Skip to main content

Sierra Leone - Benin AFCON clash delayed

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson
Group L match day 6 crunch tie between Sierra Leone(4points) and Benin(7points) has been delayed over controversies after Benin received their Corona Virus test results after 48 hours of testing upon arrival at the Sierra Leone International airport in Lungi. 

The results were handed over to the visitors at the stadium before the match and five of their players including a goal keeper test results showed positive of COVID-19.

Upon noting that the said players that tested positive of the virus are key to the squad to face Leone Stars, the 80-man Benin delegation including players and some officials refused to step down from their bus at the Siaka Steven's Stadium to warm up before the kick off time of 4:00pm local time.

After one hour of waiting, a decision has been reached after a close door meeting with officials of both teams for the match to be played five hours off the scheduled time. 

The match venue remain unchanged  but the game is expected to be played at 21:00GMT later today.

This means the squirrels will still face host Sierra Leone at the newly facelifted Siaka Steven's Stadium in Freetown.

Benin have however agreed to play without the said players after earlier refusing to play without them.

But a highly motivated Sierra Leone side remained confident of securing the much needed result from today's must win encounter to book an AFCON ticket to join Group-L leaders and already qualified Nigerian at the same time put an end to the Benin squirrels unbeaten run over Sierra Leone since 2006. 

However, the visitors will go into today's game to secure a much needed point might slash Leone Stars quests to broke their 26-year AFCON jinx since they last qualified in 1995.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...

Loud financial silence in Leone Stars camp

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Sierra Leone's National Men's Senior Team Leone Stars will not arrive in Liberia for their reverse AFCON Qualifiers encounter against Cote D'Ivoire on Tuesday due to unsettled bills on Ivorian soil. Even the players and officials are yet to receive a dime of their match appearance allowances. Officials from the camp when reached have preferred not to comment over the loud financial silence that has gripped the team. Mirroring deeper, it's tipped that  the heavy defeat was influenced by the demotivated camp!! 📸©: SLFA Media✍️

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...