Category: Sport News

Sulaiman Kargbo's last-gasp header inspires Lions to Orange FA Cup victory
by Football Sierra Leone

Sulaiman Kargbo’s last-gasp header inspires Lions to Orange FA Cup victory

Sulaiman Kargbo’s last-minute header proved to be the difference in a close 1-0 victory over Mighty Blackpool FC at the Southern Arena in Bo City on Saturday. East End Lions claimed the 2026 Orange FA Cup.

Kargbo’s goal came in the 89th minute after continuous pressure from Mighty Blackpool, but it was Lions who nicked the victory from a corner kick. 

East End Lions Chairman Anthony Junior Navo acknowledged the team’s work. “On behalf of the Executive, Technical Team, Players, and the whole East End Lions family, I extend congratulations to everyone linked with this great club for our historic FA Cup triumph over Mighty Blackpool.

This win demonstrates the tenacity, discipline, and effort our team showed throughout the tournament. Our players and coaching staff deserve great praise for their hard work in bringing this honoured award back to Freetown.

Special gratitude to Sulaiman S. Kargbo (SS) for the goal-winning FA Cup title and qualifying East End Lions for the CAF tournament football. This success proves our team’s drive and might.”

As a result of this triumph, Lions is expected to represent Sierra Leone in the second-tier CAF Interclub competition – The CAF Confederation Cup. 

Japan's historic win sends Tunisia crashing out
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Japan’s historic win sends Tunisia crashing out

In the 1,000th match of the FIFA World Cup, Japan defeated Tunisia to edge closer to the knockout stage. This landmark game in Monterrey saw Japan make history at Monterrey Stadium on Saturday.

Keito Nakamura created the first goal by driving into the box and passing the ball to Daichi Kamada, who scored from close range. This was Kamada’s second goal of the tournament and the fastest goal Japan has scored in a World Cup.

Ayase Ueda increased the lead on the half-hour mark, making a powerful shot from the top of the box.

New Tunisia coach Herve Renard could not get his team to respond. Japan scored again when Ueda assisted Junya Ito, who netted the third goal midway through the second half. Ueda later scored his second goal to secure the victory.

Japan’s win is the largest by any nation in World Cup history. They now sit level with the Netherlands at the top of Group F, while Tunisia has been eliminated.

Key stat: Daichi Kamada’s goal in the fourth minute is the fastest scored by a Japanese player in World Cup history. The previous record was held by Shinji Kagawa, who scored in the sixth minute in 2018 against Colombia.

Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match: Ayase Ueda (Japan)

What they said:

“We prepared well and played aggressively. Our coaching staff clearly laid out our goals, which helped the players perform at their best. Many Japanese fans came to Monterrey, sang the national anthem with us, and cheered us on. Their support was a huge boost for us.” Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach

Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Japan goals: Kamada (4), Ueda (31, 83), Junya Ito (69)

Morocco's Ismael Saibari pleased with win over Scotland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Ismael Saibari delighted with victory over Scotland

Morocco’s midfielder Ismael Saibari expressed his pleasure that the team is tied for first place in Group C with four points, more than his two goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 24-year-old underlined following Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Scotland that the team’s good group standing is more fulfilling than his personal performance.

Saibari remarked, “I am happy with the two goals I have scored, but what makes me happier is having four points and being top of the group.” One more game has still to be played; hopefully, we will win that one as well.

In his first World Cup, Saibari has started well. In Morocco’s first 1-1 draw, he scored against Brazil and grabbed the winning goal against Scotland only 70 seconds into the game. This is one of the fastest goals of the 2026 competition and the fastest World Cup goal by an Arab player ever.

Though Saibari has his own successes, he underlined that Morocco’s strength results from its cooperation. “All of us have the same goal. We play as one group. He said, “We are like family.”

Côte d’Ivoire Receives Boost as Striker Elye Wahi Is Cleared to Enter Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Côte d’Ivoire Receives Boost as Striker Elye Wahi Is Cleared to Enter Canada

The Ivory Coast’s football federation announced that striker Elye Wahi has been permitted to enter Canada, therefore providing a major boost before their FIFA World Cup match against Germany.

On Thursday, the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) said that the forward’s travel administrative problems had been solved so he could keep playing in the competition.

The federation said in an official statement that Wahi’s arrival into Canadian territory had been duly authorised, therefore clearing the path for him to accompany the Elephants’ mission.

Elye Wahi’s administrative status has improved. The statement read, “The required clearances for his admission into Canadian territory have now been sought.”

Thus, the Ivorian international is permitted to accompany the Elephants team to Canada and will keep competing alongside his colleagues as usual.

The statement ends days of doubt regarding the 23-year-old striker, who had apparently struggled getting into Canada, given an investigation in France over claimed match-fixing infractions now underway.

French authorities are presently looking into Wahi over claims that he purposefully sought a yellow card during a May Ligue 1 game against Metz, playing for Nice. Still qualified for selection, the striker has not been accused of any offence.

Having played in Cote d’Ivoire’s World Cup opener against Ecuador, the ex-France youth international helped the Elephants win a prized 1-0 match.

Before Saturday’s pivotal Group E match against Germany in Toronto, his availability is projected to give coach Emerse Faé a significant boost.

Additionally , thanking everyone engaged in resolving the problem, the FIF welcomed the good result.

Wahi is scheduled to rejoin the team in Canada as Cote d’Ivoire pursues a berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages with the travel problem fixed.

Hugo Broos Praises Bafana Bafana’s Determination After Draw with Czech Republic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos Praises Bafana Bafana’s Determination After Draw with Czech Republic

South Africa battled diligently to maintain their FIFA World Cup hope, drawing 1-1 with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty guaranteed this crucial point after their first loss to Mexico.

Coach Hugo Broos said he was proud of how his team responded after the game. Though the ultimate result made one a little depressed, he pointed out that the squad played aggressive football and produced good opportunities.

Broos underlined the attitude they displayed following the defeat to Mexico and underlined the fact that the players determine their own fate. He said that the emphasis now turns to defeating South Korea to boost their prospects for progress.

Broos also responded to outside criticism by saying he will maintain his strategy and the team’s results speak for itself.

The Story of Bafana Bafana Goes On

One point from two games puts South Africa tied with the Czech Republic in Group A. With two victories, Mexico leads the group; South Korea still has to play their second game.

Along with some of the best third-placed teams in this year’s enlarged World Cup with 48 teams, the top two teams from every group advance to the round of 32. Every stage is important, and this draw offers Bafana some breathing room.

South Africa now heads into the must-win game against South Korea knowing that a win will secure their qualification possibilities. A draw or loss will make advancement considerably more difficult and may rely on other match outcomes.