Football fans across Sierra Leone are eagerly counting down to what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year as East End Lions and Mighty Blackpool prepare to battle for the coveted 2026 Orange FA Cup trophy.
The much-anticipated final, sponsored by Orange Sierra Leone in partnership with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Southern Arena in Bo City, with kick-off set for 6:30 PM.
Organizers have announced that tickets for the grand finale are now available, with Open Stand tickets selling for Le 20, Covered Stand tickets priced at Le 40, and VIP access available for Le 100. Thousands of supporters are expected to travel from across the country to witness the clash between two of Sierra Leone’s most successful and historic football clubs.
The final carries enormous significance beyond domestic silverware, with the winner securing a place in the prestigious CAF Confederation Cup and earning the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone on the continental stage.
Ahead of the showdown, Orange Sierra Leone and the SLFA officially unveiled the 2026 Orange FA Cup trophy, signaling the final phase of preparations for the country’s premier knockout football competition. The unveiling has further heightened excitement among football enthusiasts eager to see which club will lift the coveted silverware.
East End Lions, popularly known as “The Killers,” secured their place in the final following a determined 1-0 victory over FC Kallon in the semifinal stage. Their disciplined performance demonstrated the team’s determination to add another major trophy to its rich history.
Mighty Blackpool, meanwhile, booked their place in the final after overcoming Abacha City in a dramatic semifinal encounter. The former champions prevailed 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a fiercely contested match, setting up a mouthwatering final against their long-time rivals.
The upcoming encounter revives one of the most celebrated rivalries in Sierra Leonean football. Both clubs boast decades of success and passionate fan bases, making the final one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures in recent years.
Football analysts believe the match could be a closely fought contest, with both sides possessing the experience, talent, and determination required to claim the title. Supporters from both camps are expected to create an electric atmosphere at the Southern Arena as they rally behind their teams.
With the trophy now unveiled, tickets on sale, and preparations nearing completion, all eyes will be on Bo City on June 20 as East End Lions and Mighty Blackpool write another chapter in their historic rivalry in the quest for Orange FA Cup glory.
