Category: Sport News

Morocco win first CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after dramatic penalty shootout
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco win first U17 Africa Cup of Nations after dramatic penalty shootout

Morocco secured the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time by defeating Mali 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.

Moroccan goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui made two crucial saves in the shootout, exciting the home fans after a closely contested match.

This victory marks Morocco’s first title at this level, just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal. For Mali, it was tough to lose in their fifth finals, despite a strong performance.

Neither team scored in regular time, though both had chances. Morocco’s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from distance, while Mali’s Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané were active but lacked accuracy. A potential goal from Mali was ruled out by VAR for a handball.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco scored all four attempts—Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi, and Ilies Belmokhtar—all converted. Mali’s Issa Koné and Lamine Keita had their penalties saved.

Coach Nabil Baha praised his team’s composure, noting they conceded just one goal in the tournament. Mali aimed for their third U-17 title but fell short against the resilient Moroccan side.

Osman Kakay’s Boavista Win in Liga Portugal race to survival
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay’s Boavista Win in Liga Portugal race for survival

Boavista achieved an important 1-0 victory in Liga Portugal in a crucial match at the bottom of the Primeira Liga table on Friday, injecting fresh hope into their survival campaign.

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay played a crucial role in the victory and was seen celebrating wildly after the match. This win has boosted their hopes of remaining in the division, with four games left in the campaign and only two points adrift of the relegation zone.

This match, part of the 30th round, marked the debut of English manager Stuart Baxter at the helm of Boavista. Joel Silva was the hero of the evening, scoring the only goal of the match in the 68th minute.

This vital win not only secured Boavista’s second victory in their last three games but also lifted them to 17th place, where they are now level on points with Farense at 21. However, both teams remain entrenched in the relegation zone, sitting just two points behind AVS, who occupy the playoff spot.

The atmosphere was tense as both teams approached the fixture, fully aware of the high stakes in their battle to avoid relegation. Boavista’s attacking display showcased their determination, while Farense struggled to make an impact.

As the season reaches its climax, this victory represents a critical turning point for Boavista in their fight to retain their position in the top division.

Sullay Kaikai nets winner as Cambridge fuels survival hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai nets winner as Cambridge fuels survival hopes

Sierra Leone’s attacker Sullay Kaikai scored Cambridge United winner as they responded brilliantly to a late equalizer from Huddersfield Town, securing a 2-1 victory in West Yorkshire that bolsters their slim hopes of survival.

The result leaves Neil Harris’s team five points away from safety with only three matches remaining, while Huddersfield once again missed the opportunity to move closer to the top six.

The first half was uneventful for both teams, but Cambridge finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. After a Huddersfield goal kick, they quickly sent the ball back down the pitch for Josh Stokes to chase. Though Stokes appeared to have lost possession, a clearance from Josh Ruffels went straight to James Brophy on the edge of the box, who beautifully curled the ball into the top corner.

Despite wasting several chances to score, Huddersfield managed to equalize in the 89th minute following a chaotic corner scored by anothr Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma.

However, there was still time for one last twist. In stoppage time, Koroma’s International teammate Sullay Kaikai fired Brophy’s square pass into the top corner, sealing the win for Cambridge.

Malian Mamadou Doumbia goal was not enough in Watford's defeat
by FSL News

Malian Mamadou Doumbia goal was not enough in Watford’s defeat

Watford, reduced to nine men, faced a narrow defeat against league leaders Burnley despite a strong performance, taking an early lead through Mamadou Doumbia’s header.

Malian Mamadou Doumbia scored an early second goal for the Hornets, but Burnley equalized before half-time with a header from Zian Flemming. After the break, Josh Brownhill scored Burnley’s winner.

Watford’s situation worsened when Moussa Sissoko and Edo Kayembe were both sent off for receiving two yellow cards, leaving them with just nine players.

Despite being a man down, Watford pushed for an equalizer and nearly succeeded in stoppage time with a shot from Ryan Andrews, which was narrowly deflected wide. Manager Tom Cleverley made two changes to the starting lineup, with Pierre Dwomoh and Rocco Vata coming in.

Watford struck first after just seven minutes, breaking Burnley’s strong defense. However, after 60 minutes, they lost more players to red cards. Although Burnley had the numerical advantage, they struggled to create further chances. The match ended with Watford’s last efforts falling short, concluding a dramatic afternoon at Vicarage Road.

Ivory Cost claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivory Coast claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso

Côte d’Ivoire secured third place in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 5-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Burkina Faso at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday.

The match ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw after regular time, but the Young Elephants showcased their composure during the shootout, converting all four of their spot kicks while Burkina Faso missed two of their first three attempts.

Burkina Faso initially took the lead in the 28th minute when Halidou Diakité scored from the centre of the box after a corner kick created chaos in the Ivorian defence. The Stallions dominated much of the first half, applying pressure through quick transitions and physical battles in midfield.

However, Côte d’Ivoire regrouped in the second half, inspired by key substitutions, and eventually equalized in the 84th minute. Alynho Haïdara, one of the substitutes, scored from close range following a well-coordinated move that began on the left flank.

The final minutes of normal time were intense, as Burkina Faso was reduced to 10 men when Prince Ouédraogo received a straight red card after a VAR review in the 90th minute. Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a late winner, but the Burkinabe defence held firm, leading the match to be decided by penalties.

Côte d’Ivoire secured a flawless shootout victory with goals from Haïdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vaboué Doumbia, and Yannis Touali, while Burkina Faso missed their attempts through Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara.

This win ensures a bronze medal for Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting their resilience after trailing for most of the match. Despite the defeat, Burkina Faso’s semi-final run showcased their promise and flair. Both teams will take valuable lessons from their experiences at Morocco 2025.