Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 13, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has delivered a decisive ruling on the chaotic abandonment of an Orange FA Cup 2026 quarter-final match, awarding victory to East End Lions FC after the game descended into violence and pitch invasion.
The highly anticipated quarter-final clash between Star Sport Academy and East End Lions FC took place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the SLFA Academy Field in Kingtom, Freetown. East End Lions, one of Sierra Leone’s traditional powerhouses and reigning Premier League champions in recent seasons, were leading 2-1 when the match was abandoned in the 86th minute.
According to the SLFA’s press release and reports from the day, the game which had been competitive up to that point, was halted due to acts of disorder, including pitch invasion and violence involving individuals associated with both clubs. Supporters from both sides were implicated in the unrest, which included stones being thrown onto the pitch.
Disciplinary Rulings
Following a thorough review of reports, testimonies, and video evidence, the FA Cup Disciplinary Committee ruled as follows:
– Star Sport Academy forfeits the match, with the 2-1 scoreline officially awarded to East End Lions FC.
– Star Sport Academy was fined NLe 5,000.
– Samba Kanu (an official associated with Star Sport Academy) received a six-match suspension and a NLe 8,000 fine for inciting the disturbance.
– Players Abdul Budu Kamara and Abu Bakarr A. Kamara were each suspended for three matches and fined NLe 2,000 for violent conduct.
East End Lions FC was also sanctioned with a NLe 5,000 fine for failing to adequately control its supporters during the incident.
SLFA’s Strong Stance
The SLFA strongly condemned all forms of violence and indiscipline in football. In the press release, the association warned that stricter sanctions, including possible exclusion from competitions, will be imposed for any future misconduct. All fines must be settled before the clubs’ next official fixtures.
