Category: Sport News

SLFA President Babadi Kamara attends WAFU A Zonal meeting in Kinshasa

SLFA President Babadi Kamara attends WAFU A Zonal meeting in Kinshasa

On Saturday, October 4th, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, participated in a WAFU A zonal meeting held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Chairing the gathering was CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and other football heads from West Africa. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 47th CAF General Assembly.

The gathering brought together presidents and representatives from WAFU A member associations to discuss crucial developmental priorities for football in the region. Key topics included youth competitions, the growth of infrastructure, and strategies for enhanced collaboration among member federations.

Similar to the CECAFA held Zonal meeting in Kinshasa ahead of the CAF Ordinary General Assembly.

CAF President Dr. Motsepe met with CECAFA President Alexandre Muyenge and other CECAFA leaders. He praised CECAFA for successfully hosting the TotalEnergies CHAN Competition in August. He noted that the tournament helped revive football in East Africa and improved cooperation among governments, sponsors, and fans.

Additionally, COSAFA held a meeting in Kinshasa on Friday morning to discuss football development in the region. COSAFA countries expressed their gratitude to Dr. Motsepe for providing more financial support to Zones and Member Associations. This support allows them to organize more competitions and programs.

Sierra Leone's Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn's draw

Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn’s draw

Sierra Leone's Augustis Kargbo helped Blackburn Rovers scored late to secure a draw against the high-flying Stoke City at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Million Manhoef opened the scoring early in the second half as the Potters dominated the match.

However, they were unable to find a second goal, and Augustus Kargbo equalized with just eight minutes left. Mark Robins’ team remains in third place in the Championship standings, while Blackburn halted a streak of two consecutive defeats.

Stoke nearly took an early lead within 10 seconds when Sorba Thomas attempted a volley from the edge of the box, prompting Balasz Toth to make a strong save. Blackburn then missed two significant opportunities before halftime.

Todd Cantwell shot wide, and Andre Gudjohnsen failed to convert Ryoya Morishita’s cross from close range. Just before the end of the first half, Manhoef had a chance to score but could not test goalkeeper Toth with his low shot.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman succeeded four minutes into the second half, as his shot was deflected in after connecting with Thomas’ well-placed through-ball. Five minutes later, Ryan Alebiosu prevented Thomas from scoring as the striker broke free on goal.

The defender made a perfectly timed tackle, yet had Thomas looked up, he would have seen Manhoef open for a tap-in. Cantwell emerged as Blackburn’s main threat, steadily gaining more influence in the game and testing keeper Viktor Johansson with a long-range strike.

Johansson was quick to deny substitute Dion De Neve from a narrow angle 13 minutes before the end, while Rovers’ Sondre Tronstad shot wide.

Toth thwarted Manhoef again as the visitors sought to secure their victory, and they were punished shortly thereafter by Kargbo’s goal from Cantwell’s cross. Johansson was again called into action, stopping the Sierra Leone striker from getting a second goal at the back post.

Sierra Leone to face Senegal in U17 AFCON Qualifiers Opener in Mali

Sierra Leone to face Senegal in U17 AFCON qualifying opener in Mali

Against Senegal in Group B, Sierra Leone's U17 team will start their 2025 TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying run on October 6th in Mali.

The WAFU Zone A qualifiers will take place from October 5-18, 2025. The young Stars face a tough challenge against Senegal, known for their strong youth football program and recent success.

In Group A, Mali and Liberia will officially kick off the qualifiers on Sunday, October 5th, followed by The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

Sierra Leone’s technical crew is still upbeat despite the difficult start. Head coach Mohamed Konneh will be hoping they start well to make a statement on the continental scene.

The squad consists of promising academy players and emerging local talent. The 2025 U17 AFCON finals will showcase the best young teams in Africa and serve as a qualifying event.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) prioritizes youth development, seeing this tournament as key for future national team stars.

Fans are hopeful the U17 team will proudly represent Sierra Leone as they face Senegal, followed by Mauritania and Guinea in Group B for a chance to advance.

U17 qualifying scheduled for Mali 2025
U17 qualifying scheduled for Mali 2025
South Africa thrash Caledonia in U20 World Cup to keep qualification hopes alive

South Africa thrash Caledonia in U20 World Cup to keep qualification hopes alive

Africa U-20 champions South Africa reignited their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with an impressive 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in Rancagua.

After a tough loss in their opener against France, the Amajita bounced back in style, with Siviwe Magidigidi shining by scoring twice and winning a penalty.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Siviwe Nkwali headed in a powerful effort from a corner kick. Just nine minutes later, Magidigidi was taken down in the box, setting up Shakeel April to calmly convert the resulting penalty and double South Africa’s lead.

Right before halftime, Magidigidi added to his impressive performance with a precise finish from the edge of the area, giving Raymond Mdaka’s side a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

Seven minutes into the second half, Magidigidi found the net again, this time finishing from close range for his brace and effectively putting the game out of reach. Substitute Lazola Maku then capped off the rout with a beautifully executed strike from distance ten minutes before the final whistle.

Coach Raymond Mdaka welcomed the resounding victory but acknowledged that his team could have been even more ruthless in front of goal. “It was a challenging game as we absolutely needed to win and score goals,” Mdaka said.

“We feel we should have netted even more since we were wasteful with the chances created. While we played well defensively, we were a bit sluggish up front. We need to sharpen our tactical and positional discipline, and honestly, we could have scored nine or ten goals.”

This resounding win puts South Africa firmly back in the mix in Group E, where they are set to face the United States on Sunday in a crucial decider for a spot in the knockout stages.

Nigeria record first Group F win in the U20 World Cup

Nigeria record first Group F win in the U20 World Cup

Nigeria scored a last-minute penalty to eliminate Saudi Arabia, South Africa netted five goals against New Caledonia, and a resolute Norway defense managed to hold Colombia to a goalless draw.

In a thrilling match in Talca between two teams eager to recover from initial losses, Nigeria clinched a 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia with a late penalty conversion at theEstadio Fiscal de Talca on Friday. 

Nigerian goals from Nasiru Salihu and Amos Ochoche, positioned around a clever dink from Amar Al Yuhaybi, concluded an exhilarating first half with Nigeria leading 2-1.

Just six minutes into the second half, Talal Haji, who came on as a substitute at halftime, connected with a lobbed pass from Mohammed Barnawi and sent a header over Ebenezar Harcourt to equalize for the second time.

As the match seemed poised for a draw, Nigeria was awarded a late penalty, which captain Daniel Bameyi successfully converted in the fourth minute of injury time. This victory places the Flying Eagles in third position in the group, while Saudi Arabia faces elimination.

Quotes – “The players determined that they needed to give their all for the three points today, and that commitment is what drove them. Now it’s clear that we need to strive for the three points against Colombia; it’s that simple,” said Aliyu Zubair, the coach of Nigeria.

Nigeria 3-2 Saudi Arabia

Nigeria goals: Nasiru Salihu (10), Amos Ochoche (38), Daniel Bameyi (90+4) Saudi Arabia goals: Amar Al Yuhaybi (21), Talal Haji (51)