Category: Football Africa

Burkina Faso's Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Mali

Group A’s second-placed team, Burkina Faso’s Les Étalons, secured their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by defeating Ethiopia’s Walias on November 21, 2023, in Morocco after their opening draw with Guinea-Bissau. 

They are scheduled to host Sierra Leone at the Mar du 26 stadium in Bamako, Mali next month.

This upcoming match will be the second meeting between the two West African nations – with Sierra Leone having previously defeated Burkina Faso at the 1996 Cup of Nations in the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.

The fourth match day of Africa’s 2026 qualifiers is crucial for Sierra Leone, as they must avoid defeat to improve their chances of qualification. 

A strong Leone Stars side, mainly consisting of foreign-based players, is expected to be announced in the next coming days.

In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A with six points, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau with four points each. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied on one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Read Related News –Burkina Faso Wallop Ethiopia to go second behind Egypt 

FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
Ex-Milan star Rodney Strasser feels 'honored' to be among the greats at the FIFA Congress.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rodney Strasser feels ‘honoured’ to be at FIFA Congress

Ex-AC Milan star Rodney Strasser expressed his honour at being the first Sierra Leonean football legend to represent his country at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The 74th FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 17th May 2024, gathering delegates from 211 member associations at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for a five-day international event.  

One of the main agenda items will be the confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. This will mark Thailand’s first time hosting a FIFA Congress, making it a significant event for the country.  

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.

He highlighted the importance of showcasing the work of the Rodney Strasser Foundation and advocating for professional football players and children in sports in Sierra Leone.  

He stated, “My journey is not just about me, but about the countless young athletes and communities who deserve support and recognition. At the FIFA Congress, I aim to share our foundation’s initiatives, promote the development of football in Sierra Leone, and network with global leaders in the sport. I aspire to inspire change, foster collaboration, and bring hope to those who need it most.”

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Sierra Leone draw Guinea, Mauritania and Liberia in WAFU U20
by FSL News

Sierra Leone draw Guinea, Mauritania & Liberia in WAFU U20

The Sierra Leone U20 Women’s team has been grouped with tough opponents Mauritania, Liberia, and Guinea for this year’s tournament in Thiès, Senegal, from May 20 to 30. Photo Credit Kemokai Sportgraphy

The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women’s Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.

Eight out of nine teams will participate in this women’s soccer tournament. The participating teams are Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. Cape Verde will not be participating.

Sierra Leone has started their preparations under the watchful eyes of head coach Fatmata Turay, who is optimistic about the team’s spirit. She has already expressed confidence in their ability to excel and highlighted the selection of 20 talented players from various clubs who will represent Sierra Leone in the competition.

The team is enthusiastic about impacting the regional stage and demonstrating the increasing talent in women’s football in Sierra Leone.

The SLFA fully supports the team’s endeavours and is confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.

The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women's Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.
The draw for the 2024 U20 Senegal Women's Tournament was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation.
Sierra Leone U-20 female preparing for the WAFU U-20 Tourney
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U20 start groundwork for WAFU Tourney in Senegal  

On Monday, the Sierra Leone Women’s National Team had their first training session at the SLFA Academy for the upcoming WAFU U-20 Women’s Tournament in Senegal.

The organisers have confirmed that the draw for the U20 Girls SENEGAL 2024 tournament will take place this Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 at the headquarters of the FSF in Dakar. 

It will be broadcast live on all digital platforms in the area: Facebook and YouTube WAFU. Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal will join five other WAFU nations in this tournament.

Head Coach Fatmata Turay is optimistic about the team’s performance in the tournament and expressed confidence in their ability to excel. She also highlighted the selection of 20 talented players from various clubs who will represent Sierra Leone in the competition.

The team is set to undergo rigorous training and preparations leading up to the tournament, scheduled from May 20th to 30th this year.

The squad is eager to make a mark on the regional stage and showcase the growing talent in Sierra Leonean women’s football. The SLFA fully supports the team’s efforts and is confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.

WAFU 2024 Women's U20 Dakar, Senegal
WAFU 2024 Women's U20 Dakar, Senegal
Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal will join five other WAFU nations in this tournament.
Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal will join five other WAFU nations in this tournament.
Chaabani & Gomes expressed their desire for better performance in Cairo
by FSL News

Chaabani, Gomes call for more fireworks in Cairo

Both coaches of the teams that played in the CAF Confederation Cup Final first leg at the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Sunday evening have urged their players to perform even better in the return leg set for Sunday, 19 May in Cairo.

Despite RS Berkane’s victory in the match, their coach, Mouin Chaabani in the Photo, warned his players against complacency in the return leg. He admitted that although they had a good first half, there was visible laxity in the second half, which they need to improve.

Chaabani also acknowledged that they must work on their strategy and rectify their mistakes to get positive results in the next game.

Zamalek coach José Gomes expressed his disappointment over the team’s loss and said that they need to be better prepared for the return leg in Cairo.

Although they did not play badly, they did not play as well as they had hoped. Gomes also mentioned that the team had prepared well for this game and they plan to do the same for the next one.

RS Berkane secured the victory – thanks to two first-half goals by captain Issoufou Dayo and Adil Tahif. Zamalek’s only goal came from Seifeddine Jaziri in the 46th-mnute second half.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Final 

Sunday, 12 May 2024 (First Leg)

RS Berkane 2-1 Zamalek SC

Sunday, 19 May 2024 (Second Leg)

17h00 GMT | Zamalek SC vs RS Berkane

On Sunday, Renaissance Berkane defeated Zamalek 2-1 in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup final at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.
On Sunday, Renaissance Berkane defeated Zamalek 2-1 in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup final at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.