By Foday Moriba Conteh
East End Lions Football Club were crowned champions of the 2026 Orange FA Cup after securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mighty Blackpool in the final played on Saturday, 20 June 2026, at the Southern Arena in Bo City.
The highly competitive encounter appeared destined for extra time before Sulaiman S. Kargbo emerged as the hero, scoring in the 90th minute to hand East End Lions a memorable victory and one of the most prestigious trophies in Sierra Leone football.
Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the final also highlighted the growing impact of Orange Sierra Leone’s investment in football through its sponsorship of the country’s premier knockout competition.
Speaking after the successful conclusion of the tournament, Orange Sierra Leone’s Strategy, Transformation and Marketing Director, Abdramane Kone, described the Orange FA Cup as a reflection of the company’s long-term commitment to football development in Sierra Leone.
He said football remains one of the most effective tools for promoting national unity, creating opportunities for young people and bringing communities together. According to him, Orange Sierra Leone views its support for football as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and national development.
Kone noted that the company’s partnership with the Sierra Leone Football Association has contributed significantly to strengthening the football ecosystem by providing platforms for players to showcase their talents while supporting the commercial growth and development of the game.
He further emphasized that the Orange FA Cup has evolved beyond a football competition to become a platform for fan engagement, community participation and talent discovery across the country. He added that the enthusiasm displayed throughout the tournament reflects the growing popularity of football and reinforces Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the sport.
President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Babadi Kamara, commended Orange Sierra Leone for its continued investment in football, describing the telecommunications company as a dependable partner whose support has been instrumental in the successful organization of the country’s biggest knockout competition.
Kamara noted that the Orange FA Cup creates opportunities for clubs from every region of Sierra Leone to compete on a national stage, while also providing pathways for grassroots teams and emerging players to pursue their football ambitions. He said the competition continues to play a vital role in talent identification and football development nationwide.
For East End Lions, the victory represents another major achievement in the club’s rich football history.
Chairman, East End Lions Football Club, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr. expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance throughout the competition, noting that the club overcame strong opposition, including Diamond Stars, Star Sport Academy and FC Kallon, before defeating Mighty Blackpool in the final.
He revealed that tactical adjustments made during halftime proved decisive after the team struggled during the opening stages of the match. According to him, a more aggressive pressing approach in the second half enabled East End Lions to gain greater control and ultimately secure the winning goal.
Navo also highlighted the club’s commitment to maintaining professional standards both on and off the pitch, pointing to the unveiling of the team’s New Jersey ahead of the final with the support of sponsors.
He described the FA Cup triumph as another important milestone for a club that has enjoyed considerable success in Sierra Leone football, including multiple Premier League and FA Cup titles. He added that the latest victory would serve as motivation as the team prepares for future continental assignments.
As champions of the 2026 Orange FA Cup, East End Lions have secured qualification for CAF continental competitions, where they will represent Sierra Leone on the African stage.
The successful conclusion of the 2026 Orange FA Cup once again demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships in sports development. Through its sustained investment in football, Orange Sierra Leone has continued to provide a platform for talent development, community engagement and national football growth, further strengthening the foundation for the future of the sport in Sierra Leone.
