Category: Sport News

Josh Koroma nets in Hudderfield defeat to Exeter

Josh Koroma nets in Hudderfield defeat to Exeter

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma was on target as Exeter concluded their season with an impressive 3-1 victory over Huddersfield in their final home game of the League One season.

The Terriers opened the scoring after 20 minutes with their first shot on goal. Hudderfield’s Josh Koroma found space on the left and curled an excellent finish into the far corner from 20 yards.

Exeter equalized in the 39th minute when Jack McMillan broke free down the right wing and delivered a low cross into the box. Ilmari Niskanen made a timely run to the back post and fired the ball past goalkeeper Jacob Chapman.

The second half was entertaining, with Sonny Cox being denied by Chapman and Joe Whitworth coming to Exeter’s rescue with a fine save against Koroma.

From the resulting corner, Herbie Kane volleyed a stunning effort into the bottom corner, but it was disallowed for offside. Exeter took the lead in the 56th minute when McMillan scored after finishing smartly from a long throw by Alex Hartridge, which was flicked on by Angus MacDonald.

Whitworth continued to shine with a superb one-handed save against Koroma, while Matty Pearson had a header that struck the crossbar.

Sierra Leone's Mustapha Bundu continues fine form as Plymouth fight survival

Sierra Leone’s Mustapha Bundu continues fine form as Plymouth fight survival

Despite beating Preston North End, who have only one victory in their last 14 matches, Plymouth Argyle met almost certain relegation from the Championship; Mustapha Bundu of Sierra Leone scored his 11th goal of the season in all competitions.

Luton Town’s win over Coventry City meant Argyle needed to win both of their remaining matches and significantly improve their goal difference to avoid relegation. Although Mustapha Bundu scored in the first half, followed by Callum Wright’s goal after the break, Argyle’s fate is likely sealed barring an unlikely turn of events.

Preston, despite dominating possession and creating chances, could only score a late goal from Emil Riis, leaving them one point above the relegation zone. Derby County’s victory over Hull City pushed them ahead of Preston, while Luton is also on 49 points, one point clear of the relegation spot.

Despite a strong start, Argyle’s confidence was shaken after Bundu’s goal. Preston created opportunities, but they struggled to find the back of the net. A misplay allowed Wright to score, securing the win for Argyle as they held on through six minutes of added time to record only their 11th victory in 45 matches.

Suez Canal Stadium to host Sierra Leone, Zambia U20 AFCON Opener

Suez Canal Stadium to host Sierra Leone, Zambia U20 AFCON Opener

The 2025 U20 African Cup of Nations will kick off in Ismailia, Egypt, on Sunday, April 27, with debutant Sierra Leone set to face Zambia at 15:00 GMT (18:00 local time in Egypt).

Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has stated that his team is fully focused on the upcoming challenge. “Zambian youth teams have always been a difficult opponent, but we are here to make history and represent ourselves well,” Kamara said during the pre-match press conference.

With the recent arrival of three foreign-based players—Osman Kamara from Arsenal, Abraham Kanu from Reading, and forward Kevin Bobson Kargbo from RWDM—Coach Kamara now has a fully fit squad to choose from for the opening match.

The 17th edition of Africa’s premier youth competition is set to run from April 27 to May 18, 2025, featuring 13 countries competing across three cities: Cairo, Ismailia, and Suez. Matches will be held at three stadiums located in these cities.

Opposition: Zambia

The Zambia U20 Men’s National Team has received a boost ahead of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON with the arrival of three foreign-based players: Frank Chileshe and Bonephanseo Phiri from Georgia, and Aaron Mbemba from Spain. This brings the total number of players in camp to 23, with only Brazil-based striker Andrew Mulenga yet to arrive.

Meanwhile, host nation Egypt will face South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium. The top four semifinalists from this tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, which will be held in Chile from September 27 to October 19.

Stadium Background

The Suez Canal Authority Stadium, which is also used by Olympic El Qanah, will host the games. The stadium underwent a complete renovation between 2019 and 2022, during which it was demolished and rebuilt from scratch. Originally accommodating 10,000 spectators, it now has a capacity of 22,000 and is an all-seater venue designed by Ahmed Ragab, the Head Engineer of the Suez Canal Authority.

Groups for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025

Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania  

Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco  

Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana  

SLFA's Reconvened Ordinary Congress concludes in Freetown

SLFA’s Reconvened Ordinary Congress concludes in Freetown

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) held its reconvened Ordinary Congress on Saturday, April 26, at the CATCO International Hotel on Wilkinson Road in Freetown. Delegates from across the country gathered to discuss key issues that will shape the future of football in Sierra Leone.

A significant topic of discussion was the adoption of the revised SLFA Statutes; however, the majority of delegates ultimately rejected these proposals after thorough deliberation.

Additionally, the Congress successfully elected the SLFA Electoral Committees, an important step in preparation for the Association’s upcoming elective congress.

The proceedings were observed by the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, FIFA representative Ahmed Harraz, and WAFU Zone A representative Mapathe Gaye, ensuring transparency and adherence to international standards.

This Congress marked a significant milestone as the SLFA continues its efforts to strengthen football governance and promote democratic processes in the country.

Egypt wrap-up preparations for U20 AFCON opener against South Africa

Egypt wrap-up preparations for U20 AFCON opener against South Africa

AFCON U20 hosts Egypt finished their preparations for their match against South Africa. The game will take place at 9 PM tomorrow, Sunday, at Cairo Stadium.

This match is the opening of the African Cup of Nations, which Egypt will host from April 27 to May 18. The tournament also serves as a World Cup qualifying event.

The final training session happened at Medina Stadium in Khalifa. During this time, the coach, Captain Osama Nabih, focused on specific strategies for the upcoming match. He urged his players to pay attention to the instructions and avoid distractions.

The players showed seriousness and dedication as they worked to earn a spot in the match lineup. Wadi Al-Harer’s special training was led by goalkeeping coach Captain Ayman Tahir. Captain Nabih also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the South African team during a lecture before the last training session.

Performance analyst Ahmed Issam prepared a video report that highlighted South Africa’s strong organization and quick transitions from defense to attack.

Egypt’s national team is in the first group along with South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Tanzania. The top two teams from each of the three groups will move on to the quarter-finals. The best third-place team will also qualify, giving teams finishing in the top four the chance to reach the World Cup.