Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone's Kallum Cesay voted Player of the Match in Salford's win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay voted Player of the Match in Salford’s win

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay was voted Salford's Player of the Match as the League Two side advanced to the FA Cup third round for the second consecutive season with an impressive 4-0 victory over League One side Leyton Orient at the Peninsula Stadium.

In a challenging pitch, Orient’s goalkeeper, Killian Cahill, inadvertently scored an own goal from Kadeem Harris’s cross, putting Salford ahead just 23 minutes into the match.

Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay doubled the lead with a curling shot near the hour mark, following another strong run from Harris. Substitute Fabio Borini quickly made an impact by scoring shortly after coming on, and Kelly N’Mai capped off the scoring in stoppage time with a shot from the edge of the box. Salford dominated throughout, with Cahill previously denying Luke Garbutt a strong effort.

Before halftime, Cahill spilt a free kick, allowing Daniel Udoh to hit the post with a close-range chance. After Cesay’s goal, he set up Josh Austerfield, who shot over from a good position. Salford has now won their last three FA Cup matches against League One teams.

Looking ahead, Salford will learn their next opponents during Monday’s draw at 18:40 GMT before the Brackley Town vs. Burton Albion match.

Head coach Karl Robinson praised his players and expressed confidence as they aim for a higher league, humorously noting he doesn’t want a draw against Man City away.

African teams know their 2026 FIFA World Cup opponents
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African teams know their 2026 FIFA World Cup opponents

Africa’s teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup learned their group assignments in Washington D.C. on Friday.

The expanded tournament will include 48 teams, and Africa will have nine qualified teams, with the DR Congo hoping to join through play-offs.

Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team and semi-finalists in 2022, is in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. This matchup with Brazil will attract global attention.

South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, placed in Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and the European play-off winner, aiming for its first knockout stage.

Ivory Coast, champions in 2015 and 2023, competes in Group E alongside Germany, Curaçao, and Ecuador, eyeing progression despite Germany’s strength.

Tunisia, in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and a European play-off winner, hopes to capitalise on opportunities against Japan and the play-off team.

Egypt, back since 2018, finds itself in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, presenting a decent chance to advance.

Cape Verde debuts in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, marking a historic moment for the team.

Algeria faces Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J, with the match against Argentina highly anticipated.

Senegal, Africa’s second-highest-ranked team, is in Group I with France, Norway, and a South American–Asian play-off winner, presenting a tough challenge.

Ghana joins Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama, seeking to regain its strong World Cup form.

DR Congo could join Group K if they win their playoff against Jamaica and Iraq, facing Portugal, Colombia, and another playoff winner.

Africa’s World Cup journey promises exciting matchups and new opportunities.

The 2026 World Cup groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, European Play-Off D winner (Czechia, Denmark, North Macedonia or the Republic of Ireland)

Group B: Canada, European Play-Off A winner (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland or Wales), Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Play-Off C winner (Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia or Türkiye)

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, European Play-Off B winner (Albania, Poland, Sweden or Ukraine), Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Play-Off Tournament winner 2 (Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname), Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, FIFA Play-Off Tournament winner 1 (DR Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia), Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama 

Alex Bangura makes his Middlesbrough long-awaited return
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura makes his long-awaited Middlesbrough return

Alex Bangura made his long-awaited return to the starting lineup as Middlesbrough FC defeated Derby 2-1 on Saturday. The Sierra Leone International made his first appearance since December 2023.

After the match, the Sierra Leone International struggled to find the words to express his emotions following his comeback.

In a surprising move, Bangura was given a starting position in Kim Hellberg’s inaugural game as Boro manager. He showcased his talent during the 2-1 victory over Derby, earning the man of the match award from the supporters for his impressive performance.

This match marked Bangura’s first competitive start since the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, which took place 22 months ago, making his contribution even more remarkable.

Since joining Boro from Cambuur in the summer of 2023, Bangura has endured a challenging period. His first season was plagued by injuries, resulting in just 19 appearances, and he was forced to sit out the entirety of last season after suffering an Achilles injury early in pre-season.

Sierra Leone midfielder Abu Dumbuya part ways with Maltese outfit
by FSL News

Sierra Leone midfielder Abu Dumbuya part ways with Maltese outfit

Zabbar St. Patrick has officially announced the departure of Sierra Leone midfielder Abu “Diaby” Dumbuya after a brief spell in Malta.

Dumbuya joined the Maltese club in August and, despite his short time with the team, made a strong impression with his dedication and professionalism.

The club expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.

In the 2023–2024 season, Dumbuya made a notable move to join Gençlik Gücü, a club in the KTFF Süper Lig in Northern Cyprus.

On January 3, 2025, he signed with AC Oulu, a team in the Finnish Veikkausliiga, for the upcoming season. However, he left the club at the beginning of July.

Angola list 28-man troops for AFCON 2025 in Morocco this month
by Football Sierra Leone

Angola list final 28-man troops for AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Angola's head coach, Patrice Beaumelle, has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for the Palancas Negras to aim for their best-ever performance in the tournament's history.

After weeks of speculation, Beaumelle’s squad announcement has captured attention, particularly due to several high-profile absentees as Angola gears up for a tough Group B campaign, facing South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Egypt.

A Challenging Path Awaits in Group B

Angola will begin their AFCON journey against South Africa on December 21, followed by matches against Zimbabwe on December 26 and Egypt on December 29. With the energy from their quarter-final run in 2023 and Beaumelle’s rejuvenated squad, the Palancas Negras head to Morocco with a sense of measured confidence and a clear ambition to carve out a new chapter in their footballing history.

Historically, Angola has yet to win the tournament, with their best performances being quarter-final appearances in 2008, 2010, and the recent edition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Angola’s AFCON Group Matches

22 December: vs South Africa

26 December: vs Zimbabwe

29 December: vs Egypt

Angola’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: Neblú, Hugo Marques, Dominique

Defenders: Rui Modesto, Eddie Afonso, Tô Carneiro, Núrio Fortuna, Pedro Bondo, David Carmo, Buatu, Gaspar, Clinton Mata

Midfielders: Beni Mukendi, Show, Fredy, Maestro, Kelliano, Mário Balbúrdia

Forwards: Zito Luvumbo, Manuel Benson, Milson, Chico Banza, Gelson Dala, Randy Nteka, Ary Papel, Mabululu, Mbala Nzola, Zine