Category: Sport News

Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier

Ethiopia set to battle Sierra Leone at the Stade El Abdi on Wednesday in the opener of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Without a doubt, both sides will aim to kick off their qualification campaign with maximum points.

As the host team, the Walia Ibex will seek a bright start en route to make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 despite suffering a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, finishing first from bottom in Group D.

However, the newly appointed Ethiopia coach, Gebremedhin Haile, will be looking for a better performance in the World Cup qualifiers. 

Last week Thursday, Ethiopia Walias defeated Sudanese club side Al Hilal 2-0 in a test friendly ahead of facing Sierra Leone. Goals from Alelegn Azene and Bereket Desta. 

Sierra Leone, on the other hand, also struggled to impress in the AFCON qualifiers. They only managed a win from their Group A six matches, losing the last two to Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

But Sierra Leone had a good start under new coach Amidu Karim in Morocco in October’s training camp, where they shared the spoils 1-1 with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0.

Ethiopia vs Sierra Leone Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

  • Wednesday’s game will mark the third meeting between the two nations. Ethiopia are undefeated in their previous two games in this fixture, picking up a win and a draw.
  • The two sides last faced off in a friendly clash in August 2021, which ended goalless.
  • Sierra Leone is without a clean sheet in their last two games in CAF AFCON qualifiers.
  • Ethiopia are without a win in their last three CAF Afcon qualifiers in Group D 
  • Leone Stars were ranked 122nd in the latest FIFA rankings and now sit 21 places above their midweek opponents.

 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, National Football News and World Cup 2026 Qualifying News. 

Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener

  • GROUP A Egypt Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau Sierra Leone Ethiopia Djibouti

Coach Amidu Karim remains positive as Sierra Leone prepares to launch their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Ethiopia on Wednesday.

Karim, who took charge a month ago, will start his Leone Stars reign in the World Cup qualifier against the Walias Ibex at the El Abdi Stadium, Al Jadida.

Group A opener on Wednesday will be the third between both nations as coach Karim boosted his side with three new additions.

Charlton Athletic FC striker Daniel Kanu is on loan to fifth-tier side Southern United, Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah and Liga Leumit side Hapoel Kfar Saba defender Abdulai Jajue Kabia are the three new faces in line to make their International debut.

After a successful Fifa-friendly window in October, where Sierra Leone drew with Benin (1-1) and defeated Somalia 2-0, they face a tricky test against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia.

“The team have been training well – preparations has been on a positive footing. We had a good training camp in Morocco during the Fifa window, where we won against Somalia and drew with Benin. So, I think we we are ok in a good place,” Coach Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“We’re aware that Ethiopia are a good side – we have studied their weakness and strength. They are not a pushover but a strong side. However, we have put modalities in place to get a positive result.”

“All selected players are now in Morocco responding to training – players are well geared up, focus ahead of the Wednesday. Playing Ethiopia, we want to be in a positive frame of mind. The lads are ready to give their 100 percent.”

Ethiopia hosts Sierra Leone on Nov 15 in El Abdi Stadium – four days later, Leone Stars host the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium. 

Starting the campaign well will be the utmost task for Coach Karim and his technical team. However, Sierra Leone has yet to defeat the Walias of Ethiopia in their last two meetings.

In the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawassa International Stadium, but the result was null and void following the country’s disqualification.

Sierra Leone went into the qualifying period but was disqualified due to a suspension by CAF.

In the last World Cup qualifier against Liberia, the Lone Star won the first leg in Liberia 3-1 before losing the return match in Freetown through Kei Kamara’s goal. Both matches were played on the 4th and 8th of September 2019, respectively.

The Fifa 23rd edition of the World Cup will be played across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including at Olympic venues.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1724333145221153175

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, National Football News and World Cup 2026 Qualifying News. 

Lamboi FC sank Bai Bureh Warriors 2-0.
by David Lebbie

Rangers beat Kholifa as Wusum hold East End Lions

Defending Champions Bo Rangers began its title defence with a win away to the newly promoted Kholifa Stars at the Magburaka field. 

Suffian Kalokoh scored the lone goal to mark a winning start for Head Coach John Edward Keister.

In his post-match interview, John Keister applauded his boys for the win, stating if you want to be champion, you must win difficult games. He commended Kholifa Stars’ composure and playing style. 

In his unveiling ceremony, Rangers new coach pleaded with management and fans to be patient and collaboratively work for the team’s success.

Kholifa Stars head Coach Hassan Maddie Conteh has promised to work hard as he plans ahead of their next match.

In the days’s other encounters, Mohamed Lamin boys Wusum Stars share the spoils with giant East End Lions 1-1 at Trade Center Field in Freetown. 

The northern Rock took the lead from a penalty kick through Adbul Bagira before the Lions swiftly responded after the break from an Abdul Nyamekye goal. 

Kahunla Rangers of Kenema received a tough introduction to the premier league with a 2-0 defeat in Freetown to Water Front Boys Ports Authority. 

Mohamed Bangura’s 34th and Lansana Thoronka’s 58th-minute goals sealed the Waterfront boy’s home win.

Diamond Stars played a goalless draw against Bhantal as Lamboi FC (In Photo) sank Bai Bureh Warriors 2-0. Wilberforce Strikers rallied a 1-1 draw with FC Kallon at the Angola playing field. 

Freetonians SLIFA, Luawa, Lamboi, Ports, and Bo Rangers all registered opening wins on three points.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer David Lebbie in Bo, National Football News and Premier League. 

Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad

South African side Mamelodi Sundowns proved too strong for visitors Wydad Casablanca as they defeated the Moroccans 2-0 to win their first-ever African Football League (AFL) champions.

Wydad won the first let 2-1, but after a 2-0 second leg victory, Sundowns sealed a 3-2 aggregate triumph to earn themselves $4,000,000.

Goals from Peter Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba at a raucous Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria were enough to claim victory.

The first 30 minutes of the game saw both sides keep each other at bay, but while the first half was about to end, a defensive lapse from Wydad was punished by Sundowns after goalkeeper Youssef Motie parried Khuliso Mudua’s shot against the leg of Peter Shalulile, who then fired home.

Aubrey Maphosa Modiba completed the win in the 53rd minute after intercepting a wayward pass before racing through to double Sundowns’ advantage.

Wydad’s Ayoub El Amloud missed a late chance with a header, and Sundowns held firm to secure the historic AFL title. 

Coach Rulani Mokwena’s tactical prowess overcame early pressure, marking Sundowns as the inaugural champions of the new AFL competition.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone & Players Abroad News, and African News.

Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena dies after collapsing on the pitch
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena dies after collapsing on pitch

Former Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena collapsed and died aged 28 while playing for Egnatia against Partizani on Saturday. However, the game was halted at 1-1 with no further play.

The Football Federation further confirmed all football championships in Albania have been postponed to a later date.

“Despite the immediate intervention of specialist doctors he unfortunately passed away,” said the Albanian Football Federation (AFL).

“AFL expressed its deep shock for the tragedy that happened today during the match of the 13th week of “Abissnet Superiore”, Egnatia-Partizani.”

“Footballer Raphael Dwamena lost consciousness during the match, and after the first intervention of doctors on the field of play, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.”

Dwamena has scored nine goals in the Albanian league this campaign as the leading scorer. He had won nine caps and scored two goals for Ghana.

“The Ghana Football Association is sad to hear of the death of our former player Raphael Dwamena and wish to express our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult moment,” GFA said in their statement.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.com, African News.