Star Sport Academy have written a new chapter in Sierra Leone football by booking their place in the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
The Kenema-based side progressed on the away goals rule after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Gambia’s Medina United in the second leg on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at Independence Stadium in Kanifing.
The first leg in Bo City on 5 September had ended goalless at the Southern Arena, Star Sport’s continental debut.
In the return fixture, Santigie Fornah scored for the Sierra Leoneans in the 53rd minute to put them ahead. Medina United equalised deep in stoppage time through Sanyang (90+2’), finishing 1-1 on the night and 1-1 on aggregate. Star Sport’s away goal proved decisive.
This is a landmark achievement. Star Sport Academy finished as runners-up in the 2025/26 Sierra Leone National Premier League. They took Sierra Leone’s place in the competition after champions Bo Rangers opted out. Head coach Amidu Karim’s side now prepare for the second preliminary round, where they are drawn against Morocco’s RS Berkane. Those ties are scheduled for mid-to-late October.
The result marks the first time Star Sport Academy have reached the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition on their debut campaign. Fans across Sierra Leone have celebrated the milestone for a club still building its legacy.
