

Coach Amidu Karim opened the 2026 World Cup qualifier with a draw against Ethiopia in Morocco under difficult circumstances. 

Coming from a comfortable 6-0 thrashing over Djibouti, Sierra Leone must dig deep to get anything against the seven-time African champions. 

Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny made their International debut when Sierra Leone first defeated Egypt 2-1 in September 2011 in the 2012 African Cup of Nations Group G qualifier. 

Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria will count on the Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Nantes Striker Mostafa Mohamed, Zamalek’s Ahmed Mostafa Sayed & Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, to name a few, if they are to register two straight wins. 

Sierra Leone does not have the big pedigree superstars like their opposition. However, team spirit can be vital, like when they stage a four-goal comeback against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, during the AFCON qualifier in November 2020.

The Sierra Leone coach remains optimistic about their prospects against Egypt, a team with seven African Cup of Nations titles under its belt. 

Mo Salah, who becomes the Pharoahs’ all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers after his four goals against Djibouti, is without a doubt – one of the weapons to defuse by the Leone Stars left-back Emmanuel Samadia, supported by his left winger. 

The significance of this encounter is immense for both teams, with the Pharaohs aiming to maintain their dominance and Sierra Leone wanting to stay on course for their first World Cup appearance.

Sierra Leone coach Karim holds fond memories of his time in the Egyptian league during the 1990s and hopes to steer his team towards their maiden World Cup appearance.

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Blackpool to represent Sierra Leone in ACA Inaugural meeting in Cairo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Blackpool to represent Sierra Leone in ACA Inaugural meeting in Cairo

MIGHTY BLACKPOOL FC Chairman Rodney Michael and Vice Chairman Theophilus Sho Cole will be representing Sierra Leone’s Premier League clubs amongst 54 others from Africa in the newly established African Clubs Association (ACA) in Cairo on the 30th of November, 2023.

The invitation from the CAF GENERAL SECRETARY addressed to the Chairman was sent on the 1st of November, 2023.

In his letter, the General Secretary clarified that it was agreed that only ‘the Chairmen and Presidents of highest ranked and most popular clubs.’ would be invited.

The essence of the meeting is for the founding members invited to elect the first Executive and approve the new statutes.

The initiative of establishing the African Clubs Association, as a replica of the European Clubs Association (ECA), is the initiative of CAF President Motsepe, who has suggested the newly elected President should be part of the CAF EXCO deliberations in the future.

It is a step in the right direction and a recognition by the CAF PRESIDENT of the significant role the African clubs play in the promotion of football in the continent and within their respective countries under tremendous challenges and huge costs. 

It’s worth commending the CAF PRESIDENT AND CAF AS A WHOLE for football, as it is in Africa, is pure sacrifice and not yet of full commercial benefit.

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Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener

  • GROUP A Egypt Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau Sierra Leone Ethiopia Djibouti

Coach Amidu Karim remains positive as Sierra Leone prepares to launch their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Ethiopia on Wednesday.

Karim, who took charge a month ago, will start his Leone Stars reign in the World Cup qualifier against the Walias Ibex at the El Abdi Stadium, Al Jadida.

Group A opener on Wednesday will be the third between both nations as coach Karim boosted his side with three new additions.

Charlton Athletic FC striker Daniel Kanu is on loan to fifth-tier side Southern United, Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah and Liga Leumit side Hapoel Kfar Saba defender Abdulai Jajue Kabia are the three new faces in line to make their International debut.

After a successful Fifa-friendly window in October, where Sierra Leone drew with Benin (1-1) and defeated Somalia 2-0, they face a tricky test against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia.

“The team have been training well – preparations has been on a positive footing. We had a good training camp in Morocco during the Fifa window, where we won against Somalia and drew with Benin. So, I think we we are ok in a good place,” Coach Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“We’re aware that Ethiopia are a good side – we have studied their weakness and strength. They are not a pushover but a strong side. However, we have put modalities in place to get a positive result.”

“All selected players are now in Morocco responding to training – players are well geared up, focus ahead of the Wednesday. Playing Ethiopia, we want to be in a positive frame of mind. The lads are ready to give their 100 percent.”

Ethiopia hosts Sierra Leone on Nov 15 in El Abdi Stadium – four days later, Leone Stars host the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium. 

Starting the campaign well will be the utmost task for Coach Karim and his technical team. However, Sierra Leone has yet to defeat the Walias of Ethiopia in their last two meetings.

In the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawassa International Stadium, but the result was null and void following the country’s disqualification.

Sierra Leone went into the qualifying period but was disqualified due to a suspension by CAF.

In the last World Cup qualifier against Liberia, the Lone Star won the first leg in Liberia 3-1 before losing the return match in Freetown through Kei Kamara’s goal. Both matches were played on the 4th and 8th of September 2019, respectively.

The Fifa 23rd edition of the World Cup will be played across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including at Olympic venues.

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Lamboi FC sank Bai Bureh Warriors 2-0.
by David Lebbie

Rangers beat Kholifa as Wusum hold East End Lions

Defending Champions Bo Rangers began its title defence with a win away to the newly promoted Kholifa Stars at the Magburaka field. 

Suffian Kalokoh scored the lone goal to mark a winning start for Head Coach John Edward Keister.

In his post-match interview, John Keister applauded his boys for the win, stating if you want to be champion, you must win difficult games. He commended Kholifa Stars’ composure and playing style. 

In his unveiling ceremony, Rangers new coach pleaded with management and fans to be patient and collaboratively work for the team’s success.

Kholifa Stars head Coach Hassan Maddie Conteh has promised to work hard as he plans ahead of their next match.

In the days’s other encounters, Mohamed Lamin boys Wusum Stars share the spoils with giant East End Lions 1-1 at Trade Center Field in Freetown. 

The northern Rock took the lead from a penalty kick through Adbul Bagira before the Lions swiftly responded after the break from an Abdul Nyamekye goal. 

Kahunla Rangers of Kenema received a tough introduction to the premier league with a 2-0 defeat in Freetown to Water Front Boys Ports Authority. 

Mohamed Bangura’s 34th and Lansana Thoronka’s 58th-minute goals sealed the Waterfront boy’s home win.

Diamond Stars played a goalless draw against Bhantal as Lamboi FC (In Photo) sank Bai Bureh Warriors 2-0. Wilberforce Strikers rallied a 1-1 draw with FC Kallon at the Angola playing field. 

Freetonians SLIFA, Luawa, Lamboi, Ports, and Bo Rangers all registered opening wins on three points.

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