Category: Sport News

Referee Sulaiman Sanito Kamara Selected for WAFU Zone B U-17 AFCON Qualifiers

Referee Sulaiman Sanito Kamara Selected for WAFU Zone B U-17 AFCON Qualifiers

In a proud moment for Sierra Leone football, referee Sulaiman Sanito Kamara has been selected by WAFU Zone B to officiate at the WAFU Zone B African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The tournament will take place in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, from 26th July to 9th August 2026. This is a historic moment for the young official as he gets the opportunity to represent the Green, White and Blue on the continental stage.

The young referee continues to build an impressive international officiating profile. In 2025, he was selected to officiate at the WAFU A U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in Mali, where he capped off an excellent tournament by taking charge of the final match—an appointment highlight in his career so far. 

Sulaiman Santio Kamara has been appointed by WAFU Zone B to officiate at the WAFU B U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, from 26 July to 9 August 2026.
Sulaiman Santio Kamara has been appointed by WAFU Zone B to officiate at the WAFU B U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, from 26 July to 9 August 2026.

SLFA Wraps Up CAF License D Coaching Course for Coaches

Freetown, Sierra Leone: The Sierra Leone Football Association [SLFA] on 22nd July concluded its CAF License D Coaching Course at the SLFA Secretariat in Kingtom.

The course brought together football coaches from across Sierra Leone who underwent intensive training on modern coaching techniques, player development, and the CAF coaching curriculum.

The License D course is the entry-level certification in the CAF coaching pathway and is designed to equip grassroots and community coaches with the foundational knowledge needed to develop players and teams.

SLFA expressed appreciation to all participants for their commitment and to the technical instructors for delivering the program successfully. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to continuous coach education as part of efforts to raise the standard of football in the country.

SLFA's TD John Keister in action during training
SLFA's TD John Keister in action during training

Hamburger SV bolster squad with Zambia striker Patson Daka

To boost their offence, Hamburger SV (HSV) has signed centre forward Patson Daka. Once with Leicester City, the 27-year-old striker passed his medical exam on July 21 and signed his contract in Austria. Daka will don the number 27 uniform.

With his team dedication and worldwide exposure, Daka fits their requirements precisely, HSV Sporting Director Kathleen Krüger said. Another HSV director, Claus Costa, praised Daka’s energy, speed, and pressing skills—all consistent with their playing style.

Daka, who was born on October 9, 1998 in Kafue, Zambia, started his career with Nchanga Rangers and swiftly ascended through Zambia’s national teams to debut at 16. In 2017, he joined FC Liefering in Austria and eventually rose to prominence as a Red Bull Salzburg player, scoring 68 goals in 125 games and winning many titles.

Summer 2021 saw Daka sign with Leicester City and become the first Zambian to score a goal in the Premier League. In a single UEFA match versus Spartak Moscow, he also netted four goals. Prior to Leicester’s demotion this summer, he played 76 Premier League games.

Daka is eager to start his next chapter at HSV. I am eager to start. I’m here to score goals and support the team, he continued. From the beginning, I was welcome and it was simple decision to join.

Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu delighted after Ipswich Town move

Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu has expressed delight after he signed for Ipswich Town from Leicester City ahead of the new season. Fatawu, 22, joined Town for an undisclosed fee and signed a five-year contract running until 2031.

Abdul made an impression at the FIFA World Cup this summer, participating in all four of Ghana’s matches, including one against England, and has a total of 32 caps with three goals for his country.

His career includes Champions League experience with Sporting in Portugal and a successful spell at Leicester, where he netted nine goals in 44 appearances last season. Abdul will join his new teammates at a training camp in La Manga, Spain, this week.

“I’m proud to be with Ipswich Town,” Abdul said. “The club’s ambition is exciting, and I’m eager to contribute to our Premier League preparations. After speaking with the manager, Gary O’Neil, I understand the expectations and can’t wait to meet my teammates and start working. The supporters are incredibly passionate, and I’m excited to play for them.”

Manager Gary O’Neil expressed enthusiasm about the signing, noting, “Abdul is a young player with good experience. He has strong physical and technical qualities, is comfortable on the ball, and can excel in one-on-one situations.”

Born in Tamale, Ghana, Abdul began with Steadfast before moving to Dreams FC in the Ghanaian Premier Division in 2021. His performances earned him a transfer to Sporting, followed by a loan to Leicester, where he contributed to their Championship victory and promotion to the Premier League, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

In international play, he was named Player of the Tournament during the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in March 2021 and made his senior debut later that year. He represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and recently played in all four matches in North America.

Morocco’s Atlas Lions Hit New FIFA Ranking High

The latest FIFA rankings showcase Africa’s rising impact on the global football scene, with Morocco standing out as the continent’s highest-ranked team at an impressive 6th overall.

The Atlas Lions have maintained their strong position since their historic World Cup performance, emphasizing a new era of competitiveness for African teams on the world stage. Following closely, Senegal continues to be a reliable force, holding the 18th spot globally.

The Teranga Lions combine experience with tactical discipline, making them a tough challenger in both regional and international tournaments. North African teams are well represented as Egypt climbs to 24th place, while Algeria follows at 29th, reflecting the region’s rich football history.

West African powerhouse Nigeria sits just above Algeria in 26th place, demonstrating a steady path of rebuilding and showcasing their depth of talent. The reigning African champions, Côte d’Ivoire, are currently ranked 31st, a position that indicates their squad has room for growth as it matures.

Lower down the list, DR Congo (41st) and Cameroon (43rd) remain competitive, while Mali (53rd) and South Africa (54th) round out the continent’s top ten.

Top 10 African Teams – FIFA World Rankings

1. Morocco — 6th
2. Senegal — 18th
3. Egypt — 24th
4. Nigeria — 26th
5. Algeria — 29th
6. Côte d’Ivoire — 31st
7. DR Congo — 41st
8. Cameroon — 43rd
9. Mali — 53rd
10. South Africa — 54th