Sierra Leone’s CAF Champions League representatives, Star Sport Academy, have advanced to the second preliminary round after eliminating Gambian side Madina United on aggregate.
Star Sport secured progression following a 1-1 draw against Madina United in the second leg of their first-round tie in The Gambia on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The Sierra Leonean side took the lead through Santigie Fornah in the 52nd minute, but Madina United levelled deep into stoppage time through Ebou Sanyang in the 90+5th minute.
The result was enough to send Star Sport Academy through after the two sides had played to a goalless draw in the first leg in Bo.
Star Sport will now face Moroccan club RS Berkane in the second preliminary round, with the club expected to begin preparations for the next stage of the competition.
The achievement marks another significant milestone for Star Sport Academy; a club established only four years ago that has rapidly progressed from domestic football to the continental stage.
Star Sport’s advancement comes as East End Lions’ CAF Confederation Cup campaign ended at the first preliminary round.
The Sierra Leonean side surrendered a 2-0 lead before being held to a 2-2 draw by their Ivorian opponents in the second leg played in Liberia on Saturday.
Having secured a 1-1 draw away in Côte d’Ivoire in the first leg, East End Lions needed a positive result to keep their continental campaign alive. However, the draw brought their campaign to an end.
Star Sport Academy are expected to return to Freetown today from The Gambia and will immediately turn their attention to preparations for the second preliminary round.
Head Coach Amidu Karim now faces another major task as he seeks to guide Star Sport Academy through the next stage and keep Sierra Leone’s hopes alive in the CAF Champions League.