On Saturday, June 20, East End Lions were crowned champions of the 2026 Orange FA Cup after a dramatic 1-0 win against rivals, Mighty Blackpool, in a tense final held at the Southern Arena.
The much-anticipated match featured a fiercely contested and cautious battle between the two sides, played before a packed crowd of football enthusiasts from across Sierra Leone. After a goalless and tightly balanced 90 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken deep into stoppage time when Sulaiman S. Kargbo scored in the 90th minute, sealing the victory for East End Lions and sparking jubilant celebrations among their fans.
The final was preceded by a vibrant pre-match ceremony that set an exciting tone for the occasion. Renowned Sierra Leonean artist, Odellia Koroma, delivered an inspiring performance of the national anthem, while former Leone Stars striker, Badara Kella Jr. added a touch of glamour by showcasing the trophy before kickoff.
The event attracted prominent figures from both football and government sectors, including Babadi Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Football Association; Sports Minister, Augusta James-Teima; Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Mohammed Alphaka Conteh; and representatives from tournament sponsors, Orange Sierra Leone.
Following the final whistle, East End Lions received the trophy and medals in an official presentation attended by dignitaries and stakeholders, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the competition’s administration. Defender, Mohamed Fofanah, earned the Man of the Match award for his exceptional defensive performance that was pivotal in securing the narrow win.
As champions, East End Lions will represent Sierra Leone in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, carrying the nation’s hopes on the continental stage. Meanwhile, runners-up, Mighty Blackpool, who did not attend the post-match trophy presentation, are expected to receive a consolation prize of Le100,000, while the champions take home Le150,000.
The successful conclusion of the tournament once again underscored the growing excitement surrounding domestic football in Sierra Leone, with the Southern Arena providing a fitting backdrop to a final decided in the dying moments of the game.
