Category: Sport News

Senegal leapfrog DR Congo after comeback win in Group B
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal leapfrog DR Congo after comeback win in Group B

In Group B, Senegal staged a thrilling comeback in Kinshasa and moved ahead of DR Congo with goals from Pape Gueye 39’, Nicolas Jackson 53’, and Pape Sarr 87’

DR Congo jumped to a two-goal lead with Bakambu’s goal and Wissa’s follow-up. Senegal responded with a goal from Pape Gueye, narrowing the gap before halftime.

They levelled the score when Jackson scored from a rebound and took the lead with Pape Sarr’s goal late in the match.

Senegal now tops the group ahead of their upcoming matches against South Sudan and Mauritania. DR Congo needs to regroup quickly for their matches against Togo and Sudan to keep their hopes alive.

DR Congo 2–3 Senegal – Scorers: Cédric Bakambu 26’, Yoane Wissa 33’ (DRC); Pape Gueye 39’, Nicolas Jackson 53’, Pape Sarr 87’ (Senegal)

Elsewhere, matchday 8 of Africa’s qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 brought exciting moments and important outcomes.

Cape Verde won 1-0 against Cameroon, putting them at the top of their group. In Johannesburg, South Africa, and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw in a close match. Egypt and Burkina Faso ended in a 0-0 tie, while Togo celebrated their first victory by beating Sudan 1-0.

In a tightly contested match, South Africa and Nigeria settled for a 1-1 draw. South Africa took the lead with an own goal from Troost-Ekong, but Nigeria responded just before halftime with a goal by Bassey.

In the second half, both teams created chances, with Nigeria looking more dangerous on counterattacks. The draw keeps South Africa well-positioned for automatic qualification, while Nigeria needs to win their remaining matches to stay in contention.

In Group A, Egypt missed a chance to secure qualification, playing to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso. An early injury to Omar Marmoush hampered their attack, and despite Salah having a goal ruled out for offside, they couldn’t break through a solid Burkina Faso defence. With two matches left, the group’s outcome remains up in the air.

Egypt one win away to reach 2026 World Cup after stalemate in Ouagadougou
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt close in on 2026 World Cup after stalemate in Ouagadougou

Egypt's will have to wait for a place in next World Cup after they played to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Ouagadougou during the eighth round of the African qualifiers. (Photo Credit Pouire service photographie)

Now, Egypt will face Djibouti on October 6, hoping to secure its spot in the World Cup. Currently, Egypt leads Group A with 20 points, which is five points ahead of second-placed Burkina Faso.

They need just one point from their next two games to secure a spot in the tournament. Coach Hossam Hassan used a different strategy by setting up a strong defence with five defenders.

Egypt started the game defensively, managing Burkina Faso’s early pressure. Despite the noisy crowd, Egypt defended well and posed a threat on counter-attacks, using the speed of Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan.

The match started with Trezeguet’s long-range shot missing the target six minutes in. Egypt faced a setback when Omar Marmoush was injured, replaced by Osama Faisal.

Burkina Faso threatened with a free kick after twenty minutes, but Egypt’s defence held strong, and Toure shot over the bar from the rebound. Trezeguet’s powerful shot was saved by Koffi, leaving the first half goalless.

In the second half, Egypt played cautiously, allowing Burkina Faso to control possession. Mohamed Salah assisted Trezeguet, but Koffi saved again. Salah had a goal disallowed for offside in the 67th minute.

Dango Ouattara missed a header late in the game, and Coach Hassan made substitutions with five minutes left. Mostafa Mohamed had two chances to score but couldn’t convert.

Sierra Leone edge Ethiopia in Group A World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone edge Ethiopia in Group A World Cup qualifier

Sierra Leone secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in their Group A World Cup qualifiers, giving themselves a slim possibility of reaching the playoffs.

Momoh I Kamara scored for Sierra Leone in the 37th minute, capitalising on a smart pass from Sallieu Tarawallie. Substitute Alhassah Koroma sealed the victory for the home team in extra time.

Blackburn Rovers attacker Kargbo came close for Sierra Leone with his strike, which hit the crossbar before flying over.

The host enjoyed much possession in the opening exchanges at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, with Blackburn Rovers winger Augustus Kargbo, Momoh Kamara and skipper Mustapha Bundu being the most dangerous in attack and making life difficult for the Ethiopians.

Under a sunny sky at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, the hosts displayed promising moments against their opponents, effectively controlling and moving the ball all around the pitch.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon made five changes to his squad that were held in Guinea-Boissau 1-1 last Thursday, aiming to maximise his squad as the likes of Kei Kamara, Buya Turay, and Alhassan Koroma all named on the bench as Leone Stars settled with a 1-0 lead in the first half.

After the recess, the visitors tried many tactics but couldn’t find the back of the net. Sierra Leone’s Buya Turay nearly scored from a direct free kick, as the ball hit the crossbar and went over.

Alhassan Koroma finally got the second for the Leone Stars in extra time, sending the fans into ecstasy. 

These three vital points are crucial for coach Kallon’s team as they prepare to challenge Burkina Faso and Djibouti in October for the final two matches of the qualifiers.

Egypt is leading Group A with 19 points, followed by Burkina Faso with 14 points and Sierra Leone with 12 points. Guinea-Bissau is in fourth place after their recent 2-0 win over Djibouti, which is at the bottom of the table with only 1 point.

Substitutions

90+3 substitution for Sierra Leone. Mohamed Billoh Kabba comes on for Emmanuel Samadia.

90+3 substitution for Sierra Leone. Musa Kamara comes on for Saidu Fofanah.

76′ Substitution for Ethiopia. Dawa Hotessa comes on for Wogene Gezahegn.

70′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Mohamed Buya Turay comes on for Momoh Kamara.

70′ substitution for Ethiopia. Suleiman Hamid comes on for Bereket Desta.

64′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Alhassan Koroma comes on for Mustapha Bundu.

64′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Comes on for Augustus Kargbo.

46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Ahmed Reshid comes on for Asrat Tonjo.

46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Kenean Markneh comes on for Abdulkerim Worku.

46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Bereket Wolde comes on for Mohammed Abera.

Egypt is leading Group A with 19 point followed by Burkina Faso with 14 points and Sierra Leone with 12 points ahead of next month's doubleheader
Egypt is leading Group A with 19 point followed by Burkina Faso with 14 points and Sierra Leone with 12 points ahead of next month's doubleheader
Five changes to Sierra Leone's line-up against Ethiopia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Five changes to Sierra Leone’s line-up against Ethiopia

Sierra Leone will start Mustapha Bundu and Momoh I Kamara against Ethiopia today in Liberia. The Leone Stars are looking for a win in this important World Cup qualifying match.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon made five changes for the game, which kicks off at 1:00 PM on Tuesday.

John Bilili Sesay, a midfielder from Bhantal, and Saidu Fofanah from the Kazakhstan Premier League side Zhetysu are also in the lineup.

Alhaji Sesay will continue as the goalkeeper. Nathaniel Jalloh will replace Osman Kakay at right-back. Alpha Turay and Abdulai Juma Bah will play as centre-backs, while Sallieu Tarawallie will be in defence.

In Group A, Egypt leads the table with 19 points, while Burkina Faso is in second place with 14 points. Burkina Faso will host Egypt in their next match. Guinea-Bissau moved to third place after their 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday, bringing their total to 12 points. Sierra Leone is currently in fourth place with 9 points, while Djibouti sits at the bottom of the table with only 1 point.

Five changes to Sierra Leone's line-up against Ethiopia
Five changes to Sierra Leone's line-up against Ethiopia
Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive

The Liberian Capital will host an intriguing Group A matchday eight 2026 World Cup qualifying tie as host Sierra Leone face off against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia. Kickoff 13hrs GMT

Sierra Leone must win to ignite their chances of a runners-up spot later this afternoon. Only a win will keep the West Africans’ hopes alive, especially after Guinea-Bissau’s 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday.

Coach Mohamed Kallon’s side must head into their final three games of CAF qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with only one mindset: to bag nine points if they are to have any chance of making it to the playoff spot.

In Group A of the CAF qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Burkina Faso sits second on 14 points but well adrift of Egypt at the top of the group. Behind the Burkinabe outfit, Guinea-Bissau, having played a game more, on ten points, overtook Sierra Leone with their 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday.

Sierra Leone is five points adrift of the runner-up spot and a potential playoff berth, but a win will keep their dreams alive going into the final round of matches in October against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.

Key Stats

Sierra Leone has won two, drawn three and lost two in their last seven matches in the World Cup qualifiers (W2 D3 L2).

Ethiopia have won only one of their last seven World Cup qualifying matches (W1 D3 L3).

Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive
Sierra Leone must win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive