by FSL News | 14 Jul, 2016 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone have moved above the 2017 African Cup of Nations host Gabon and up to 90th from 108 in the latest Fifa world rankings after winning two straight matches in March and June.
Sellas Tetteh’s men have jumped 18 places, now 25th in Africa and are eight places above Gabon, who dropped ten spots after losing to Sierra Leone and played to a goalless draw against Ivory Coast in group I of the qualifiers.
Sellas Tetteh’s side defeated Sudan and Gabon 1-0 in March and June 2016 respectively in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Freetown to record their first and second victory since the country was declared free of Ebola.
The victory against Gabon also marked their first win in the qualifiers at home since defeating Seychelles 2-0 July 19, 2014.
Sierra Leone currently in third place behind Gabon and Cote D’Ivoire and victory against Ivory Coast in September will see them reaching the continent big stage after 20 years.
Argentina still on top globally, ahead of Belgium, Colombia, World Cup holders Germany, Copa America champions Chile and Euro 2016 winners Portugal.
The World top ten (10) teams are Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Chile, Portugal, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy.
In Africa, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Cameroon, Morocco, DR Congo, and Mali are the top ten teams.
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by FSL News | 13 Jul, 2016 | Players Abroad News, Sport News
Sierra Leone international and Orebro SK striker, Alhassan ‘Crespo’ Kamara, is now a Swedish citizen.
Football Sierra Leone understands that Kamara, 23, who had waited patiently since he applied for the Swedish passport last year, was delighted to get a positive feedback today July 13, 2016, from the relevant authorities.
The dual citizenship would not be a problem for Kamara playing for Sierra Leone.
Kamara travels to Sweden in August 2011 and became eligible for citizenship, having spent more than five years in Sweden and engaged to his Swedish fiancé.
Meanwhile, Kamara’s teammate Oscar Jansson has confirmed that Hacken BK will sign the Sierra Leonean this summer. But the former AIK striker has said he did not want to comment on his club and transfer matters.
“I do not want to comment on anything about my club Orebro and we’ll see if I’ve played my last game.”
“Kamara” will not be available for this Sunday encounter between Hacken BK and Orebro.
Last winter it was reported that Malmö’s interested in the striker.
He was ruled out since early March 2015 after picking up Lower body injury and was allowed to rest for the season.
The Former AIK striker Alhassan ‘Crespo’ Kamara was Orebro most outstanding striker towards the end of the 2014 season scoring 14 goals in 14 games but was unfortunate ahead of the 2015 season.
Kamara has only scored once for Orebro this season in nine appearances.
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by FSL News | 12 Jul, 2016 | Players Abroad News, Sport News
Hapoel Beer-Sheva 3-2 Sheriff
FC Sheriff Midfielder Khalifa Jabbie watched on from the bench in their 3-2 Champions League defeat to Israeli side, Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the competition’s second qualifying round on Tuesday.
Jabbie, 23, who was hoping to make his UEFA Champions League debut, was not called upon by boss Bruno Irles.
However, it was Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu scored on his debut for Hapoel Be’er Sheva at the Vasermil Stadium in Tuesday’s first leg second qualifying round clash.
A last-minute penalty converted by substitute Maharan Radi gave competition debutant the much-needed victory.
The visitors scored first through Josip Ivančić in 22 minutes before and Sheriff’s Fidan Aliti was sent off shortly afterwards for his second bookable offence.
But, Bozhidar Mitrev saved the resulting penalty from Maor Buzaglo.
John Ogu equalised before half-time and in the 52nd minute, the hosts had another spot-kick, captain Elyaniv Barda scored having himself been fouled.
Sheriff’s Josip Brezovec equalised in the 64th minute for the ten men of Sheriff.
Despite two away goals the Moldovan side still has a deficit to overcome in Moldova next Tuesday in Tiraspol on July 19.
FUL RESULTS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – QUALIFYING – SECOND ROUND
Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Legia War
Dinamo Tbilisi 2-0 Alashkert FC
FK Qarabag 2-0 F91 Dudelange
Hapoel Be’er Sheva 3-2 Sheriff Tiraspol
BATE Bor 2-0 SJK
Lincoln Red Imps FC 1-0 Celtic
New Saints 0-0 Apoel Nic
Valletta FC 1-2 Crvena Zvezda
FC RB Salzb 1-0 FK Liepaja
Vardar 1-2 Dinamo Zagreb
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by FSL News | 12 Jul, 2016 | Players Abroad News
Julius Wobay’s NK Olimpija will host Slovakian side AS Trenčín on Wednesday, July 13 in the Champions League second qualifying round.
Wobay, who signed on 29 January 2016 a one and a half year contract with Slovenian Champions, has confirmed he is fit despite picking up a knock in their 2-1 preseason defeat to Scottish Champions Celtic.
The tough Sierra Leone international with a lot of experience playing in European competitions admitted tomorrow is another opportunity to demonstrate his ability.
Speaking to footballsierraleone.net, the 32-year-old attacking midfielder believes that he and the rest of his teammates are in their best shape.
“I feel fit and ready. Every one of us excited about tomorrow’s contest.
“We have played five pre-season matches and our latest test was against Scottish champions Celtic – we lost 2-1 but it was a very good match for both teams,” he said.
“It has been an excellent but tough weeks for us as we were preparing for this match within just three weeks.”
According to the former Universitatea Craiova player, reaching the next stage of this season’s champion’s league still, remain the club’s top most priority.
“We want to go as far as possible and we are in good form for the match. I am pleased with the attitude of my fellow teammates as we all have put up a positive attitude for our champions league qualifier.
“There is still a long way to go before we can be perfect but in terms of players and match attitude it has been very positive and I have been delighted.
“It will be a tough match against a very difficult side. In this competition, anything can happen.”
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by FSL News | 12 Jul, 2016 | Players Abroad News
Sierra Leonean-born, Khalifa Jabbie plying his trade with FC Sheriff in Moldova has told www.footballsierraleone.net that he looks forward to Champions League action tonight as his team takes on the Israeli side, Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the competition’s second qualifying round.
In an exclusive interview with this medium, Jabbie said he is very hopeful that his coach would give him the nod for him to make his debut away in Israel today at the Turner Be’er Sheva stadium.
Jabbie, 23, said: “This encounter may be my first in the European big stage. I hope I will be selected to start and it is a challenge that I relish.”
Also, he said: “Though we are fully aware of the test away in Israel, we hope to achieve the ultimate goal and get into the group stages of the competition.”
For him, his side is, “better prepared and we know exactly what the manager is expected from us,” and further stated: “We just have to make sure we focus on the job at hand and ensure we sail through.”
However, footballsierraleone.net sources say the Sierra Leonean star is facing tough competition for first team football as his Moldovan side has recently reinforced their team in readiness for the season and ahead of the second qualifying round.
Among his contenders for first team spot include; Croatian midfielder, Josip Brezovec who came on loan to FC Sheriff from HNK Rijeka.
Brazilian forward, Ricardinho has also just returned from a loan spell with Sharjah FC, where he featured in 12 matches with 3 goals to his credit during his 6 months stay with the team.
His return, sources say increases the challenge of who the coach should pick ahead of the others in addition also, to the return of Bosnian midfielder, Zoran Kvrzic to the side from his loan spell.
The return fixture is slated to be played in Tiraspol on July 18/19.
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Sierra Leone | Highlights -