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SLFA Launches Global Search for Leone Stars Coach Amid Kallon Fallout
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone targets a fourth AFCON appearance as 2027 dates confirmed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set June 19 to July 17, 2027, for the next Africa Cup of Nations, launching a qualification race that could see Sierra Leone secure a historic fourth appearance at the continental showpiece.

The tournament, branded as “PAMOJA 2027” which means “together”, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the first time AFCON will be staged across three nations. The dates recently announced by the tournament organisers were approved by the FIFA Council, with venues for the opening match and final yet to be announced by CAF.

However, the focus now shifts to qualification, which will feature 48 teams, including Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars, who will compete for 24 places across 12 groups of four, with only the top two totalling 24 nations to advance in what is tipped to be a tightly contested campaign running from September 2026 to March 2027.

For Sierra Leone, the stakes are high, but a successful campaign would mark the country’s fourth AFCON qualification and reinforce its re-emergence in African football following its return to the tournament in 2021 after a long absence.

The 2027 edition will also mark AFCON’s return to East Africa for the first time since the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations, as CAF seeks to expand the competition’s global reach and growing audience.

With the draw set for May 19, 2026, Sierra Leone faces a defining path, one which many sports enthusiasts and supporters of the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone believe could cement the West African football-loving nation’s slot among the continent’s rising football nations.

Sierra Leone women’s team not listed for Africa’s 2028 Olympic Qualifiers
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Women’s team not listed for Africa’s 2028 Olympic Qualifiers

Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone has not been listed for Africa’s qualification campaign for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games, following the release of a 35-team lineup by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The qualification series scheduled to run from June 2026 to December 2027, will unfold over five grueling knockout rounds, producing just two representatives for the 2028 Olympics featuring African powerhouses, including Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana are expected to lead the charge, alongside emerging contenders such as Zambia, Morocco and Senegal.

The draw for this knockout phase was held on 28 April 2026 in Cairo, According to the procedure, the 35 teams taking part are: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

CAF has however, confirmed that the anticipated qualifiers format will begin with a preliminary round featuring six lower-ranked teams before expanding into a 32-team bracket, with home-and-away ties steadily narrowing the field to the final two.

However, its crystal clearer that the Sierra Leone national Women’s team absence marks a significant blow, as women’s football gains pace across the continent.  While the continent’s qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament will offer vital exposure, competitive match experience and pathways to investment and professional opportunities, benefits now out of reach for the West African football-loving nation.

With Africa’s limited Olympic slots intensifying competition, the expanded campaign underscores both the continent’s growing depth and the rising cost of non-participation.

As the road to the 2028 Olympics begins, Sierra Leone remains on the outside, missing a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s football in Africa.

The draw for this knockout phase was held on 28 April 2026 in Cairo,
The draw for this knockout phase was held on 28 April 2026 in Cairo,
Fresh Start for Sierra Leone Sport as NSA Gets New Boss
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Fresh Start for Sierra Leone Sport as NSA Gets New Boss

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has appointed Lawyer Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, Esq as Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, replacing Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai in a move widely seen as a reset for the country’s sports administration.

The announcement on April 30, 2026, came just days after Abdulai marked two years in office. While no official explanation was provided for the change, its timing has sparked debate among stakeholders in both the sports and legal communities. Conteh, a seasoned legal practitioner with expertise in governance, compliance and dispute resolution, is regarded as a reform-oriented figure.

His appointment is seen as part of broader efforts by the Bio administration to strengthen accountability and institutional efficiency in the sector. He assumes office at a critical juncture, with Sierra Leone seeking to reposition sport as a driver of youth development, national unity and economic growth.

Some observers say his legal background could prove key in addressing persistent governance disputes and aligning national systems with international standards. Abdulai, who took office in 2024, led regulatory reviews and infrastructure rehabilitation initiatives.

However, his tenure was also marked by administrative tensions, concerns over the pace of reforms, and calls for more inclusive governance structures.

Though not officially cited as reasons for his exit, analysts say these challenges highlight the urgency of reform within the NSA. With parliamentary approval pending, focus now shifts to whether Conteh can quickly restore confidence, streamline operations and deliver tangible progress in Sierra Leone’s sporting landscape.

Mogbwemo Queens Clinch Sierra Leone Women’s Title in Dominant Fashion
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Mogbwemo Queens clinch Sierra Leone Women’s title in Dominant Fashion

Mogbwemo Queens Football Club has won the 2025/26 Marampa Mines Women’s Premier League with two matches to spare, sealing a landmark triumph that underscores their growing dominance in Sierra Leone’s women’s football.

The Bonthe District-based side secured the title after an imperious campaign, remaining unbeaten in 19 of 22 matches and collecting 57 points from a possible 66.

Their authority was evident at both ends of the pitch, combining prolific scoring 63 goals with a disciplined defence that consistently stifled opponents.

The league board confirmed that Mogbwemo Queens had established an insurmountable lead over their closest rivals, Ram Kamara Football Club, who have 51 points from 20 matches.

Midfielder Fatmata Turay attributed the victory to months of rigorous preparation and strong community support. The title was sealed with a 4–1 win against Koya Queens on April 25, inspiring joy across Bonthe District.

With this win, Mogbwemo Queens aims to represent Sierra Leone in upcoming continental competitions, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in the country.

Mogbwemo Queens have clinched the Sierra Leone women’s title in dominant fashion
Mogbwemo Queens have clinched the Sierra Leone women’s title in dominant fashion
Sierra Leone U-17 Girls to face Benin in second phase of the Women's World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s to face Benin in second phase of the World Cup qualifiers

The Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s National Team is set to face Benin in May after they eliminated the Ivory Coast in the first leg of the preliminary matches.

In the first leg, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. In the return leg, the Sierra Leonean team demonstrated resilience and determination, winning 2-1 to qualify. As a result, they secured their spot in the second preliminary round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Elsewhere, the biggest surprise came from Benin, who lost 3–1 in the first match but won 4–0 against Burkina Faso in the second match. Romaine Gandonou scored all four goals.

Cameroon, Ghana, and Ethiopia all won by a score of 6–0, showing their strength. Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda also qualified easily. In a close match, Senegal beat Tunisia 2–1, and both Tanzania and Burundi moved on as well.

Next, the focus will shift to the second round, which runs from May 22 to May 31.

Sierra Leone v Benin in the second round of the qualifiers schedule

* First Leg: May 22nd, 23rd, or 24th

* Second Leg: May 28th, 29th, or 30th

Second-round fixtures – FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 qualifiers

  • Guinea vs Nigeria
  • Benin vs Sierra Leone
  • Senegal vs Cameroon
  • Liberia vs Ghana
  • Zambia vs DR Congo
  • Ethiopia vs Burundi
  • Tanzania vs South Africa
  • Kenya vs Uganda