Category: Sport News

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara continued his goal-scoring streak as Los Angeles won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City.

After 120 gruelling minutes in front of a boisterous, sellout crowd of more than 22,000 fans, LAFC claimed its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup overcoming stubborn Sporting Kansas City.

The 2024 U.S. Open Cup champions took the lead when French legend Olivier Giroud tapped home a Mateusz Bogusz cross in the 53rd minute, but Kansas City equalized on the hour mark when Erik Thommy fired home to make it 1-1.

After 90 minutes of regulation, the teams were still tied, but extra time saw two goals for LAFC. Omar Campos scored the game-winner in the 102nd minute before Kei Kamara scored a vintage header past Tim Melia in the SKC goal to make it 3-1 in the 109th minute.

From there, LAFC defended well and secured the victory, claiming the fourth major trophy in the club’s history.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to co-host Africa Nations Championship
by Football Sierra Leone

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to co-host Africa Nations Championship

The Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) has confirmed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (“CHAN”).The tournament will take place from 01-28 February 2025.

Senegal is the current CHAN champion, having defeated hosts Algeria two years ago in Algiers. The competition is for players in their country’s domestic leagues.

The qualification process will begin with the first round of qualifiers on the weekends of 25-27 October 2024 and 01-03 November 2024.

The second round of qualifiers will be played on 20-22 December and 27-29 December 2024.

The tournament slots have been allocated as follows: WAFU A, WAFU B, UNAF, UNIFFAC, and COSAFA will each have three qualifying teams.

The CECAFA zone, which includes the three host countries, will receive an additional slot due to their automatic qualification as hosts. This increases the total number of teams qualifying for the final tournament to 19.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will participate in the qualifiers and, in addition to their automatic qualification as hosts, the team with the best result in the CECAFA qualifiers will also advance to the final tournament.

New Hartford Athletic deal for Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia pens new Hartford Athletic contract extension

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia has agreed to stay with Hartford Athletic for another two years, until the 2026 USL Championship season. The deal is awaiting approval from the league and federation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here in Hartford, and I’m happy to stay with the club long-term,” said Samadia.

“I want to thank Coach Burke for the trust and belief he’s shown in me, and the Hartford Athletic fans who have made me feel welcome and supported us all year long. We still have work to do this year, but I can’t wait to create more memorable moments with this club for years to come.”

The 23-year-old has made a significant impact in his first season of American soccer, excelling as a versatile wingback. He ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3), chances created (23), crosses (70), and interceptions (22), and has been recognized with USL Championship Team of the Week honours at both left-back and right-back positions.

Samadia has played a key role in Hartford’s recent success, contributing to the team’s seven-match undefeated streak and assisting on two of Mamadou Dieng’s six goals during this period, while creating 12 chances.

“Emmanuel’s development this year has been incredible, and we would not be in the position we’re in without him,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke.

“We’re thrilled to have him with us for the long term, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop and be a leader for us in the seasons ahead.”

The Freetown, Sierra Leone native has also impressed in six appearances with the Sierra Leone National Team this year, providing two assists in World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

Samadia and Athletic are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM.

New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

History: Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time

The Sierra Leone U20 team, known as the Shooting Stars, won 3-0 against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. This victory secured their spot in the WAFU U20 final and a place in the next African Cup of Nations for U20.

The Shooting has qualified for the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in the history of Sierra Leone football thanks to goals from Idrissa Sesay’s early opener before Samuel Ghandi doubles their lead.

They scored the third when skipper Momoh Kamara, who was named Man of the Match for the third in the competition – received a clever pass from the right slotted in past the Gambia keeper to ensure victory.

The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations also doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where teams who reach the semi-finals stage qualify automatically.

History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
Ghana's Richard Ofori in talks to join AmaZulu
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Richard Ofori in talks to join AmaZulu

Ghana vice-captain Richard Ofori is set to join AmaZulu FC after leaving South African giants Orlando Pirates.

The experienced goalkeeper parted ways with the Pirates at the end of last season after his contract expired. He is now expected to join their Betway Premiership rivals AmaZulu on a short-term deal.

Ofori won four major trophies with the Buccaneers, including three MTN8 titles and the Nedbank Cup during his four-year stint with the club.

He expressed his gratitude and fondness for his time at Orlando Pirates on his official Instagram page, thanking the staff, technical team, medical staff, board members, management, players, and fans for their support.

Ofori, who has 33 caps for Ghana, was the Black Stars’ first-choice keeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast.