East End Lions clinched the 2026 Orange FA Cup title in dramatic fashion on Saturday after Sulaiman S. Kargbo struck deep into stoppage time to hand the Killers a memorable 1-0 victory over rivals Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena.
Kargbo broke the deadlock in the 90th minute to secure the club’s first major silverware of the season.
The showdown, spectators say, lived up to its billing, with both teams displaying discipline and resilience in a tightly contested encounter that produced few clear-cut chances. Mighty Blackpool matched East End Lions throughout much of the game, but the Lions found the decisive breakthrough when it mattered most.
The final was preceded by a colourful opening ceremony that celebrated Sierra Leonean football and entertainment. Popular musician Odellia Koroma delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem, while former Leone Stars striker Badara Kella Jr. showcased the coveted Orange FA Cup trophy before kick-off, adding excitement to the occasion.
The match attracted senior government officials, football administrators and corporate partners, including Sierra Leone Football Association President Babadi Kamara, Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima, National Sports Authority Executive Director Mohammed Alphaka Conteh, and representatives of tournament sponsors Orange Sierra Leone.
Following the final whistle, East End Lions were presented with the Orange FA Cup trophy and gold medals during an official presentation ceremony attended by dignitaries and stakeholders, marking the successful conclusion of another competitive edition of Sierra Leone’s premier knockout competition.
Defender Mohamed Fofanah was named Man of the Match after producing an outstanding defensive performance that helped keep Mighty Blackpool at bay throughout the encounter.
As Orange FA Cup champions, East End Lions have secured Sierra Leone’s ticket to the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, where they will represent the country on the continental stage.
The champions will receive NLe150,000 in prize money, while runners-up Mighty Blackpool are expected to receive NLe100,000 as the competition’s consolation prize. Blackpool players were absent during the official post-match trophy presentation.
The successful staging of the Orange FA Cup final once again highlighted the growing appeal of domestic football in Sierra Leone, with thousands of supporters filling Southern Arena to witness a memorable finale decided by a dramatic last-minute winner. The tournament also underscored the continued partnership between the Sierra Leone Football Association and Orange Sierra Leone in promoting the development of local football and creating exciting platforms for clubs, players and fans alike.
