Category: Sports

Sierra Leone's Emmanuel Samadia extends Hartford contract
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia extends Hartford contract

Hartford Athletic has extended midfielder Emmanuel Samadia’s contract for two years, starting after the 2026 season.

Samadia has played in six matches as a starter this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He has also made five clearances and four takeaways on defence.

General Manager and Head Coach Brendan Burke praised Samadia for his hard work and skill. He noted that Samadia is a key player for both Hartford Athletic and the national team of Sierra Leone. Burke expressed happiness about Samadia’s continued commitment to the team as they work to keep their core group together.

Since joining Hartford two seasons ago, Samadia has recorded eight assists in 41 starts in the USL Championship. He was an important player when Hartford won the Jägermeister Cup in 2025. Samadia has been part of Sierra Leone’s national team since he was 18, starting in 2020.

Star Sport Academy Reinforces Squad with Two New Additions
by Ibrahim Sesay

Star Sport Academy Reinforces Squad with Two New Additions

Star Sport Academy has signed two new players to strengthen the team for the West African Champions Cup, the CAF Champions League, and the upcoming Leone Rock Premier League season.

Midfielder Santigie Fornah joins from SLIFA FC, bringing energy to the midfield. Striker Hindovie Tucker arrives on loan from Frances FC for one season after scoring thirteen goals last season, including three in the FA Cup. He will enhance the team’s attack.

Head coach Amidu Karim believes these players will improve the team’s balance and experience as they prepare for the season.

The club is eager to see the new players in action as they build ahead of the new campaign.

CEO Mohamed Jusu Tarawally is happy with the signings, stating, “These players show our ambition. We welcome Hindovien Tucker and Santigie Fornah to Star Sport Academy.”

Team Manager Salim Pokawa added, “We are excited about these players. They will fit well and make our team stronger.”

CEO Mohamed Jusu Tarawally and Team Manager Salim Pokawa with Midfielder Santigie Fornah in photo
CEO Mohamed Jusu Tarawally and Team Manager Salim Pokawa with Midfielder Santigie Fornah in photo
Côte d’Ivoire brush aside Burkina Faso in Group opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Côte d’Ivoire brush aside Burkina Faso in Group opener

Côte d’Ivoire came back strong in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, beating Burkina Faso 4-1 in their opening Group B game on Monday night.

This is the Lady Elephants’ first time in the tournament in 12 years. They were clearly the better team in the first half and managed the game well overall.

Rebecca Elloh scored first with a penalty. Ines Konan got two goals, with assists from Rosemonde Kouassi and Nsira Ouedraogo.

Burkina Faso managed to pull one back through Adama Congo early in the second half, but Côte d’Ivoire quickly regained their lead when Ouedraogo scored again.

It was a great start for coach Reynald Pedros, who had asked the team to play their hearts out in Morocco. The players showed they were well-prepared and confident, blending experienced players with younger talent.

Captain Bernadette Amani Kakounan was happy to be back at WAFCON, and the Lady Elephants proved it with a determined performance.

This win is a good start for Côte d’Ivoire, especially following Tanzania’s surprise win against South Africa. They’ve put themselves in a good position to reach the quarter-finals, as the top two teams from each group move on.

News WAFCON Match Day Two Results
News WAFCON Match Day Two Results
Resilient Tanzania edge South Africa in tight Group B opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tanzania edge South Africa in tight Group B WAFCON opener

Tanzania kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 qualifying matches with a 2-1 win against South Africa in Casablanca.

This was the second match in Group B and the third overall at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals. South Africa had won the first game, and the second ended in a draw, so Tanzania was really looking for a win here.

Tanzania had some good chances early on. Opa Tukumbuke nearly scored in the 13th minute, but the South African goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, saved her shot.

Two minutes later, Lebohang Ramalepe had another great chance for Tanzania with a header that almost went in as an own goal, but Dlamini managed to get a hand to it. For South Africa, Hildah Magaia missed a good opportunity to score, shooting high over the crossbar.

The first goal came in the 37th minute from Tanzania’s Diana Msewa, named Woman of the Match. Kgatlana almost equalised just before halftime, but her shot was saved. Then, Bambanani Mbane pulled South Africa level right before the halftime whistle.

South Africa had a chance to take the lead at the start of the second half. However, Tanzania secured the win in the 86th minute when substitute Hasnath Ubamba fired home. 

This result gives Tanzania three important points in Group B ahead of their next match against Burkina Faso, while South Africa will regroup before facing Cote d’Ivoire.

Star Sport Academy Thanks SLFA for CAF Champions League Confirmation
by Ibrahim Sesay

Star Sport Academy Thanks SLFA after CAF Champions League Confirmation

Star Sport Academy has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) following the official confirmation of their participation in the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League.

After the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Sierra Leone Premier League season, Star Sport Academy received communication from the SLFA indicating that the League Champions, Bo Rangers FC, had opted out of the competition.

As the next eligible club, Star Sport Academy has graciously accepted the responsibility to represent the nation on the continental stage. The club’s management intentionally took a few days before announcing this decision to allow for essential internal consultations and preparations, believing it was crucial to share this news in a thoughtful and organised manner.

They extend their congratulations to Bo Rangers FC for their successful season and offer sincere gratitude to the President of SLFA, along with the Executive Committee and the Secretariat, for placing their trust in the club. Star Sport Academy embraces this responsibility with humility and is fully committed to representing Sierra Leone with professionalism, discipline, and pride.

The club also wishes to thank their sponsors, partners, fans, players, and technical staff for their steadfast support and commitment. Your ongoing encouragement has been vital to their journey.

Moreover, preparations for the CAF Champions League campaign are already in full swing, and Star Sport Academy remains focused on ensuring that both the club and Sierra Leone are represented with honour and distinction.