Category: Sport News

SLFA and CAF come together to Empower Women in Football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA and CAF come together to Empower Women in Football

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), with support from CAF, is organizing a week-long training program for female football administrators and coaches at the Police Hall in Kingston.

This ground-breaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.

The event’s opening was graced by distinguished personalities including Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, CAF Female Coaching Instructor Mrs. Majidah Nantanda from Uganda, Female Administrative Instructor Thubaelihle Bridgette Sibanda from Zimbabwe, SLFA Technical Director Ibrahim Bah, and other esteemed individuals.

This program marks a significant milestone for CAF in Sierra Leone, achieved through the dedicated efforts of SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima and his Executive Committee. It represents a pivotal moment for women involved in football administration and coaching.

The enthusiasm demonstrated by both CAF experts and SLFA leaders underscores the importance of this initiative in enhancing the confidence and skills of women in football.

Collectively, there is a steadfast commitment to ensuring that women have a prominent role in the development of football in Sierra Leone.

This groundbreaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.
This groundbreaking initiative encompasses an administrative training course and a License D Coaching course designed to empower women in football.
AFCON top scorer Emilio Nsue was Ineligible for Equatorial Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Emilio Nsue was Ineligible for Equatorial Guinea

FIFA has determined that Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue was never eligible to represent the African nation during his 11-year international career.

Nsue won the Golden Boot as the top goalscorer at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year, scoring five goals in four appearances, but has been banned by FIFA for six months from national team games.

In December 2013, FIFA ruled that Nsue was not eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea after he had made several appearances for Spain’s youth teams. Despite this ruling, he continued to represent Equatorial Guinea.

FIFA has published a detailed verdict explaining its decision to strip two wins from Equatorial Guinea in the 2026 World Cup qualifying games played in November.

In March, FIFA opened a new investigation into Nsue’s eligibility. Despite being given a six-day deadline to respond, no response from Nsue arrived.

A 15-page FIFA document from May 10, 2024, detailed the difficulties faced by the Equatoguinean federation in attempting to get Nsue approved a decade earlier.

As a result of his ineligibility, Emilio Nsue will not be able to retain the 2023 AFCON Golden Boot. Additionally, Equatorial Guinea was ineligible to participate in the last AFCON, and therefore, they are no longer entitled to maintain their appearance fee.

The versatile forward holds the record for most international goals for Equatorial Guinea, with 22 goals in 43 appearances. FIFA has acknowledged this feat as a significant achievement.

Otto Addo’s face the Eagles of Mali test in Group I
by FSL News

Otto Addo’s Ghana face tricky Eagles of Mali test

In November 2023, Ghana Black Stars kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Madagascar. However, their unexpected loss to Comoros has increased the pressure on them as they prepare to face Mali in Bamako.

The Black Stars currently hold the fourth spot in World Cup 2026 qualifying Group I, which includes Mali, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

On Thursday, Otto Addo’s team will face Mali in what is expected to be a challenging match. Four days later – they’ll host the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Key players to watch include Tariq Lamptey in defence, Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey in midfield and Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in the attack.

Kudus is expected to play a crucial role. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has provided six assists and scored eight goals for West Ham in the league this season.

The team will introduce two new players: Thomas-Asante from West Brom and Sulemana from Cagliari. Both players have yet to make an appearance for the national team.

Comoros led Group I with six points, followed by Mali with four, Madagascar and Ghana with three each, and Central African Republic and Chad at the bottom with two points after playing two matches.

Ghana’s Black Stars Scheduled matches

  • Mali v Ghana (Group I) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
Defender Leon Balogun pens Rangers contract extension
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Leon Balogun pens Rangers contract extension

Nigerian defender Leon Balogun has committed to another year with Rangers, extending his contract until the 2024/25 season ahead of his second stint with the Scottish club.

Balogun first joined Rangers in 2020 and played a pivotal role in their title-winning season in 2020/21 and their Scottish Cup triumph in 2021/22.

After leaving for English club Queen’s Park Rangers in 2022, he returned to Rangers last summer.

He expressed his happiness and privilege to extend his contract with Rangers, stating his desire to win more trophies and titles with the club.

“In my time here so far, I have witnessed first-hand the impact he has not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well, with his valuable experience. He is a talented defender who brings a lot of qualities to the group, and I look forward to continuing to work with him next season.”

The Director of Football Recruitment, Nils Koppen, commented, “Leon has been an important player for this club and knows what it is like to represent Rangers. At a time of change within the squad, a player with Leon’s experience is vital, and it is fantastic we have been able to secure him.” him for another season.”

With 46 caps for Nigeria, Balogun scored his only goal for the national team against Central African Republic in October 2021.

Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers

Experienced defender Curtis Davies has discussed possibly making his official Sierra Leone international debut at 39.

He expressed his excitement, stating that it would be a significant moment for him and his family.

“If I make my international debut for the team, it will be a great honour. My father will fly out for the games, and he is as excited as I am. If I am selected, it will be a significant moment for my family,” Davies told Football Sierra Leone.

“For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game.”

While acknowledging his advanced age, Davies did not rule out the possibility of participating in the World Cup, although he recognized that it would be a challenging goal.

Davies emphasized the importance of securing three points for the nation and getting their World Cup qualifications back on track. He mentioned the upcoming games and the need to focus on the team’s game plan during training.

Davies previously made his debut for the England under-21 team in 2006 and was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for friendly matches in 2023.

Sierra Leone must start winning in their upcoming matches to improve their standing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They will face Djibouti and Burkina Faso in their next matches.

The squad includes midfielder Rodney Michael, who has been in good form and excludes Augustine Williams, despite his impressive goal-scoring record for the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

Egypt leads Group A in the current standings, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."
Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."