by FSL News | 5 Oct, 2018 | African News
World football governing body, FIFA, has suspended Sierra Leone from all international competition amid allegations of government interference in its football federation.
By the 11 October, if the ban is not lifted Sierra Leone’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Ghana will be cancelled – with their return game at home (Freetown) against the Black Stars on the 15th also in danger.
Read related news…Fifa gives second warning to Sierra Leone government
This decision comes after a recent letter from FIFA to the Minister of Sports of Sierra Leone to express grave concern about the removal of the SLFA President and the SLFA General Secretary and to request that both be allowed to access the SLFA premises without further delay to ensure that the operations of the SLFA, including FIFA-funded projects, are not jeopardised.
“The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognised leadership (led by SLFA President, Ms Isha Johansen, and SLFA General Secretary, Mr Christopher Kamara) have confirmed to FIFA that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts and communication channels are under their control once again,” Fifa said.
Following its suspension, the SLFA has lost all its membership rights as defined in art. 13 of the FIFA Statutes. The SLFA’s national and affiliated club teams are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted.
This also means that neither the SLFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA or CAF. Moreover, and in accordance with art. 16 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes, other member associations may not entertain sporting contact with the SLFA during its suspension.
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by FSL News | 5 Oct, 2018 | Players Abroad News
Umaru Bangura played his second Europa League Group A match to help FC Zurich scraped past Bulgarian side Ludogorets 1-0 on Thursday in Zurich at the Stadium Letzigrund.
It was Bangura’s fourth match this season for the Zurich-based club since his recovery from injury including their opening Europa league 1-0 win over AÉK Lárnaka in Greece.
“A very important goal and victory for us ahead of our third group match against Germany side Bayer 04 Leverkusen later this month,” Bangura told Football Sierra Leone.
A brilliant header from the Zurich’s captain Victor Pálsson from an excellent cross from the left breaks the deadlock 84th.
The Icelandic international was ecstatic with his goal – and so was his manager.
A good result for Swiss club, who will be thrilled with six points from six, putting them joint-top of Group A, behind Bayer Leverkusen only on goal difference.
Ludogorets now face a tough mission to escape from their group but should take heart from the fact that they matched the home side for most of a very even game.
After their 1-0 win at Larnaca in the opening match, the Zurich have managed to continue. But a complicated double confrontation against Bayer Leverkusen (6 points too) is now awaiting them.
Photo: FC Zurich’s Sierra Leonean defender Umaru Bangura (L) and Ludogorets’ Brazilian forward Junior Brandao vie for the ball during the UEFA Europa League group A football match.
What’s next?
The Swiss-based club will travel to FC Thun for their top-flight outing on Sunday before they resume Europa League duties when they host Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Thursday, 25 October.
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by FSL News | 4 Oct, 2018 | African News
Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Felix Annan has set his sights on forcing his way into coach Kwesi Appiah’s first team plans against Sierra Leone in Kumasi.
The youngster is hoping to impress the Black Stars technical team for a starting spot after earning his second call-up to the Ghana team.
The Porcupine Warriors is one of the best shot-stoppers in the Ghana Premier League.
He is the only locally-based player named in coach Appiah Black Stars’ 23-man squad.
Ghana host Sierra Leone on 11 October at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in the third round of the group stage qualifiers before travelling to Freetown to for the second leg contest four days later.
“My main ambition after getting another call-up to the national team is to start against Sierra Leone,” Annan told Fox FM.
“The last time I was invited to the squad, I didn’t get an opportunity to play but this time around I’m going to work hard when we begin camping and I hope I will be given the chance to prove myself.
“I have what it takes to start because being the number one goalkeeper of the biggest club in the country exposes you to several challenges which prepare you for future challenges.
“All that I need now is that the technical team must have faith and try me in the post,” he added.
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by FSL News | 3 Oct, 2018 | African News
Al Ahly of Egypt secured a 2-0 win over ES Setif in the 2018 CAF Champions League semifinal first-leg game at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Tuesday.
The victory means the Egyptian top side grab a 2-0 lead on aggregate ahead of the second-leg match which will be played in Algeria in three weeks’ time.
In the other semi-finals, Primeiro scored late on at home to beat Esperance of Tunisia and take a 1-0 lead in the tie.
Primeiro will make history if they win their semi-final.
No Angolan team has ever made the final of the continent’s top club competition.
Primeiro coach Zoran Manojlovic was highly critical of the refereeing but delighted with the win.
“The refereeing was terrible and it hurt us a lot, but we managed to beat one of the best clubs in Africa,” he said.
“I do not fear to play Esperance in Tunisia – we continue to dream of reaching the final.”
The second legs of both ties will take place on Tuesday 23rd October.
Al Ahly 2
ES Setif 0
Al Ahly: El Shenawy, Fathy, Ashraf, Maâloul, Coulibaly, Ashour (Sherif 75′), Soliman (Mohsen 84′), Mohamed, Hamoudi (Tawfik 67′), Mohareb, Azarou.
ES Setif: Zeghba, Rebiai, Ferhani, Bedrane, Radouani, Djabou (Banouh 90’+2), Sidhoum (Saadi 85′), Djahnit, Aiboud, Bouguelmouna, Ghacha (Bakir 46′).
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by FSL News | 2 Oct, 2018 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
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FC Zurich defender Umaru Bangura is available to lead Sierra Leone against Ghana for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier doubleheader this month.
Bangura, 30, who scored one of the goals against Kenya in the qualifier opener in Freetown, missed Leone Stars defeat in Ethiopia due to injury.
He has played three times this season for the Zurich-based club since his recovery from injury including their Europa league 1-0 win over AÉK Lárnaka in Greece.
Another notable inclusion is Denmark-based forward Mustapha Bundu.
The graduate from Craig Bellamy’s academy is a potential debutant for Sierra Leone in Kumasi.
FC Riga midfielder George Davies also named in the 21-man squad after been snubbed for the tie against Ethiopia.
Ghana host Sierra Leone on 11 October at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in the third round of the group stage qualifiers before travelling to Freetown to for the second leg contest four days later.
Coach Keister also handed a second call-up to Bristol City young goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay and Queens Park Rangers right-back Osman Kakay.
Sierra Leone began the qualifiers with victory over the Harambee Stars of Kenya before suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ethiopia last month.
The Black Stars defeat to Kenya means that all four teams in Group F have three points from two matches.
John Keister’s Squad
Keepers: Solomon Zombo Morris, Alhaji Sesay, Mohammed Nabile Kamara.
Defenders: Yeami Dunia, Umaru Bangura, (C) Osman Kakay, David Simbo, Alie Sesay, Kemson Fofanah.
Midfielders: Mohamed Medo Kamara, Alfred Sankon, John Kamara, Julius Wobay, George Davies.
Forwards: Kei Ansu Kamara, Alhassan Kamara, Mohamed Buya Turay, Kwame Quee, Sheka Fofanah, Christian Moses, Mustapha Bundu.
Sierra Leone | Highlights -