Category: Sports

Referee Sulaiman Sanito Kamara Selected for WAFU Zone B U-17 AFCON Qualifiers
by Ibrahim Sesay

Referee Sulaiman Sanito Kamara Selected for WAFU Zone B U-17 AFCON Qualifiers

In a proud moment for Sierra Leone football, referee Sulaiman Sanito Kamara has been selected by WAFU Zone B to officiate at the WAFU Zone B African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The tournament will take place in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, from 26th July to 9th August 2026. This is a historic moment for the young official as he gets the opportunity to represent the Green, White and Blue on the continental stage.

The young referee continues to build an impressive international officiating profile. In 2025, he was selected to officiate at the WAFU A U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in Mali, where he capped off an excellent tournament by taking charge of the final match—an appointment highlight in his career so far. 

Sulaiman Santio Kamara has been appointed by WAFU Zone B to officiate at the WAFU B U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, from 26 July to 9 August 2026.
Sulaiman Santio Kamara has been appointed by WAFU Zone B to officiate at the WAFU B U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, from 26 July to 9 August 2026.
by Ibrahim Sesay

SLFA Wraps Up CAF License D Coaching Course for Coaches

Freetown, Sierra Leone: The Sierra Leone Football Association [SLFA] on 22nd July concluded its CAF License D Coaching Course at the SLFA Secretariat in Kingtom.

The course brought together football coaches from across Sierra Leone who underwent intensive training on modern coaching techniques, player development, and the CAF coaching curriculum.

The License D course is the entry-level certification in the CAF coaching pathway and is designed to equip grassroots and community coaches with the foundational knowledge needed to develop players and teams.

SLFA expressed appreciation to all participants for their commitment and to the technical instructors for delivering the program successfully. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to continuous coach education as part of efforts to raise the standard of football in the country.

SLFA's TD John Keister in action during training
SLFA's TD John Keister in action during training
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kylian Mbappé inspires France to defeat Morocco in Boston

Attacker Kylian Mbappé scored the opening goal to help lead France past Morocco at the Boston Stadium and earn his eighth goal of the tournament. France has now reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament, even though Mbappé missed a penalty during the first half.

He recovered from a saved penalty to score a glorious goal and assist Ousmane Dembele as France booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals by beating Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium.

France were bright from the onset as Dayot Upamecano headed a corner kick in the fifth minute five, but it landed right into the arms of Moroccan goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.

France seemed destined to take the lead when Noussair Mazraoui brought down Mbappé inside the box. Mbappe stepped up to take the penalty, but keeper Bounou denied him, sending the ball into the side netting to send the game into halftime tied at 0-0.

France finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Mbappé whipped a shot into the top corner of the net from just outside the box. Seven minutes later, Mbappé found Dembélé, who rolled the ball into the back of the net.

Didier Deschamps’ side kept Morocco at bay for the remainder of the game and booked their spot in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, following their victories in 2018 and runner-up finish in Qatar 2022.

France 2-0 Morocco – France goals: Mbappé (60), Dembélé (66)

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal

Wigan Athletic has signed Sierra Leone international Hindolo Mustapha on loan from Crystal Palace, pending approval from the Premier League, EFL, and FA.

The 20-year-old will join Gary Caldwell’s team for the entire 2026/27 Sky Bet League One season.

Mustapha has been with Palace since age nine, progressing through their Academy and scoring 16 goals with 17 assists in 57 appearances for their U18 and U21 teams.

He was named Palace’s U21 Player of the Season for 2024/25, netting 11 goals and providing seven assists. He has also had loan spells at 1. FC Nürnberg and West Bromwich Albion.

On the international stage, he has played three times for Sierra Leone, including a debut against Chad in 2024.

Mustapha expressed excitement about joining Wigan, stating he believes he can grow and make an impact. Head coach Gary Caldwell praised Mustapha’s skills and potential, emphasising the importance of support from staff and fans.

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three AFCON finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three Afcon finals

Even before the invitation for official bids for the next three Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after 2027 was announced, interested hosts had already been in the race.

A total of seven countries have already placed their names in contention for either the 2028 Afcon or the 2032 and 2036. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the tournament from bi-annual to every four years.

After Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host in 2027, another East African nation, Ethiopia, had already filed to bid for the 2028 edition, according to the state broadcaster EBC, which announced it back in January.

However, the Ethiopian bid is not without challenge, as a joint campaign from four Southern African countries, led by South Africa, is also underway, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

This bid could pose a threat to Ethiopia, potentially preventing a back-to-back East African hosting. However, with four countries in a joint bid is a first, and its size could also be a weakness.

Senegal and Egypt have both shown an interest in the 2032 event, but the Egyptians have also hinted at being keen to stage the 2036 finals.