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Bo Rangers win maiden Sierra Leone Community Shield
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers beat Blackpool to lift Community Shield

Ten-man Bo Rangers defeated Mighty Blackpool to start the 2023/24 season with silverware as they bookmarked their third accolade in two seasons after a back-to-back Sierra Leone Premier League title. 

Skipper Saidu Bah Kamara scored a 55th-minute close-range header to give Bo Rangers their first silverware – the Sierra Leone Community Shield as they defeated Western giant Mighty Blackpool on Saturday.

In a parked Southern Areana in Bo City, the goal came through Abass Kamara’s perfect set piece at the edge of the Tis Tas boy’s penalty box, converted by Kamara in the second half.

Rangers defender Eshike Kamara was sent off for a reckless challenge on Blackpool forward in the 67th minute. However, Rangers held on with a classic performance.

Assistant Coach Kabineh Kamara was pleased with his performance and attitude towards the victory.

“We are all excited about the victory becasue it was a difficult match, but we planned and prepared for the win. Blackpool is a very good side and we as defending champions, we must always find a way to win against the best teams.”

On leading his side to the victory, Kabineh stated, “It is a record and big achievement that has been added to my career and the team as well.”

The head coach of Mighty Blackpool, Alusine Bala Kargbo, appreciated his team’s performance despite the defeat.

“Bo Rangers is a team that is returning from continental competition (CAF Champions League) holding them this way shows how solid our team is.”

Coach Kargbo also noted that his side was without five starting players. However, they introduced five new players in Today’s match as they continued the rebuilding process.

The Sierra Leone Community Sheild contest will be a traditional curtain-raiser between the Premier League winner and Riunners-Up every season ahead of a new campaign.

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Bo Rangers and Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena for the Community Shield on Saturday
Bo Rangers and Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena for the Community Shield on Saturday
2026 World Cup Qualifying Groups Africa Zone Opponents Group A Sierra Leone, Egypt, Burkina-Faso Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

World Cup Q: Ethiopia to host Sierra Leone in Morocco

The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca will host Sierra Leone’s 2026 World Cup opening qualifier against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia on Wednesday, 15th of November 2023, the SLFA have announced.

The Leone Stars’ second match in the race to the USA, Mexico and Canada is against the Pharaohs of Egypt. The tie is set to be played in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, on Sunday, 19th November 2023.

Group A comprised of Egypt, Burkina-Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. 

During the 2022 World Cup preliminary, Liberia eliminated Sierra Leone 3-2 on aggregate after the Lone Star won the first leg 3-1 and suffered a 1-0 defeat in Freetown, both matches played in September 2019.

Sierra Leone played to a 1-1 draw against Benin on October 14th before defeating Somalia 2-0 in a recent training camp in Morocco three days later.

However, with the latest format of 48 teams competing with a minimum of nine African sides guaranteed places for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many Sierra Leoneans believe this is Leone Stars’ best chance ever.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted in three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States. 

The nine groups will play a home and away, starting in November this year. They will take place over ten matchdays during the next two years: 13-21 November 2023 – 3-11 June 2024; 17-25 March 2025; 1-9 September 2025; 6-14 October 2025; 10-18 November 2025 (Playoffs).

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Sierra Leone confirm 2026 World Qualifying dates and venues
Sierra Leone confirm 2026 World Qualifying dates and venues
Foreign scouts visit Sierra Leone football chief Daddy Brima.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Foreign scouts visit Sierra Leone football chief Daddy Brima

On Tuesday, International football scouts who were in Sierra Leone to witness the U17 and U19 talent Detection tournament organised by Star Sports Academy paid a courtesy call to the Sierra Leone football chief, Thomas Daddy Brima.

In a bid to expand the International football relationship, the Sierra Leone Football Association President, Daddy Brima, engaged the scouts from Türkiye, Slovakia, Sudan and Bulgaria at the FA secretariat.

President Brima was pleased and described their visit as ” timely and impactful towards the growth and development of players in the country.”

He further assured them of the Sierra Leone Football Association’s unreserved support and cooperation throughout their scouting activities within the country.

Meanwhile, Eight of the sixteen teams that participated were from outside Sierra Leone. Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.

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Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.
Academy GFI from Guinea emerged as the Detection tournament champions held at the Southern Arena in Bo following a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone.
Coach Amidu Karim is pleased with Leone Stars' friendly results
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Amidu Karim reflects on first two games in charge

Amidu Karim says he was pleased with his opening two matches as head coach in charge of Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars for friendly games in Morocco.

On Tuesday, his preparation continued following a 2-0 win over Somalia in a tier-two friendly in Casablanca, Morocco. His first task was a 1-1 draw with Benin.

Leone Stars secured a pass mark unbeaten in their Morocco camp, a start to life the coach was pleased about. 

Under Karim’s guidance, Odense Boldklub striker Mohamed Buya Turay scored his first three International goals for Sierra Leone.

“Generally, the experience was a unique one, as a technical team, we are pleased with the outcome of both matches. I am pleased also because it is my first time as head coach – hence, starting well in charge was precisely the target.”

“In the competition proper, two games and four points will be immense for us. However, this is just a start – we remain focused and working on the areas to strengthen ahead of difficult matches in November. 

I was a bit disappointed not to win against Benin as we came very close. I must commend the players for their commitment as well. In Football, it’s not easy to get 100 per cent, but they’ve shown me a lot. We still have to make decisions for the success of Sierra Leone.”

The World Cup 2026 qualifiers will see Sierra Leone battle Ethiopia and Egypt in Group A doubleheader in November – these games will be the ultimate test in Karim’s reign. 

Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, powerhouse Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Djibouti all makeup Group A in the race to the 2026 World Cup.

The continental journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada will begin in November 2023. 

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Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John Keister

Reigning Sierra Leone Premier League champions Bo Rangers has appointed John Keisrer as its new head coach.

Keister, who guided Sierra Leone to their third African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, unbeaten in the qualifiers, will start his new role on the 1st of November.

It means he will not be in the dugout but in the stands when Rangers take on Mighty Blackpool in the Community Shield clash on the 28th of October at the Southern Arena.

On Wednesday, the club said they are thrilled to announce the official signing of Coach John Keister as the new head Coach.

“With an impressive track record and a wealth of experience in the football industry, Coach Keister brings a dynamic approach and a new spirit to accelerate the club’s growth. 

His tenure will commence on the 1st of November 2023, and the entire club is eager to witness the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in leading the team to new heights of success,” the Southern Province outfit revealed. 

The former East End Lions coach is charged with the new responsibility of defending a back-to-back title.

Rangers fans will be hoping their new coach can replicate what he did during the 2019 season, winning the title unbeaten with the Easter giant side.

Bo Rangers to kick-off their title defence against Freetown City FC on the 5th of November at the Southern Arena.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1714732798420897862

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