Category: Sport News

Upsets, Big Wins in Sierra Leone FA Cup Last-16 as Quarter-Final Race Intensifies
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Upsets, Big Wins in Sierra Leone FA Cup Round of 16 as Quarterfinal Race Intensifies

The 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup moved into a decisive stage on Saturday, delivering a mix of commanding victories and dramatic upsets as the Round of 16 fixtures began to shape the quarter-final lineup.

Freetown-based outfit FC Kallon produced the most dominant display of the day, thrashing Ram Kamara FC of Bo 4–0 to secure a convincing passage into the last eight. In one of the competition’s biggest moments, Bo Rangers FC held their nerve to defeat Bhantal FC 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, a result that stunned many followers of the tournament.

Elsewhere, Star Sport Academy edged Bai Bureh Warriors 1–0, while Old Edwardians FC also progressed with a narrow 1–0 victory over Bullom Stars, as all four sides booked places in the quarter-finals.

The nationwide Round of 16 fixtures have drawn heightened attention, pitting established clubs against emerging challengers in a competition renowned for its unpredictability.

Attention now turns to the remaining ties, with East End Lions set to face Diamond Stars FC, while Mighty Blackpool and Kabala City take on Marampa Stars and Abacha City FC, respectively, on Sunday, April 19. Meanwhile, this year’s Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup final round of 16 fixture will see Ports Authority FC meet Freetown City FC on Monday, April 20.

The tournament, organised by the Sierra Leone Football Association and sponsored by leading telecommunications company, Orange Sierra Leone, remains vital to clubs as they hunt for domestic glory and continental qualification, while continuing to offer smaller clubs a platform to challenge elite opposition.

With quarter-final places nearly decided, the competition is gathering momentum, promising more drama and defining moments on the road to the final.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

FC Kallon scored four as they thrashed Ram Kamara FC in their Orange FA Cup round of 16
FC Kallon scored four as they thrashed Ram Kamara FC in their Orange FA Cup round of 16
Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stage Comeback to Reach World Cup Qualifier Second Round
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stage Comeback to Reach World Cup Qualifier Second Round

Sierra Leone’s U-17 girls delivered a dramatic late comeback to defeat hosts Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 in Yamoussoukro on Friday, April 17, 2026, sealing progression to the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers.

Played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, the decisive second leg followed a goalless draw between the two sides at the same venue five days earlier. Despite the hosts taking the lead in a tightly contested encounter, Sierra Leone responded with resilience.

Musu Sengeh levelled in the 82nd minute after reacting quickest to a rebound, before Mariena Magdaline Tua struck deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The latest victory sends Sierra Leone into the next round under head coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay, where they will face Benin, who advanced 5-3 on aggregate against Burkina Faso.

The qualifiers form part of the pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, with five African teams set to secure qualification.

By Alusine Rehme Wilson

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was on target as Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final. This victory brings them closer to reaching a major European semi-final.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months from a penalty in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was fouled by Dodo. Seven minutes later, he helped set up Palace’s second goal, which Tyrick Mitchell scored after a saved shot. Ismaila Sarr secured the win with a header in the 90th minute.

Mateta, starting for the first time since a transfer to AC Milan fell through, expressed his happiness after the match. He thanked the fans and said he was eager to continue working hard.

In addition to his penalty, Mateta had another close chance that went wide. Fiorentina came back stronger in the second half, hitting the crossbar and forcing some saves. However, Sarr’s late header sealed the game.

With this win, Palace takes a three-goal lead into the second leg in Florence next week, where they will aim for a spot in the semi-finals against either Shakhtar Donetsk or AZ Alkmaar.

FC Kallon Bans Players from Community Football to Safeguard Fitness and Performance
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

FC Kallon Bans Players from Community Football to Safeguard Fitness and Performance

One of Sierra Leone’s 18 participating top-tier men’s outfits, FC Kallon has barred its registered players from participating in community football competitions across Sierra Leone, in a move aimed at protecting player welfare and reinforcing professional standards.

The decision, made public on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, takes immediate effect and prohibits players from featuring in inter-area leagues, local galas, and grassroots tournaments nationwide.

Club officials said the directive is designed to minimise injury risks associated with unsanctioned matches played outside the club’s professional framework, risks that could disrupt both individual careers and the team’s competitive ambitions.

Under the policy, players are restricted to officially recognised competitions, including the Leone Rock Premier League and the Sierra Leone FA Cup. The club warned that breaches of the directive will attract disciplinary action, including fines and possible suspension.

The move reflects a growing trend among professional clubs to tighten control over player activity beyond official fixtures, particularly in football environments where informal competitions remain a central part of community life.

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalize a Beşiktaş agreement
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalise Beşiktaş agreement

The delegation from Star Sport Academy, led by Chairman and Founder Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, along with CEO Mohamed Jusu Tarawally, has successfully arrived in Istanbul.

Their visit aims to finalise a significant agreement with Beşiktaş, one of Turkey’s premier football clubs. This trip follows extensive discussions that our Chairman initiated in February with Beşiktaş officials.

During his earlier visit, he had fruitful meetings with key club members, including Serdar Topaktepe, the Director of the Academy, and Yagiz Berke, the Director of External Relations.

The team comprises manager Musa Pokawa, head of scouting and recruitment Alimamy Conteh, and Victor Lewis, who chairs the Youth Division One team.

These ongoing talks have paved the way for a promising partnership between Star Sport Academy and Beşiktaş.