by FSL News | 17 Jul, 2020 | African News, Sport News
Sierra Leone Fifa ranking unchanged since April
Sierra Leone national football team remained static at 118th with 1,155 points in the latest FIFA World Rankings announced on Thursday, July 16th.
John Keister’s men also placed 30th in the continental pecking order.
Their last international outing ended in 1-0 defeat against the Squirrel of Benin in Matchday two of the 2021 African Nation Cup qualifiers in November 2019.
Sierra Leone’s position remained unchanged since April as the world battle the widespread Covid19 pandemic and all international football fixtures, including friendlies, were put on hold.
Belgium remains top of the world ahead of France and Brazil, while England and Uruguay are 4th and 5th respectively.
In Africa, Nigeria ranked as the third-best behind Senegal and Tunisia. The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 17 September 2020.
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer Prince Scott @PrinceArmaniSc2.
by FSL News | 11 Jul, 2020 | African News, Sport News
Michael Lahoud has announced his retirement from football age 33
The Sierra Leone International, who was the 2005 Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year, was drafted in the first round (9th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA where he started his proffesional career.
Lahoud won the USL regular-season champions with FC Cincinnati during the 2017/18 season and also played for Philadelphia Union, New York Cosmos amongst others before finishing his career at San Antonio FC.
He said: “Having played professional football for 11 years, the time has come for me to announce my retirement from professional soccer.
“I have appreciated every moment of this incredible journey which begin in my home country Sierra Leone and come to a close here in the United States.”
In a statement. Lahoud went on to hail those people that scarifies for him throughout his professional journey.
Off the pitch, the retired central Midfield is known for his volunteer work. He is active with the charity Schools for Salone, an organization that supports education and builds schools in his native country of Sierra Leone, West Africa.
In 2015, he was a co-recipient of the FIFPro Merit Award for his efforts in bringing a school to children displaced by civil war. Miami supporters also partnered with him on several occasions to raise money for this cause.
In 2016, the NASL gave Michael Lahoud a Humanitarian of the Year.
International career
Lahoud made his Leone Stars debut in a 3-2 victory over Equatorial Guinea during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match.
He was a pivotal player under former coach Johnny McKinstry playing in over four qualifying matches and was part of a 1-0 victory over Swaziland in Freetown 2014.
Listen to the former Miami FC player announcement
Miami FC midfielder Lahoud delighted to be back in Sierra Leone squad
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer @bittar32 Contact bi****@*********************ne.net.
by FSL News | 4 Jul, 2020 | African News, Football Africa
Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have confirmed August 7 as the new date for the commencement of the Egyptian Premier League.
According to the EFA, the season will begin its schedule in two phases beginning with all postponed matches before lockdown.
Cairo giants Al-Ahly El Ahly SC was leading the pecking order with 49 points after playing 17 matches before the covid-19 pandemic.
The EFA, however, made no mention of Zamalek – who have said they will not resume playing until a “cure for the virus” is found.
The EFA last month implemented safety guidelines and testing procedures for players mandating two tests with five days separating each test, since then 19 tests have returned positive with individuals in isolation.
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer Prince Scott @PrinceArmaniSc2.
by FSL News | 30 Jun, 2020 | African News, Sport News
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the postponement of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they announced major changes for the current Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns.
The continental showpiece event was initially scheduled to be played between January 9 and February 6 in Cameroon but has now rescheduled for January 2022.
“After consultation with stakeholders and taking into consideration the current global situation, the tournament has been rescheduled for January 2022,” Caf confirmed in a statement. “The date for the final tournament and the remaining matches of the qualifiers will be communicated in due course.”
The qualifying tournament is only in its second round, and Sierra Leone was due to face Nigeria before the qualifiers halted due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Nigeria after two wins are leading Group L with six points followed by Benin, who have three points with Sierra Leone and Lesotho a point apiece.
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer Prince Scott @PrinceArmaniSc2.
by FSL News | 26 Jun, 2020 | African News, Sport News
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, has confirmed all 211 member associations will be entitled to a “basic solidarity grant” of $1 million each as well as $500,000 which must be invested in women’s football.
This was announced after world football’s governing “unanimously approved” on Thursday by the members of its council and insisted there would be “strict controls” on how the money is spent.
Besides, member associations can also apply for a COVID-19 relief loan worth 35 percent of their revenue up to a maximum of $5 million each. Continental governing bodies will get $2 million as a relief grant, and can also apply for an extra $4 million relief loan.
In May, the Confederation of African Football also approved $10.8 million fast-track support to all 54 members association.
Read Full Fifa statement below…
SLFA to benefit from CAF financial Covid-19 aid
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer Prince Scott @PrinceArmaniSc2.
by FSL News | 25 Jun, 2020 | African News, Sport News, Video & News
LA Galaxy II signed forward Augustine Williams ahead of the 2019 season after spending two seasons with Portland Timbers 2.
The Sierra Leone-born penned his first professional contract with Portland Timbers 2 in August 2016.
Williams, 22, the 6ft 2-inch striker before his move played for Timbers 2, where he appeared in 28 games, making nine starts, scoring five goals and recording two assists.
In his USL career, he has made 58 appearances, 41 starts, 11 goals and four assists between 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Before being signed by Portland Timbers 2, the Sierra Leone native played for Nomads SC U-17/18 in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy during the 2015-16 season, where he recorded 20 goals and six assists in 41 games.
Williams also played for Juventus Club, based out of Redwood, Calif, and Alliance F.C. in Hayward Calif.
Meanwhile, Administrators of the USL Championship announced on Wednesday an updated format for the remainder of the 2020 season that will see clubs divided into eight groups to complete a 16-game regular season followed by a single-elimination playoff.
Watch highlights of the best of LA Galaxy II forward Augustine Williams in 2019
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer @bittar32 Contact bi****@*********************ne.net.
Sierra Leone | Highlights -