by FSL News | 15 Jul, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Kemson Fofanah scored from the spot to helped Sierra Leone force a draw in front of an empty stadium.
Sierra Leone survived late on in Freetown to force a 1-1 draw at the Siaka Steven Stadium on Saturday in the first leg preliminary of the African Nations Championship – CHAN.
The Local-Stars were playing a tricky home tie for the first time under new home-based coach Abubakar Tostao Kamara, but they failed to make use of home advantage.
A Senegalese defender was sent off 10 minutes before the end of the first half and they have to play the rest of the encounter with a man down.
After a goalless first half, the second 45 minutes was able to produce all the goals of the day.
The visitors scored from a rebound free-kick, Sidi Bara Diop accounted for the goal in the 63rd minute.
Sierra Leone capitalised from a spot kick scored in the 85th minutes by Kemson Fofanah to save the day in front of an empty stadium.
The Senegalese are now favourites to reach the next stage of the competition when both sides meet next weekend in Dakar.
Sierra Leone or Senegal will face the winners between Guinea-Bissau and Guinea in the second round with the first leg billed to take place between 11 – 13 August, and the return leg the following weekend.
The Local Stars have never participated in the CHAN finals and the West African side will be looking to qualify for the finals in Kenya next year.
Senegal qualified for the first two CHAN finals (in 2009 and 2011). Their best finish was when they were beaten in the third-place playoff match in 2009.
Meanwhile, elsewhere Guinea have the advantage following their 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau today.
Follow Us On Twitter @football_sierra
by FSL News | 15 Jul, 2017 | Players Abroad News
Abu Bakarr Suma cannot wait to make his Assyriska FF Division 1 Norra debut after signing on a one-year deal on Friday.
The 22-year-old defensive Midfielder last played for Superettan side IK Frej where he made over fifteen appearances in all competition between 2016-2017 seasons.
“He is a loyal and hard-working player,” says Assyriska sporting director Bobil
“I’m really looking forward to getting started,” Suma told footballsierraleone.net.
“I happy to be here, hoping to make my home debut tomorrow against Sandvikens.”
“I’m focused and looking forward to making my mark from the start. Is not always easy having an instant impact with a new club, but am optimistic about doing so,” the youngster added.
“He is a loyal and hard-working player,” says Assyriska sporting director Bobil
He started his playing career in Freetown Sierra Leone with FC Dollarosa before joining FC Johansen and later played for FC Kallon.
Follow Us On Twitter @football_sierra
by FSL News | 15 Jul, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The National home-based head coach, Abubakar Tostao Kamara, has named Port Authority striker Donald Wellington aka Korbor Korbor and FC Johansen’s attacker Abdul Babu Bangura in the attack of his first team to face Senegal this afternoon, Football Sierra Leone understands.
The Local-Stars will battle it out with their Senegalese counterpart in the first leg preliminary of the African Nations Championship – CHAN, in Freetown at the Siaka Steven Stadium, as they look to have a foothold ahead of the second leg in Dakar the following week.
Coach Tostao will also install inform skipper Sorie Barrie, who scored in the 93rd minute to knock out Cameroon during 2016 Olympic qualifiers to partner Abu Kanu in central midfield.
While Anderson Tongor Fullah of Port Authority and former Inter Allies attacker Prince Barrie will play in left and right midfield respectively.
The coach is optimistic and keenly aware that a win in Freetown could give his side the advantage going into the second leg in Senegal.
The CHAN – is a tournament only for domestic-based players in Africa. The tournament will be staged in Kenya from 12 January to 4 February 2018 in Kenya.
The winner of the double-legged tie will face the winners of the Guinea-Bissau and Guinea clash in the second round with the first leg billed to take place between 11 and 13 August, and those of the return leg the following weekend.
Expected Coach Kamara’s Squad:
Keeper: Ibrahim Bangura
Defenders: Kemson Fofanah, Yeami Dunia, Abu Suma, Mohamed Kamanor
Midfielders: Anderson, Abu Kanu, Sorie Barrie, Prince Barrie
Attackers: Donald Wellington, Abdul Badu Bangura
Subs: Issac Caulker, Mahamed Fofanah, Morie Alie, Alfred Sakilla, John Kargbo, Mahmoud Fornah, (Nyakeh O. Alpha or Gibrilla Kamara)
Follow Us On twitter @football_sierra
by FSL News | 15 Jul, 2017 | African News
Uganda had a goal disallowed and a penalty saved when drawing 0-0 with South Sudan Friday in an African Nations Championship (CHAN) second round, first-leg qualifier in Juba.
Derrick Nsibambi had the ball in the net during the first half only to be ruled offside by the Eritrean referee.
A foul on Milton Karisa soon after half-time gave Uganda a chance to take the lead at the national stadium in the South Sudanese capital.
But regular scorer Geoffrey Sserunkuma had his spot-kick superbly saved by Daniel Khamis, which triggered sustained applause from the large crowd.
Robert Wurube had a late opportunity to put South Sudan ahead foiled by a block from substitute defender Brian Majwega.
South Sudan, who eliminated Somalia in the first round after home and away victories, visit Kampala for the return match next Saturday.
The African Nations Championship – popularly known as the CHAN – is restricted to footballers playing in their country of birth.
With many African national squads dominated by Europe-based stars, the CHAN offers international exposure to local footballers.
Another eight qualifiers are scheduled for Saturday with a further six on Sunday. – Nampa-AFP
Follow Us On Twitter @football_sierra
by FSL News | 14 Jul, 2017 | Players Abroad News
- Chalobah, 22, who was part of the Chelsea premier league title-winning side last season, has signed for Watford on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
“Nathaniel Chalobah has sealed a permanent return to Watford from Chelsea, the Hornets are delighted to confirm,” Watford stated on their official website.
The versatile player was part of the England Under-21 side that reached the semi-finals of the European Championships in Poland last month.
In the 2012-13 seasons, Chalobah who is still eligible to play for Sierra Leone was on loan at Watford, making 42 appearances for the Hornets.
He has had spells with Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading and most recently in Italy, with Napoli.
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer John Bangura.
by FSL News | 13 Jul, 2017 | Players Abroad News
Dundee football club have completed the signing of Finnish-born Arsenal midfielder Glen Kamara.
Kamara, 21, born to Sierra Leonean parents, who can also play in central midfield and at right back, has agreed on a two-year contract with the Dark Blues.
A club statement said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Glen Kamara.
“Glen has been on trial with the club for the last two weeks and has impressed manager Neil McCann and his backroom staff in training and also in the pre-season matches against St. Mirren, Arbroath and Brechin City.”
Kamara is a graduate of the Gunners’ academy system, spending five years with the London giants.
He made his senior debut for Arsene Wenger’s side in 2015 against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup and has subsequently had spells on loan with Southend and Colchester.
The youngster has represented both the Finland U19 and Finland U21 sides in internationals and was an unused substitute for the Finland senior side in a friendly against Estonia in June 2015.
Follow Us On Twitter @football_sierra
Sierra Leone | Highlights -