Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls to face Benin in second phase of the Women's World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s to face Benin in second phase of the World Cup qualifiers

The Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s National Team is set to face Benin in May after they eliminated the Ivory Coast in the first leg of the preliminary matches.

In the first leg, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. In the return leg, the Sierra Leonean team demonstrated resilience and determination, winning 2-1 to qualify. As a result, they secured their spot in the second preliminary round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Elsewhere, the biggest surprise came from Benin, who lost 3–1 in the first match but won 4–0 against Burkina Faso in the second match. Romaine Gandonou scored all four goals.

Cameroon, Ghana, and Ethiopia all won by a score of 6–0, showing their strength. Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda also qualified easily. In a close match, Senegal beat Tunisia 2–1, and both Tanzania and Burundi moved on as well.

Next, the focus will shift to the second round, which runs from May 22 to May 31.

Sierra Leone v Benin in the second round of the qualifiers schedule

* First Leg: May 22nd, 23rd, or 24th

* Second Leg: May 28th, 29th, or 30th

Second-round fixtures – FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 qualifiers

  • Guinea vs Nigeria
  • Benin vs Sierra Leone
  • Senegal vs Cameroon
  • Liberia vs Ghana
  • Zambia vs DR Congo
  • Ethiopia vs Burundi
  • Tanzania vs South Africa
  • Kenya vs Uganda
SLFA Launches Global Search for Leone Stars Coach Amid Kallon Fallout
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Launches Global Search for Head Coach Amid Kallon Fallout

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has opened a global recruitment process for a new head coach of the country’s senior men’s national team, days after the controversial dismissal of Mohamed Kallon. This move continues to spark public debate and raises the prospect of legal action.

In a vacancy notice issued on April 22, the federation invited “suitably qualified and experienced” candidates to apply, signalling urgency in filling the vacancy amid mounting scrutiny. Applicants are required to hold at least a CAF A Licence or equivalent, with preference for those possessing CAF Pro or UEFA Pro qualifications, alongside a proven record at national team or top-tier club level.

The successful candidate will be tasked with leading the team’s technical direction, overseeing player scouting both domestically and within the diaspora, and implementing modern tactical and performance-driven systems.

The role also includes aligning the senior team with youth development structures to strengthen long-term competitiveness. The recruitment drive, however, is unfolding against a potentially destabilising backdrop.

Kallon, a former national team captain widely credited with revitalising the Leone Stars, has described his dismissal in a recent local media interview as “abrupt, unfair and unjustified,” and is weighing possible legal redress.

Analysts warn that any legal challenge could carry financial and administrative implications for the SLFA, including potential compensation claims and complications in attracting a new coach amid concerns over governance stability.

Prolonged disputes could also invite scrutiny under international football regulations, potentially affecting the federation’s credibility. The SLFA has not publicly responded to the possibility of legal action, but its swift move to advertise the position underscores an effort to maintain continuity on the pitch.

Applications for the post close on May 12, 2026, as Sierra Leone seeks a new technical leader while an unresolved dispute threatens to shape the team’s trajectory off the field.

Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone women remain static at 151 in the latest FIFA rankings

Sierra Leone’s senior women’s national team have remained unchanged at 151st place in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, retaining their 1,021.39 points from the previous update published in December 2025.

The West African side recorded no movement during the latest ranking cycle, which included 276 international matches worldwide.

Undoubtedly, Sierra Queens inactivity leaves them not only static globally but also positioned among the lowest-ranked teams within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underlining limited participation in competitive fixtures.

At the top of the standings, Spain maintained first place despite a recent defeat, while England climbed to third following a victory over the leaders, moving ahead of Germany, which dropped to fourth.

The United States held second position, while Japan rose three places to fifth, marking the biggest gain within the top ten, while the Netherlands entered the top ten, displacing North Korea.

Outside the top tier, American Samoa registered the most significant rise, climbing 17 places to 120th after accumulating over 120 ranking points across recent fixtures.

The latest rankings also reflect structural shifts, with the British Virgin Islands dropping out after four years without international matches.

With qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 ongoing globally, Sierra Leone’s absence from competitive action continues to limit opportunities for ranking improvement.

According to FIFA, their next Women’s World Ranking will be published on 16 June 2026.

Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
Sierra Leone's Daniel Kanu pleased with Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu pleased with Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season award

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu has been awarded the EA Sports FC Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season title due to his impressive loan spell at Walsall.

The 21-year-old academy graduate expressed his joy after receiving the accolade, following a remarkable season with the Saddlers, where he netted 15 goals and added two assists across 38 league appearances.

After accepting his award, Kanu shared with Sky Sports, “This season has been a great learning journey for me. I’ve faced a variety of teams, each bringing their own set of challenges.

It’s been an incredible experience—sometimes you rise to the occasion, and other times you struggle, but that’s the essence of football. I’m really thankful to everyone at Walsall and to Charlton for giving me this opportunity to go out on loan.”

Sierra Leone Mourns Football Stalwart Joseph Samba Keifala
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Mourns Football Stalwart Joseph Samba Keifala

The passing of Joseph Samba Keifala has triggered a wave of tributes across Sierra Leone, with the nation mourning a prominent figure whose legacy bridged football administration and public service.

The deceased was a former Mayor of the Kenema City Council and a key stakeholder in the country’s football landscape, whose death was announced on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after a brief illness, family sources confirmed.

A longtime advocate for grassroots football, the late man popularly known as “J.S. Keifala” was closely associated with Kamboi Eagles, where he played a central role in nurturing young talent and strengthening community participation.

Over the years, the influence of the former Kenema City Mayor and football administrator helped shape football development in eastern Sierra Leone.

During his tenure as mayor, Keifala championed youth empowerment and urban development, frequently promoting sport as a tool for unity and social progress.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) described his death as “a profound loss to the football family,” while Kamboi Eagles hailed him as a “father figure and pillar” instrumental to the club’s growth.

Since his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the sporting community, with many remembering him as a unifying force who used football to inspire and uplift communities nationwide.

Close associates of the deceased say his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.