East End Lions have been crowned champions of the 2026 Orange FA Cup after a dramatic 1-0 victory over rivals Mighty Blackpool in a tense final played on Saturday, June 20, at the Southern Arena.
The highly anticipated showdown delivered a cagey and competitive contest, with both sides battling fiercely in front of a packed crowd of football fans from across Sierra Leone. After a goalless and tightly balanced encounter, the breakthrough came deep into stoppage time when Sulaiman S. Kargbo struck in the 90th minute to seal the title for East End Lions and trigger jubilant celebrations among their supporters.
The final was marked by a vibrant pre-match ceremony that set the tone for the occasion. Popular Sierra Leonean artist Odellia Koroma delivered a stirring performance of the national anthem, while former Leone Stars striker Badara Kella Jr. added glamour to the event by showcasing the trophy before kick-off.
The occasion also drew top football and government officials, including the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association Sierra Leone Football Association, Babadi Kamara, Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima, and the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority Mohammed Alphaka Conteh, alongside representatives of tournament sponsors Orange Sierra Leone.
Following the final whistle, the trophy and medals were officially presented to East End Lions in a ceremony attended by dignitaries and stakeholders, underscoring efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the competition’s administration.
Defender Mohamed Fofanah was named Man of the Match after an outstanding defensive display that played a crucial role in securing the narrow victory.
As champions, East End Lions will now represent Sierra Leone in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, carrying the nation’s hopes onto the continental stage.
Runners-up Mighty Blackpool, who were absent from 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 highlighted 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.
