Category: Sport News

by Football Sierra Leone

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.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

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

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Star Sport Academy set for maiden West Africa Champions Cup competition

Sierra Leone’s top-tier side, Star Sport Academy, has confirmed its debutant participation in this year’s West Africa Champions Cup (WACC), which will take place in Kankan, Guinea between August 14 and 21, 2026.

“After two seasons in Sierra Leone’s top flight, we’ll for the first time face West African peers hoping to make history at the tournament of champions,” Coach Amidu Karim side noted.

They went on, “Our club will face off against tough sides from the African continent, including Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan, Guinean sides Horoya & Hafia, as well as Djoliba AC, Stade Malien de Bamako, FC Diarra & AS Real Bamako from Mali.”

The tournament is part of our club’s plans ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the Blue Wave already preparing for the new campaign.

The 5th edition of the West Africa Champions Cup features big clubs from West Africa, which creates a unique passion and excitement around it. We are pleased to participate in this event.

Host City Kankan is the largest city in Guinea by area and the second largest in population. Inhabitants: 410,542 (1 July 2025 Census).

Alie Conteh nets again as Inter Turku face Başakşehir in second Round
by Football Sierra Leone

Alie Conteh nets again as Inter Turku face Başakşehir in second Round

Having played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Sierra Leone International Alie Conteh scored in the opening 7 minutes. The forward was again on target as he played a pivotal role in FC Inter Turku’s 2–1 victory over FK Sarajevo, which secured their advancement to the next stage of the UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign.

FC Inter Turku will face Turkish side Başakşehir Fatih Terim in Istanbul next week in the second round of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

Conteh’s 58th-minute decisive goal came at a crucial moment in the match, proving his qualities and determination as he helped the Finnish side navigate a challenging two-legged tie against their Bosnian opponents.

The Europeans continue next week!

The Conference League qualifiers continue next week against Turkish side Başakşehir.

The first leg will be played in Istanbul on Wednesday, July 22, at 8:45 PM, and the second leg will be played a week later in Turku.

FC Inter – Başakşehir FK (2nd leg) Thursday 30 July at 19:00 at Veritas Stadium

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Aliou Cissé wins legal case against the Libyan Football Federation

With FIFA directing the North African federation to pay him €820,000 in damages, former Senegal national team manager Aliou Cissé has won his legal battle against the Libyan Football Federation.

Appointed head coach of Libya in 2025 on a two-year contract following his excellent run with the Senegalese national team, Cissé guided Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship in 2021. But, only less than a year after his appointment, his tenure supervising the Libyan national team came to an abrupt end when both parties split over contract obligation disputes.

After he left, Cissé submitted a claim for financial obligations owed to him as per his contract and for unpaid wages. Ultimately rising to FIFA, the controversy was decided in favour of the 48-year-old coach. FIFA has ordered the Libyan Football Federation to give Cissé €820,000 in damages for contract violation.

This ruling ends a protracted dispute between the coach and the Libyan FA, aiming for clarification on the financial claims made by the previous African champion.

Though he struggled in Libya, Cissé has rapidly found another important worldwide coaching position. Named head coach of Angola, he is set to use his expertise from Senegal and past international travels to guide the Palancas Negras into a new age.

Having led Senegal’s ascent to regional prominence, won the 2021 AFCON championship, and helped the team to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Cissé is still among Africa’s most admired coaches.