Category: Sports

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.

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)