By Mariama Bundu
East End Lions have been crowned champions of the 2026 Orange FA Cup after defeating Mighty Blackpool 1-0 in the final played at the Southern Arena in Bo on Saturday.
The match appeared destined for extra time until Sulaiman S. Kargbo scored a dramatic late goal in the 90th minute to hand East End Lions the victory and their first major trophy in recent years.
Thousands of football fans from across the country attended the final, which was preceded by a colourful ceremony. Sierra Leonean musician Odellia Koroma performed the national anthem, while former Leone Stars striker Badara Kella Jr. presented the trophy to supporters before kickoff.
Among those in attendance were SLFA President Babadi Kamara, Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima, National Sports Authority Executive Director Mohammed Alphaka Conteh, Orange Sierra Leone representatives, and other football stakeholders.
East End Lions defender Mohamed Fofanah was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance in the final.
Following the victory, East End Lions received the championship trophy and a cash prize of Le150,000. The triumph also secured the club a place in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, where they will represent Sierra Leone on the continental stage.
Mighty Blackpool, who finished as runners-up, will receive Le100,000 in prize money.
The successful conclusion of the competition highlighted the continued growth and popularity of football in Sierra Leone, with the Southern Arena providing a fitting venue for the country’s premier knockout football tournament.
