Bo, Sierra Leone — East End Lions, popularly known as “The Killers,” secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Mighty Blackpool in the 2026 Orange FA Cup Final at the Southern Arena Stadium in Bo City on Saturday, June 20, 2026, to claim the prestigious trophy and book their ticket to continental football.
The match, a classic showdown between two of Sierra Leone’s historic clubs with a fierce Freetown rivalry, remained goalless at halftime amid a tense and tightly contested affair. The decisive breakthrough came in the second half when Idrissa Sesay emerged as the hero, netting the lone goal that proved enough to secure glory for the Lions.
Scenes of wild jubilation erupted among East End Lions players, coaching staff, officials, and fans as they celebrated the triumph. The trophy is now heading back to Freetown, adding to the club’s rich legacy.
Chairman Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., whose steadfast leadership, financial support, and motivational presence have been instrumental throughout the campaign, was singled out for special praise. Navo has invested significantly in the club, including unveiling new jerseys and a 52-seater bus earlier in the season to bolster team logistics and morale.
This victory marks another chapter in East End Lions’ storied history. The club has previously won the Sierra Leone FA Cup (with titles dating back to the 1970s) and recently claimed the 2025 league title, underscoring their resurgence as a powerhouse in Sierra Leonean football.
Mighty Blackpool, also based in Freetown and boasting 15 league titles (though their last came in 2001), put up a determined fight but fell just short. Both teams advanced through challenging semifinals: East End Lions edged FC Kallon 1-0, while Mighty Blackpool overcame Abacha City FC 4-3 on penalties.
Beyond the silverware, the win qualifies East End Lions for the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup, providing a valuable opportunity to represent Sierra Leone on the African stage.
The Orange FA Cup, sponsored by Orange Sierra Leone in partnership with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), continues to be one of the country’s most anticipated domestic competitions.
