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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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Three new faces for Sierra Leone World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Three new faces for Sierra Leone World Cup qualifiers

Charlton Athletic FC striker Daniel Kanu 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 new inclusions as Sierra Leone prepares for Ethiopia and Egypt. 

Coach Amidu Karim has named his side to face Ethiopia and Egypt in the opening qualifiers in the race to the 2026 World Cup but without four key players.

No Curtis Davies, Mustapha Bundu, Issa Kallon & Alex Bangura in coach Amidu Karim’s troops for vital openers

Plymouth Argyle winger Mustapha Bundu was ruled out during a hamstring injury as former England International Curtis Davies is still waiting on the Association switch approval from Fifa before he can represent Sierra Leone. 

In his 24-man squad, other notable absentees are Middlesbrough left-back Alex Bangura, who has not returned since Dubai training camp in November 2022, and Shanghái Port‘s attacker Issa Kallon, also not named. 

Odense BK attacker Mohamed Buya Turay, who scored three goals in a recent training camp against Benin and Somalia, is listed.

After a successful Fifa window, where Sierra Leone drew with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0, they face a tricky test against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia on Wednesday.

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.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.com, National News.

Sierra Leone 24-man squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Egypt
Tyrese Fornah named to the Sierra Leone national team for the first time! 🇸🇱
Tyrese Fornah named to the Sierra Leone national team for the first time! 🇸🇱
Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa's win over Republicans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa’s win over Republicans

Luawa head coach Sebastian Bowles was pleased to see his team start the new campaign with a win by defeating Real Republicans 1-0 on Friday.

It took a first-half goal from Abubakar Sheriff in the 24th minute to seal the victory for the Cacoa Boys at the Angola playing field.

“A tough game away against Real Republicans. I am satisfied with the win, but we can and will play a lot better,” Bowles told Football Sierra Leone.

“We were sucked in the game too much and didn’t play the way we have been training, but the players fought hard and well to claim the victory.

Sometimes you win nice, sometimes ugly. The most important thing is the three points. We will enjoy our fundraiser dinner tomorrow and start focusing on Old Edwardian’s next match.”

Elsewhere on Friday, Freetownians SLIFA opened their 2023/24 campaign with a vital home win over Diamond Stars at the Trade Center playing field. 

Meanwhile, despite a high court injunction, the league is set to continue today with three matches across the country.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone statement reads, “The High Court of Sierra Leone has this evening granted an injunction against the SLFA and the Sierra Leone Premier League Board stopping all Premier League games from being played until the High Court determines the issues of irregularities in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

The matter was filed by Alusine Kamara and Ahmed Musa through Teddy Koroma and Associates, on behalf of Kamboi Eagles. 

Matter adjourned to 10th November for further proceedings.”

However, the Sierra Leone Premier Board has announced matches will go ahead according to schedule.

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SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence

The Leone Rock Premier League in Sierra Leone kicks off on Friday with Freetonians SLIFA facing one-time back-to-back champions Diamond Stars.

Last season’s sixth-placed SLIFA hosted the Diamond Boys from Kono at the Trade Center Field in Freetown.

Elsewhere on the same Friday, 2022/23 campaign fourteen-place finisher, Real Republicans to welcome hard-nut Luawa FC at the Angola Filed.

Last season, Luawa won the first meeting, but Real People rallied back to win the second leg. An intestering contest awaits later this afternoon in the Western Part of Freetown.  

On Saturday, November 4th, will see three different fixtures as the Killers East End Lions travel to battle newly promoted Bhantal FC at Angola Filed, Goderich. 

In Makeni, Wusuma Stars will welcome Old Edwardian, who have secured the signing of former Leone Stars assistant coach Dominic Junior Konneh.

The match of the day will witness a long-awaited traditional Derby known as the Northern Derby as Bai Bureh Warriors tussle with newcomers Khlofia Stars at the Port Loko Field – in Port Loko.

On Sunday, Bo Rangers kick off their defence of the Sierra Leone Premier League title at home against Wilberforce Strikers as the newly appointed head coach, John Keister, starts a new adventure.

The League holder and Charity Shield winner will start an unprecedented three-straight Sierra Leone top-flight title chase.

Still riding the wave of winning the Charity Shield, newly appointed coach John Keister will be at the dugout. He previously had a successful spell with East End Lions after winning the title with them.

Coach John Keister is highly expected to repeat the same fate with Bo Rangers, who are the outright favourite to retain the league crown but must handle the expectation and pressure this season. 

Having failed to perform the magic with the country’s senior national team, Leone Stars led to the non-renewal of his contract. 

The other matches of the day will see Lamboi FC host last season’s runners-up Mighty Blackpool at Lingi Field and CAF Confederation Cups representative FC Kallon hosting Port Authority at Angola Field, promoted Kahunla Rovers hosting Freetown City FC at Kenema Field.

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