Category: Sport News

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Set to Begin AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Alongside 47 Other Nations

Sierra Leone and forty-seven other African nations are competing for a spot in the finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027.

The Group Stages of the Qualifiers begin on Thursday, September 24, and will run until Tuesday, October 6. During this time, 24 matches will be played across 12 groups.

Match Day 1 features key matches, including Côte d’Ivoire versus Ghana in Bouaké and Morocco against Gabon in Rabat. Sierra Leone hosts Zimbabwe’s Warriors in El Jadida, Morocco, at 19:00 GMT tonight for a place in the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027, and will return to East Africa for the first time since 1976.

Sierra Leone, dominated by foreign-based players, will provide a tough test for their visitors, making concentration and discipline crucial throughout the game.

African giant clash: Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana face off at 19:00 GMT. This match marks a new chapter for Côte d’Ivoire under coach Hervé Renard, who has included several new players. Other matches include DR Congo versus Equatorial Guinea and Uganda taking on Tunisia.

On Friday, September 25, 14 matches are scheduled. Morocco will play Gabon, and Egypt will host Angola. Nigeria begins their campaign against Madagascar without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is injured.

On Saturday, September 26, South Africa will host Guinea, and co-host Kenya will face Eritrea. Kenya is already qualified as a co-host, and only the highest-ranked team outside of the host nations will advance.

The 48 teams were divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the finals, except in Groups D, H, and L, where co-hosts automatically qualify. The campaign continues with matches in November and March 2027.

PAMOJA, meaning “Together” in Swahili, reflects CAF’s vision of unity and collaboration as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda prepare to co-host AFCON.

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers – Matchday 1 Fixtures

Thursday, 24 September 2026 – All times GMT

  • Group G: Namibia vs Congo – 13h00
  • Group E: DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea – 16h00
  • Group F: Mauritania vs Central African Republic – 16h00
  • Group H: Libya vs Botswana – 16h00
  • Group C: Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana – 19h00
  • Group E: Sierra Leone vs Zimbabwe – 19h00
  • Group G: Cameroon vs Comoros – 19h00
  • Group H: Tunisia vs Uganda – 19h00

Friday, 25 September 2026 – All times GMT

  • Group L: Tanzania vs Guinea-Bissau – 13h00
  • Group A: Niger vs Lesotho – 15h00
  • Group B: Malawi vs South Sudan – 16h00
  • Group C: The Gambia vs Somalia – 16h00
  • Group I: Togo vs Burundi – 16h00
  • Group J: Sudan vs Ethiopia – 16h00
  • Group K: Rwanda vs Liberia – 16h00
  • Group L: Nigeria vs Madagascar – 16h00
  • Group A: Morocco vs Gabon – 19h00
  • Group B: Egypt vs Angola – 19h00
  • Group F: Burkina Faso vs Benin – 19h00
  • Group I: Algeria vs Zambia – 19h00
  • Group J: Senegal vs Mozambique – 19h00
  • Group K: Mali vs Cape Verde – 19h00

Saturday, 26 September 2026 – All times GMT

  • Group D: Kenya vs Eritrea – 13h00
  • Group D: South Africa vs Guinea – 16h00
by Football Sierra Leone

Zimbabwe’s Warriors Ready for Sierra Leone Battle

Zimbabwe’s Warriors are set to begin their Group E qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone on September 24, with both sides targeting a positive start to their qualification journey.

The Warriors have been preparing for what promises to be a competitive opening fixture. The match will be played at the El Jadida Stadium in Morocco.

Zimbabwe will be looking to make a strong impression in their Group E opener and lay an early foundation for the matches ahead.

The Warriors have been working as head coach Ramon Catala intensifies their preparations, with the technical team focusing on tactical organisation, sharpness and team cohesion ahead of the encounter.

Sierra Leone, dominated by foreign-based players, will provide a tough test, making concentration and discipline crucial throughout the game.

With the Group E campaign getting underway, Zimbabwe will hope their preparation translates into a solid performance and start their qualification bid on a positive note.

The host team, Sierra Leone, recently played three matches. They lost a friendly match to Azerbaijan, lost a World Cup qualifying match to Burkina Faso, and won 2-1 against Djibouti in another World Cup qualifying match. Their visitors won their last match, a friendly against Zambia, and also beat Botswana, but lost 3-2 to South Africa.

by FSL News

Star Sport Academy Land Gambian Goalkeeper Omar Keita

Star Sport Academy has confirmed the signing of Gambian goalkeeper Omar Keita from Medina United on a five-year deal.

“Keita, who is 20 years old, caught our attention during recent CAF Champions League matches against us. He showed great skills in goal during both matches held in Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Keita, standing tall at 6’4”, he is our latest addition as we bolster our squad for the upcoming competitions and the Sierra Leone Premier League campaign.

The new acquisition brings a strong presence to the pitch. The young sensation is a bright prospect between the posts,” Star Sport Academy noted

“I can’t believe I’m actually here, but I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge. It was an easy decision after my performance against Star Sport Academy,” Keita shared. 

Details:
Name: Omar Keita

Birthdate: February 12, 2006

Nationality: Gambian​​​

Height: 6’4″ (193 cm)

Former Club: Medina United (Gambia)

Weight: 81 kg (178) Lbs

Dominant Foot: Right Foot

Position: GK

Birthplace: Gambia

Leone Stars Step Up AFCON 2027 Qualifying Preparations in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Leone Stars Step Up AFCON 2027 Qualifying Preparations in Morocco

Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars have intensified their training in Morocco as they prepare for their double-header in the qualifying round for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

They will play Zimbabwe on September 24 and Equatorial Guinea on September 28. These matches are crucial for Sierra Leone’s chances to qualify for the tournament.

During the training session, the players and coaches worked on skills, strategies, and teamwork. New face like Raees Bangura Williams, Salford City attacking midfielder Kallum Cesay, and returning Middlesbrough left-back Alex Bangura were all present as the team concentrated on their fitness while sticking to the game plan.

With the qualifiers getting closer, the Leone Stars aim to start strong and improve their chances of making it to next year’s tournament, which will take place in East Africa.

The team remains dedicated as they prepare for these important matches that could greatly affect their qualification hopes.

Salford City Kallum Cesay were part of first training session in Morocco
Salford City Kallum Cesay were part of first training session in Morocco
Northampton Town's Tyrese Fornah in training action!
Northampton Town's Tyrese Fornah in training action!
by FSL News

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah Receives Six-Month Driving Ban

Former Liverpool footballer Mohamed Salah has received a six-month driving ban after his Rolls-Royce was caught speeding.

On 27 March, the car was captured by a speed camera going 36mph in a 30mph zone in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Salah did not tell the police who was driving the car at the time.

At a hearing in Warrington Combined Court, Salah did not respond to the charge from Cheshire Police or enter a plea. He was fined £1,044 and banned from driving for six months.

The court said Salah was prosecuted under a process where magistrates handle cases privately. He was found guilty of not providing the driver’s information for the Rolls-Royce.

This speeding incident occurred just days after Salah announced he would leave Liverpool after nine years with the team.

On 24 March, Liverpool stated that he had “firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history.” Salah scored 257 goals in 442 games for Liverpool before moving to Turkish club Trabzonspor after the 2025-26 season.