by FSL News | 30 Jan, 2019 | Players Abroad News
Follow Us on Twitter @football_sierra, on Facebook/Instagram Football Sierra Leone – the writer By Sahr Morris Jnr @morrisjr88
Former Sierra Leone captain Ibrahim ‘Obreh’ Kargbo was forced to terminate his contract with English National League South team, Dulwich Helmet.
According to the club’s website, the combative midfielder agreed to terminate his contract because it would be difficult to recover to help the team in their fight this season.
Helmet coach, Gavin Rose said: “Ibrahim has left the club now. He felt it would be really difficult to recover this season from his injuries, and if he did it would be quite late on.”
He gave us brilliant service for the same amount of time as Gavin and didn’t want to end his time here like that, so we cancelled his contract.”
Kargbo joined Hamlet from Welling United in 2016 on a one-year deal with the London club, and in 2017 he had his contract extended, before helping them gain promotion to the English National League South.
Hamlet are currently 17th in National League South – five points above the drop zone.
(Ibrahim Kargbo Photo: Keith Gillard)
by FSL News | 30 Jan, 2019 | Players Abroad News
Defender Dumbuya in line to make Phoenix Rising debut on Saturday
Phoenix Rising will play against Minnesota United in their first preseason match in the Mobile Mini Sun Cup on Saturday, February 2nd at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson.
The Sierra Leone native Mustapha Dumbuya will have the chance to go up against Minnesota United, Major League Soccer Western Conference finalist and CONCACAF Champions League participant Sporting Kansas City on Thursday, February 7th at 6 p.m.
Dumbuya, who recently departed Scottish side Falkirk, was spotted taking part in the USL Championship side pre-season training ahead of Minnesota United test.
Rising FC will also take on MLS side Real Salt Lake on Saturday, February 16th at 7 p.m.
The club finishes the 2019 Mobile Mini Sun Cup with a pair of contests in Tucson against MLS Cup finalist Portland Timbers FC and USL Championship side OKC Energy FC.
The Rising finished with its best record in franchise history in 2018 and won the USL’s Western Conference Championship.
The Rising Mobile Mini Cup schedule
Saturday, February 2nd @ 2:00 p.m.: Phoenix Rising FC vs Minnesota United | Kino North Stadium
Thursday, February 7th @ 6:00 p.m.: Phoenix Rising FC vs Sporting Kansas City (two 75-minute matches) | Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
Saturday, February 16th @ 7:00 p.m.: Phoenix Rising FC vs Real Salt Lake | Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
Wednesday, February 20th @ 6:00 p.m.: Portland Timbers vs Phoenix Rising | Kino North Stadium
Saturday, February 23rd @ 3:00 p.m.: Phoenix Rising FC vs OKC Energy | Kino North Stadium
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by FSL News | 29 Jan, 2019 | African News
Morocco International Benatia leaves Juventus for Qatari club Al-Duhail
Morocco international Medhi Benatia has signed for Qatari club Al-Duhail in a deal worth around €10 million.
Benatia, 31, has been struggling with first-team football at Juventus this season.
The Italian top side confirmed the news and that the Qatari club will pay the transfer money in two instalments, as well as a further €2 million in bonuses.
The former AS Roma and Bayern Munich centre-back made 59 appearances for Juventus since arriving in 2016, winning two Serie A, domestic cup and Italian Super Cup medals.
Benatia said on Twitter: “Thank you all… it has been an immense pleasure! I hope to be able to come to Madrid to cheer for you – this Juve deserves it.”
His new side Al-Duhail currently sit in second spot, two points behind leaders Al-Sadd in the Qatari top division.
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by FSL News | 28 Jan, 2019 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Follow Us on Twitter @football_sierra, on Facebook/Instagram Football Sierra Leone – the writer Ishmail Saidu Kanu in Freetown.
In front of a jam-packed national Stadium in Freetown, the East End giant ‘Killers’ got off their 2019 Sierra Leone Premier season in a positive footing.
Coach Abu Sankoh’s side was defeated 1-0 at the Siaka Steven Stadiums on Sunday evening.
The host started the match with a scintillating performance but missed a couple of chances.
EE Lions after some poor defensive display, however, scored the game’s opener in the 23rd minute through Alhassan Koroma, who was awarded man of the match.
Koroma’s 23rd minute was a sublime finish after a terrible mistake by the Blackpool defence in the18 yard box.
The 2014 league leaders EE Lions produced an impressive display to hold on to their one-goal lead. It was a mouth-watering encounter between the Tis Tas Boys and The Killers.
The Tis Tas Boys took the game to the Killers in the second half as well with few more chances but were unable to break the deadlock and ended up losing their first match of the new season.
Mighty Blackpool finished the match with ten men after Ibrahim Tommy was sent off after a second yellow in added time.
Many pundits and Sierra Leoneans described the 2019 league season as a rebirth of the country’s football after almost five years without competitive football in the country due to the internal wrangling at the Sierra Leone Football Association.
Supporters across the country put on their teams’ jerseys to show how much they missed the game they love so much and further displayed their adoration for football.
East End Lions’ technician coach John Keister expressed his delight at the performance of his boys, describing it as “teamwork”.
“I came into a job where for me it’s a transition because young and, valuable players are coming into the team”.
“We set our priorities right to win games and it worked out for us today. We are building a team for the future”.
Mighty Blackpool starting team defeated at the Siaka Steven Stadium on Sunday.
East End Lions first team against Mighty Blackpool on Sunday.
by FSL News | 27 Jan, 2019 | Players Abroad News
Josh Koroma injured as Leyton Orient stay top of National League.
Leyton Orient dangerman Josh Koroma was substituted for a suspected hamstring injury in their victory against Maidstone United.
The O’s moved three points clear at the top of the National League with a 3-0 victory over Maidstone at Brisbane Road on Saturday.
The Sierra Leone native, Koroma who has been a delight to watch is expected to be out for upcoming games after he was forced off with a worrying hamstring injury.
The 20-year-old attacker, who signed his first professional contract with the Club in September 2016, was replace by Matt Harrold.
A fine goal from Jordan Maguire-Drew and a brace for the league’s second top scorer, Macaulay Bonne’s saw the O’s strengthened their grip at the top Vanarama National League.
Maguire-Drew netted his first Orient goal in the 34th minute, firing in after poor defending, and Bonne converted from close range shortly after half-time.
Bonne added his 20th goal of the season at the death, scoring from the penalty spot after James Brophy was brought down.
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by FSL News | 26 Jan, 2019 | Players Abroad News
Kaikai makes Eredivisie debut as NAC Breda snatch draw
Sullay Kaikai and his new side got off to a positive start after Nac Breda gained a hard-fought 1-1 at home against ADO Den Haag.
The Sierra Leone native, who joined Dutch side permanently on a one-and-a-half year contract, was subbed on in the 66th minute for Giovanni Korte.
The result means Breda climbed off the bottom of the Eredivisie table after claiming a point in front of the home fans.
Melvyn Lorenzen scored only his second goal of the season for the visitors in the 21st minutes before Gervane Kastaneer equalised five minutes into the second half.
The striker was allowed to run into the box and he punished some poor defending with a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
It continued NAC’s improvement in recent weeks, with the southern club now beaten only once in six league games as they fight to stay in the top flight.
The point lifting them above De Graafschap on goal difference with both teams on 15 points.
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Sierra Leone | Highlights -