by FSL News | 14 Jun, 2017 | Players Abroad News
Sierra Leone national team skipper Umaru ‘Zangalay’ Bangura, on Wednesday at State House in Freetown, received his Presidential Gold Medal Award as Member of the Order of the Rokel (MOR) from His Excellency of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma.
The FC Zurich defender, alongside the Chairman of Central One Football Association (COFA), Sama Sesay, veteran sports journalist Zuhair Kudsy and Sierra Leone’s beach volleyball director, Coach Sorie Kamara, were all nominated for the Presidential Award, but the combative defender was unable to pick-up his due to club assignment in Switzerland.
For the Leone Stars skipper, there was no way better to have received such an award from the country’s president just days after he watched the national team secure a 2-1 win over Kenya at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown.
Bangura, who scored Sierra Leone’s second goal as Leone Stars bagged all three points in their opening clash of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, said; “It was an absolute a good feeling for me, especially so when the memories of Saturday’s match is still fresh in our minds.”
In August 2016, Bangura signed a three-year contract with the Swiss second-tier side FC Zürich. He has been a pivotal figure in FC Zurich’s automatic promotion to the Swiss top flight.
Bangura scored his first and only league goal in Zurich’s 5-0 thumping of Wohlen at the Niedermatten Stadium on Sunday, 2 October 2016.
By Sahr Morris Jr. Follow the Writer @morrisjr88
by FSL News | 14 Jun, 2017 | African News
The President of Football Kenya Federation, Nick Mwendwa, has disclosed to Soka25east that his administration will officially write a letter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over what he described as “biased” officiating against Harambee Stars.
“It was horrendous, to say the least. The ref was aggressive towards our players and in many instances, gave away free kicks to our opponents unjustly,” FKF boss told Soka25east adding that his boys were equally very upset.
“The boys went out there and gave their all in very unfair conditions. I feel it’s in bad taste that people are saying that should have won anyway. I feel I have to protect them,” the President said.
The Leone Stars got off to a winning start defeating the Harambee Stars of Kenya 2-1 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group F first leg qualifying tie in Freetown last Saturday. The victory was coach John Keister’s his first win in charge of the National team.
Goals from Julius Wobay and Umaru Bangura in the 22nd and 69th minutes respectively were enough to down their visitors. Kenya’s Michael Olunga scored their only goal in the 76th minutes despite playing with a man down.
However, although it will be insignificant as CAF will not be overturning the result or punishing the match officials, the FKF boss believes the letter will act as an eye opener for other matches across Africa.
“We want Africa to know that we were not pleased with the level of officiating in the match, and for future reference, we believe that filing a formal protest is well in order.”
Nigerian officials led by centre referee Ferdinand Aniette, first assistant referee Tejiri, second assistant referee Abdulmajeed Olaide and reserve referee Ekabatiem Ekabatiem were in charge of the group F tie in Freetwon.
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by FSL News | 12 Jun, 2017 | African News
The former Chelsea star also claimed an assist in his side’s 2-1 win over Whitecaps FC 2
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba scored a trademark header to mark a brilliant Phoenix Rising debut on Saturday, before dedicating the 2-1 win over Whitecaps FC 2 to Cheick Tiote.
The Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend opened the scoring late in the first half, before laying on an assist for Shaun Wright-Phillips to grab the winner.
Drogba’s former international teammate Tiote tragically passed away on Monday after collapsing during training in China.
The striker took to Instagram to post a tribute to the ex-Newcastle midfielder following his side’s win.
“I want to dedicate this win to Cheick Tiote who passed away a few days ago while doing what he loved, playing football,” he wrote.
“My thoughts and condolences go to his family.”
Drogba joined the USL side in April as a player and co-owner of the club after leaving Montreal Impact in November 2016.
He enjoyed two spells at Chelsea, where he won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and secured that memorable Champions League triumph.
He is also Ivory Coast’s record goalscorer, netting 65 times in 104 appearances for the national side.
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by FSL News | 12 Jun, 2017 | Players Abroad News
US-based New England Revolution striker Kei Kamara has hailed the country’s supporters as the ‘twelfth man’ after another extremely strong turn-out against the Harambee Stars of Kenya on Saturday.
Sierra Leone beat Kenya in their Group F first qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Goals from NK Olimpija attacking midfielder Julius Wobay and FC Zurich defender Umaru Bangura (penalty) helped Sierra Leone to ensure a 2-1 victory over the Harambee Stars of Kenya.
Kei, who was one of Leone Stars outstanding performers, was full of praises for the fans and his national teammates.
“It was a great win for the nation and a good way to start the group stage. I’m very happy to see a huge number of fans that turned out to show us love and I’m happy they went home happy.” Kamara said.
“It has been a while every Sierra Leonean soccer loving fans looking forward to us and I’m proud every one of my teammates showed up, He told footballsierraleone.net.
“The stadium was really jam-packed and you can sense the fans “The Twelfth player” has been starving for football games for a while now and I hope this brings life to the football in the country.”
Meanwhile, the Black Stars of Ghana on Sunday displayed once again why they are one of the powerhouses in African football as they thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 to go top of the Group F in their first qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The next Afcon 2019 qualifying decisive matches in the group will see Ghana taking on Kenya. The tie is expected to be played at the Nyayo National Stadium, while Sierra Leone will be away to Ethiopia in March 2018.
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by FSL News | 12 Jun, 2017 | African News
The Black Stars of Ghana on Sunday displayed once again why they are one of the powerhouses in African football as they thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 to go top of the Group F in their first qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The Stars who were a semifinalist in the 2017 AFCON in Gabon smashed the Walia ibex at the BabaYara Stadium in Kumasi to put themselves ahead of Sierra Leone, with goals from Asamoah Gyan, John Boye, Ebenzeer Ofori and Raphael Dwamena brace adding to the visitors’ misery.
Captain Asamoah Gyan began the rout in the 10 minutes with his 50th goal for his country.
The momentum was with home team Jonh Boye double their lead 2-0. His effort beat Ethiopia goalkeeper Abel Mamo hands down.
Ebenezer Ofori scored with a screamer – making it 3-0 to Ghana before the break.
After the break, a Raphael Dwamena brace made it 5-0 to the hosts who are looking for their first Nations Cup title since 1982.
In Freetown on Saturday, goals from Julius Woobay and Umaru Bangura penalty helped Sierra Leone make a winning start to their Group F campaign as they beat the Harambee Stars of Kenya 2-1.
Ghana (3) 5 (Gyan 10′, Boye 15′, E.Ofori 40′, Dwamena 48′, 60′)
Ethiopia (0) 0
Ghana XI: Ofori, Afful, Lumor, Boye, Amartey, Ofori, Agyepong, Partey (Acquah 73′), A. Ayew (J.Ayew 79′), Gyan (Waris 65′), Dwamena.
Ethiopia XI: A.Mamo (Tassew 64′), A. Tesfaye; Kasim, S. Tesfaye (Mohammed 78′), Tamene, Mesfen (Said 46′), Bekele, Panom, Giday, Oukri, Getaneh.
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by FSL News | 11 Jun, 2017 | Gallery
Leone Stars Technical Team in a snapshot before Sierra Leone, Kenya Kickoff June 10, 2017, at the National Stadium, Freetown.
Sierra Leone | Highlights -