by FSL News | 22 Sep, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The World football body, Fifa has exclusively told footballsierraleone.net that they are “monitoring the situation” concerning the ongoing crisis enveloping Sierra Leone football.
Fifa responding to a request by this website following the indictment of the Sierra Leone Football Association president, Isha Johansen, and the FA’s Sec-Gen Chris Kamara, who were both indicted by Antic Corruption Commission (ACC) on six counts Charges yesterday.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the governing body of the sport has Sierra Leone very close within its sights. “We are currently monitoring the matter. We have no further comment at this stage.”
Fifa did not give any further information; however, the scuffle between the SLFA’s executive and its members has taken a further twist as Johansen’s opponents facing a lifetime banned for violating SLFA and Fifa statutes concerning taking football-related cases to civil courts, according to a press release yesterday.
The sanction came 24 hours after the SLFA’s boss, Isha Johansen, and the FA’s Sec-Gen Chris Kamara were indicted on corruption-related offences.
Both Johansen and Chris Kamara first appearance in court is slated for 30 October 2017.
Johansen’s toughest opponent Sanusi Bruski Kargbo, who had declared his intention to run against Isha Johansen in the next SLFA elections, is amongst 19 officials.
Her complicated reign has been tempestuous with a power struggle that has affected every aspect of the game locally.
Johansen’s first four-year term expired on Thursday, August 3, 2017.
The SLFA scheduled Congress to pave the way for elections was suspended in July by world football body, who cited unsettled issues relating to the dispute between the current SLFA executive and Johansen’s opponents.
Reacting to the latest SLFA’s sanction, “the Chairman of Old Edwardian Football Club, Lawyer Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, maintained the SLFA executive has shown a complete disregard for the Court of Sierra Leone by taking action that will affect or deviate from the court decision.”
“First of all, we’re not sure where this letter is coming from. The said letter purporting to ban 19 officials has no signature from any executive member in authority, no date, no name on it for us to comprehend who authenticate the ban.”
“We’re still unable to verify who sent this release out on the SLFA letterhead. Secondly, the SLFA executive does not have the mandate to ban people for life from football. There is nothing in the constitution giving them such powers.”
“You can’t take a decision to ban anyone at the time of an election. To me, this looks like the final tactics from Isha’s executive for one candidate to go unopposed.”
The outspoken Edwards chairman reiterated that the SLFA constitution doesn’t give anyone the mandate to ban anyone for life. “The Isha Johansen led executive term has expired so taking a crucial decision like this is a joke.”
The scuffle is ongoing and it is uncertain what the next FIFA roadmap will be, but a FIFA/Caf task force is expected in Freetown soon.
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by FSL News | 21 Sep, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The Sierra Leone Football Association president, Isha Johansen, and the FA’s Sec-Gen Chris Kamara have both been indicted by Antic Corruption Commission (ACC) on six counts Charges.
Johansen’s indictment came 48 hours after declaring to run for a Second term ahead of the FA’s much talked about Election.
Her complicated reign has been tempestuous with a power struggle that has affected the game locally.
Johansen’s first four-year term expired on Thursday, August 3, 2017.
She is expected to face charges of abuse of office and public funds by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
In September 2016, Johansen was arrested for questioning under Operation Thunderbolt” which aims to “rout and bring to justice” people alleged to have been involved in corrupt acts and have been under the watch of the anti-graft agency, will be appearing in Court October 30th.
“This announcement by the ACC was inevitable and predictable – I am deeply saddened,” she told BBC Sport.
“It’s another sad day for justice, integrity and patriotism in Sierra Leone, another sad day for any woman who dares to pioneer change.
“I don’t know how my story will end, but nowhere will it be written that Isha Johansen ever gave up.”
Both Johansen and Chris Kamara first appearance in court is slated for 30 October 2017.
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by FSL News | 14 Sep, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The new FIFA rankings are out for September, and the Sierra Leone men’s national team has plummeted from 76th to 97th in the world.
Now behind the likes of Kenya, Iraq, Palestine, Faroe Islands, on Monday evening Sierra Leone became the sixth team to exit this year WAFU Cup of Nations knockout encounter after a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria’s home-based Eagles at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
They were also eliminated from the CHAN preliminary qualifiers in Dakar against Senegal 4-2 on aggregate in July.
The Leone Stars, who amassed only 366 from their previous 448 points have also dropped from the 16th best team on the continent to 24th.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde are the largest movers overall in this month’s Fifa World Rankings as they climb a total of 47 places.
The Blue Sharks two victories over South Africa in 2018 World Cup qualifying has seen them move from 114 to 67 globally and 13th in Africa.
Despite falling five places overall Egypt are still the highest ranked nation on the continent.
The Pharaohs are just one place ahead of North African rivals Tunisia.
Tunisia replaces DR Congo as the second-ranked side in Africa after the Carthage Eagles beat the Leopards and drew with them in 2018 qualifying.
DR Congo also down 4 places globally down to fourth on the continent behind third-placed Senegal.
Germany once again have returned to the number one side in the world ahead of Brazil for top spot.
Africa’s top ten on September’s Fifa rankings – global ranking in brackets:
Egypt (30) Tunisia (31) Senegal (33) DR Congo (42) Nigeria (44) Cameroon (45) Burkina Faso (49) Ghana (52) Ivory Coast (54) Morocco (56)
Africa 24th World Sierra Leone (97)
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by FSL News | 11 Sep, 2017 | African News, International, National Sport News Sierra Leone, Video & News
Sierra Leone became the sixth team to exit this year WAFU Cup of Nations knockout encounter after a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria’s home-based Eagles at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Monday evening.
Goals from Moses Okoro and Moses Peter apiece in the final five minutes were enough for the home-based Eagles to progress to the next stage of the competition.
Read More http://wafucup.com/match/46819/Nigeria-vs-Sierra-Leone#tabs1-report
Nigeria (0) 2 (Okoro 85’, Peter 87’)
Sierra Leone (0) 0
Teams
Nigeria coach – Salisu Yusuf
Nigeria: 1. Ezenwa, 2. Okoro, 6. Eze, 5. Ariwachukwu, 3. Akas, 4. Aremu, 8. Ifeanyi, 10. Ali, 15. Mathias (7. Friday 65’), 9. Okpotu (11. Moses 52’), 18 Eduwo (14. Okechukwu 77’).
Sierra Leone coach – Abubakar Tos Kamara
Sierra Leone: 16. Koroma, 2. K Fofanah, 3. Suma, 15. Dunia, 12. Allie, 13. Coker, 4. Sakila, 8. M Fofanah (19. Barrie 71’), 10. Vula, 11. Alpha (7. Sesay 57’), 9. Wellington.
by FSL News | 8 Sep, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Home-based assistant coach, Amidu Karim, has called for calm ahead of their knockout tie of the 2017 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations at the Ndoum Sports Stadium.
Sierra Leone will be appearing at their third WAFU Nations Cup tournament.
They are set to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Malima Stadium in Cape Coast Ghana on Monday, September 11.
The winner of this contest will be in the tournament group stage.
Coach Karim said he is aware of the pressure from the fans and the tough task ahead taking on one of the top sides in Africa but has warned his players to keep their emotions in checks ahead of their crunch tie.
Coach Karim from Ghana told CNT sports: “I am aware of the pressure from fans and I have told my boys to be calm. We have to approach this tie with calmness and I’m confident my boys will deliver.”
“I am aware of the pressure from fans and I have told my boys to be calm. We have to approach this tie with calmness and I’m confident my boys will deliver,” he told CTN Sports.
“It will be a thrilling showdown between the two sides and we are mentally and physically prepared to face one of Africa’s big nations Nigeria and we have to show we are capable of keeping a good atmosphere and give them a good game. We have to keep it like that.
“Some football pundits have tipped Nigeria as a favourite but we have seen surprises in the past. We have to stand up to a team who are very disciplined and well organized but am confident my boys will live up to expectation,” Amidu stressed
He, however, called on fans to be behind the team and remember the boys in their prayers. Sierra Leone has won two, lost nine and three draws in their previous fourteen meetings with their Nigerian counterpart in all competitions.
The West African tournament will be hosted by Ghana between 9th-24th September.
By Martin Wusha Conteh CTN Sports.
by FSL News | 8 Sep, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s WAFU Nations Cup opener against Nigeria has been moved to Monday, officials have confirmed.
The Leone Stars v Nigeria contest that was slated for Saturday, September 9 will now be played at the Malima Stadium Cape Coast Ghana on Monday, September 11, due to unforeseen circumstances.
However, hosts Ghana will play Gambia in their crucial first knockout round of the 2017 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations at the Ndoum Sports Stadium on Saturday.
”Our match against Sierra Leone which was originally fixed for Saturday has now been moved to Monday thanks to the efforts of the NFF leadership,” Eagles Coach Salisu Yusuf told Score Nigeria.
Sierra Leone local technician Abu Bakarr Kamara, a one-time national captain acknowledged his side have an uphill task if they are to make it to the group stages of the tournament.
But he is confident his squad can cause an upset against the home-based Super Eagles.
“I know it’s going to be a tough encounter but I’m confident that we will come out of the match with our heads raised up. I have faith in my boys and I’m convinced they would be able to implement the tactics we’ve learnt over the past few weeks,” coach Tostao was quoted as saying.
Following every knockout matches, eight qualifying teams will emerge for a group phase competition.
This year’s WAFU Championship will be the first of its kind following the sub-regions 12 years partnership with broadcast giants Fox TV.
Sierra Leone Football Association List of players and Officials for the WAFU Tournament in Ghana
Sierra Leone 18-man Squad
1. Abu Suma – FC Johansen 2. Momoh Conteh – Diamond Stars 3. Mamoud Fofanah aka Lampard – FC Kallon midfielder 4. Abu Dumbuya aka Diaby – Central Parade 5. Kemson Fofanah – East End Lions 6. Mohammed L. Bangura – Port Authority 7. Amadu Barrie – Wusum Stars 8. Unisa Koroma – East End Lions 9. Morie Alie – Bo Rangers 10. Alfred Nyuma – Central Parade – 11. Mohammed Sesay – Wusum Stars – 12. Nyakeh O Alpha – FC Johansen – 13. Yeami Dunia – FC Johansen DF -14. Isaac Caulker – FC Kallon – 15. Nathaniel Tongo Vula – Ports Authority – 16. Donald Wellington – Port Authority – 17. George Matta – FC Johansen – 18. Lahai Coker – Kamboi Eagles.
Abu Bakarr Kamara Head Coach
Zone A (Sekondi-Takoradi)
Ghana vs. The Gambia, Nigeria vs. Sierra Leone, Mali vs. Mauritania, Guinea vs. Guinea-Bissau
Zone B (Cape Coast)
Senegal vs. Liberia, Burkina Faso vs. Niger, Cote d’Ivoire vs. Togo, Benin vs. Cape Verde
FollowUs On Twitter @football_sierra By Lansana Kamara
Sierra Leone | Highlights -