Category: Sport News

Osman Kakay's Košice for Slovak Cup semi-final against Tatran Presov
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay’s Košice set for Slovak Cup semi-final against Tatran Presov

Set for today's Slovak Cup semi-final against a formidable team, Sierra Leone International Osman Kakay will be looking to help his side, FC Košice, against Presov Tatran in the first leg.

The Slovnaft Cup, named after its sponsorship, is the only nationwide knockout tournament in Slovak football, where the champion of this competition earns a spot in the first round of UEFA Europa League qualification.

Kakay and his Slovak team have had a remarkable run in the tournament, reaching this stage after an impressive 4-0 win over DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda on March 4th.

Sierra Leone International joined the club in 2025 and has set eyes on his first silverware in Slovakia.

Their next opponent, Tatran Presov, poses a difficult obstacle. One of the most powerful teams in Slovakia, Slovan, brings quality and experience to create a high-stakes scenario.

Košice’s path has been driven by a growing team belief as well as solid home backing. The semi-final presents an opportunity to make a statement on the national level as well as get to the finals.

Fans should anticipate a rapid, passionate fight as both sides crave silverware. As Slovakia gets ready for a spectacular confrontation, all eyes will be on this cup “cracker.”  

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline

FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to disciplinary issues during their 2026 World Cup continental play-off in November last year.

Following the match, FIFA’s judicial body found both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association (Fecofa) guilty of separate violations.

The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (around $1,270; £950) for failing to ensure proper “order and security,” specifically regarding objects thrown by spectators. In contrast, the Congolese FA faced a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs for supporters using “laser pointers,” which breaches FIFA’s Article 17.2.d.

The play-off final on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, saw DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending Nigeria’s hopes of World Cup qualification for the first time since 2018.

Following the defeat, NFF questioned the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had changed their national allegiance, citing domestic laws that reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults.

With just two weeks until the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico to decide World Cup qualifiers, the sanctions have intensified focus on FIFA’s decision regarding Nigeria’s protest about alleged ineligible players.

Nonetheless, FIFA has confirmed DR Congo’s participation in the upcoming fixtures, where they will face the winner of New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31.

Coach Sebastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad, welcoming back Yoane Wissa after a knee injury sidelined him during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

DR Congo is hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.

Up to 10 African nations could qualify to participate in the expanded global tournament in North America.

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly
by FSL News

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly

Esperance Sportive de Tunis earned a crucial 1–0 win over Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them an edge for the return match in Cairo.

The encounter at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium lived up to the hype, showcasing a tense tactical battle between two of Africa’s finest clubs. Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot midway through the second half, breaking Esperance’s long scoring drought against Al Ahly.

Despite the defeat, the Egyptian champions remain competitive, with the return leg set for Cairo International Stadium, where they will aim to overturn the deficit and maintain their hopes of continental success.

Both teams started cautiously, aware of the need to avoid early mistakes. Esperance’s Florian Danho had an early chance denied by an excellent save from Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. In response, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but it was kept out by Esperance’s Bechir Ben Said.

As the match unfolded, it became a tactical duel, with both sides pressing to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm. The game’s turning point came in the 73rd minute when a penalty was awarded to Esperance after Al Ahly defender Mohamed Hany handled the ball. Tougai stepped up confidently to convert, igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Al Ahly pushed hard for an equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options, but were unable to find the back of the net. Esperance nearly extended their lead late in the game but were kept at bay.

With a narrow lead, Esperance heads to Egypt, knowing the tie is still very much alive. The return leg on Saturday promises to be another gripping chapter in this storied rivalry, with a spot in the Champions League semi-finals at stake.

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw

The CAF Inter-Club quarter-final first legs delivered a thrilling display of football, with all four matches ending in tense 1-1 draws.

The crucial away goals kept the ties for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup very much alive.

In the Champions League, defending champions Pyramids FC fought hard for a 1-1 draw at AS FAR Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

The hosts took an early lead when Ahmed Hammoudan scored in the 8th minute, but Mahmoud Zalaka levelled the game with a goal in the 52nd minute, keeping hopes strong for both teams.

At the Berkane Municipal Stadium, Al Hilal Omdurman initially went in front thanks to a goal from Abdel Raouf in the 13th minute. However, RS Berkane managed to salvage a draw with a last-gasp penalty converted by Mounir Chouiar in the 90+9th minute.

Al Hilal faced a setback late in the match when Steven Ebuela received a red card, leaving them down to ten men.

In the Confederation Cup, Zamalek SC held their ground with a 1-1 draw at AS Otoho d’Oyo’s Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville. Charles Atipo opened the scoring for the home side, only to see Oday Dabbagh equalise for the Egyptian team.

Meanwhile, at the New Suez Stadium, CR Belouizdad snatched a point away from home against Al Masry, ending in a 1-1 standoff. Salah Mohsen had put Al Masry ahead, but Lofti Boussouar struck in stoppage time to secure the equaliser.

With all four ties remaining evenly matched, the stage is set for next weekend’s second legs, where those hard-earned away goals could prove decisive in determining which teams advance to the semi-finals.

Saturday’s results

AS FAR (Morocco) 1-1 Pyramids (Egypt)

RS Berkane (Morocco) 1-1 Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)

AS Otoho (Congo-Brazzaville) 1-1 Zamalek (Egypt)

Al Masry (Egypt) 1-1 CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
Gambia's Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland
by Football Sierra Leone

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland

Yankuba Minteh scored a bizarre goal that gave Brighton a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, marking the Black Cats' third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League.

In the 58th minute, Minteh’s sliced cross from a tight angle slipped past Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post.

Sunderland players were furious that play continued while midfielder Habib Diarra lay on the ground after a clash with Lewis Dunk during a corner.

However, the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed that the goal was valid, as Brighton defender Paul van Hecke, obstructing Ellborg’s view, was onside.

This victory pushed Brighton to 40 points, placing them above Sunderland in 10th position. It was also their first win at Wearside since 1981, ending a nine-match winless streak.

Brighton was the better side in a lacklustre first half, with Jack Hinshelwood missing two clear opportunities to score. Sunderland thought they had taken the lead when Chris Rigg found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Brian Brobbey later squandered a crucial chance, firing over the bar after Brighton was caught in possession.

As Regis le Bris’ team pushed for an equaliser, they struggled to create clear chances. Diego Gomez also missed an opportunity to extend Brighton’s lead. With three straight home losses, Sunderland’s hopes for European qualification have taken a serious hit.