Category: Sport News

Striker Kei Kamara hangs up his boots, announcing retirement
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara hangs up his boots, announcing retirement

Seasoned forward Kei Kamara has formally declared his retirement from professional football, therefore ending an amazing career spanning almost two decades. Major League Soccer’s second all-time top scorer has been hailed as a proven goal-poacher.

The Sierra Leone international said he had “hung up his boots”, ending a career marked by longevity, resilience, and regular goal-scoring in several leagues.

Kamara had a distinguished career, especially in Major League Soccer, where he rose to the position of one of the most recognisable attackers in the league.

Renowned for his aerial ability and physical presence, he played for numerous teams and developed a reputation as a consistent attacking threat well into his late 30s.

Kamara was a key player for the Sierra Leone national football team on the world stage, leading the team and motivating younger generations of footballers. Crucial qualifying drives benefited much from his experience and leadership.

Kamara’s departure signals the end of an era and leaves a legacy of professionalism and devotion that will be treasured by both fans and colleagues.

Kamara played for a record 12 different MLS clubs, while also spending brief stints abroad. “I never played for just one crest,” he said in a video announcing his retirement. I played for the love of the game, and the places it carried me.”

Violence halts Sierra Leone FA-Cup clash, triggers security concerns
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Violence halts Sierra Leone FA Cup clash, raising security concerns

Last Sunday evening Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup quarter-final between East End Lions and Star Sports Academy was eventually abandoned after crowd violence erupted, prompting the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to launch an investigation and vow firm disciplinary action.

The high-stakes match, played at the SLFA Academy Field in Kingtom, Freetown, was halted in the 80th minute amid what officials described as “disturbing scenes” that threatened player safety and undermined the integrity of the game.

In a statement issued on Monday, May 4, the SLFA condemned the violence as “indiscipline and lawlessness,” stressing that football must be governed by respect, rules, and sportsmanship.

The local football federation further warned that such incidents endanger lives and damage the sport’s reputation.

While no serious injuries or arrests have been reported, authorities have yet to determine whether the match will be replayed or settled administratively.

However, the recent incident has intensified scrutiny of matchday security and fan conduct in Sierra Leone’s domestic competitions, with sports journalists and other Football stakeholders urging stricter enforcement measures to curb what they describe as “a growing pattern of violence across SLFA-sanctioned fixtures, including top-tier men’s and women’s national leagues.”

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/2051552877286511070

SLFA Launches Global Search for Leone Stars Coach Amid Kallon Fallout
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone targets a fourth AFCON appearance as 2027 dates confirmed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set June 19 to July 17, 2027, for the next Africa Cup of Nations, launching a qualification race that could see Sierra Leone secure a historic fourth appearance at the continental showpiece.

The tournament, branded as “PAMOJA 2027” which means “together”, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the first time AFCON will be staged across three nations. The dates recently announced by the tournament organisers were approved by the FIFA Council, with venues for the opening match and final yet to be announced by CAF.

However, the focus now shifts to qualification, which will feature 48 teams, including Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars, who will compete for 24 places across 12 groups of four, with only the top two totalling 24 nations to advance in what is tipped to be a tightly contested campaign running from September 2026 to March 2027.

For Sierra Leone, the stakes are high, but a successful campaign would mark the country’s fourth AFCON qualification and reinforce its re-emergence in African football following its return to the tournament in 2021 after a long absence.

The 2027 edition will also mark AFCON’s return to East Africa for the first time since the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations, as CAF seeks to expand the competition’s global reach and growing audience.

With the draw set for May 19, 2026, Sierra Leone faces a defining path, one which many sports enthusiasts and supporters of the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone believe could cement the West African football-loving nation’s slot among the continent’s rising football nations.

Sullay Kaikai and Cambridge United secure League One promotion
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai and Cambridge United secure League One promotion

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai and his team, Cambridge United, earned automatic promotion from League Two. This happened despite Ben Knight missing a penalty in a goalless draw against Crewe.

Kaikai has returned to the Club for a second stint, having previously made 30 appearances for the U’s on loan during the 2014/15 season. In that time, he netted 6 goals, quickly becoming a fan favorite among the Amber Army. His contributions have been vital to their promotion campaign this season.

Cambridge received a penalty in the first half after Sullay Kaikai was fouled in the box, but Knight’s low shot was saved by the goalkeeper, Ian Lawlor.

As Salford City had a chance to take third place by beating Crawley, the away fans felt more nervous as the game went on.

Josh March nearly scored for Crewe, heading just wide from a corner after Cambridge started confidently. He had another chance when Mickey Demetriou headed the ball down in the box, but his close-range shot was blocked by keeper Jake Eastwood.

Cambridge’s coach, Neil Harris, substituted former Crewe striker Elliott Nevitt at half-time. Cambridge had more shots on target than Crewe but couldn’t get the ball past Lawlor.

In added time, Cambridge almost won, but Lawlor saved a header from Kelland Watts and then stopped Dom Ball’s follow-up shot with his legs.

A draw was enough for Cambridge to return to League One after being relegated last season. They conceded only 33 goals across 46 games, and Salford couldn’t find a winner in their match.

“We weren’t the better team, but we had better chances, especially in the 96th minute, to win,” Neil Harris told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

“Many times this season, we’ve created chances without scoring when it mattered. If we had scored more, we could have reached 100 points and gone up much earlier.

“Ultimately, what matters is that we made it. If you can’t win, the important thing is not to lose. That always works for us.”

In June last year, Kaikai, 29, who has 105 appearances for the U’s to his name agreed terms to a new contract which will take him through until 2027.

Ismaila Sarr helps Crystal Palace close in on Conference League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismaila Sarr helps Crystal Palace close in on Conference League final

Ismaila Sarr scored the fastest goal in Conference League history to help Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Sarr found the net just 21 seconds into the match in Poland after receiving a pass from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Shakhtar controlled possession afterward but struggled to create clear chances.

They equalized quickly in the second half when Oleh Ocheretko scored from close range. However, Palace took the lead again in the 58th minute when Daichi Kamada scored his first goal since October 2024.

Jorgen Strand Larsen added a third for Palace after a smart play, giving them a strong position heading into the second leg at Selhurst Park on May 7.

Oliver Glasner, the Palace coach, has led the team to memorable victories, including last season’s FA Cup win. With Sarr’s eighth goal in the competition, Palace looks poised to reach the final on May 27 in Leipzig.

Strand Larsen, despite previous struggles in the Premier League, proved his worth with this crucial goal.