By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The 2026 FA Cup organized by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) officially kicked off on Sunday in Port Loko, marking the start of another nationwide football campaign that is expected to engage clubs, officials and fans across the country.
The opening match of the district preliminary stage featured Sugar Sharge FC against Young Boys FC and was played in front of a lively crowd that included football administrators, regional stakeholders and local supporters. The encounter set the tone for the competition, which serves as one of the country’s most prestigious knockout tournaments.
Prior to kickoff, a brief opening ceremony was held to formally usher in the competition. SLFA Vice President One Alie Badara Tarawallie delivered remarks on behalf of SLFA President Babadi Kamara. Tarawallie expressed satisfaction with the smooth start of the tournament and commended the efforts of local organizers for ensuring a successful opening event.
He emphasized the importance of the FA Cup in promoting grassroots football, discovering new talent and strengthening unity among football communities across Sierra Leone. He also reaffirmed the SLFA’s commitment to supporting regional football structures to ensure the competition is well managed from the preliminary rounds to the final.
North West Region Chairman Abdul Osman Turay, popularly known as AOT, also addressed the gathering. He thanked the SLFA leadership for entrusting Port Loko with hosting the opening match and assured fans and stakeholders that the North West Region would deliver a well organized and disciplined tournament.
On the pitch, Sugar Sharge FC produced a commanding performance to secure a 3 0 victory over Young Boys FC. After a goalless first half, Mohamed Sesay broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, giving Sugar Sharge a deserved lead. The team maintained pressure and control as the game progressed, eventually sealing the win with two late goals from Yome Kamara and Osman A Kanu.
The result sees Sugar Sharge FC advance with confidence as the preliminary phase continues nationwide. District preliminary matches in other regions of the country are scheduled to begin from tomorrow, with several clubs expected to compete for a place in the later rounds.
The FA Cup remains a key pathway to continental football, as the eventual winner of the competition will represent Sierra Leone in the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026 27 season.
With early excitement already building, the 2026 FA Cup promises competitive football, emerging talent and renewed enthusiasm for the domestic game across Sierra Leone.
