East End Lions Football Club were crowned champions of the 2026 Orange FA Cup after edging Mighty Blackpool 1-0 in a thrilling final held on Saturday, 20 June 2026, at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Sulaiman S. Kargbo produced the decisive moment in the closing stages, scoring in the 90th minute to secure a dramatic victory and hand East End Lions one of Sierra Leone's most coveted football trophies.

The final also underscored Orange Sierra Leone's continued commitment to the development of football through its sponsorship of the nation's premier knockout competition.

Speaking after the tournament, Orange Sierra Leone's Director of Strategy, Transformation and Marketing, Abdramane Kone, said the Orange FA Cup reflects the company's long-term dedication to supporting football across the country.

He emphasized that football is a powerful force for uniting communities, empowering young people, and fostering national cohesion. According to Kone, Orange Sierra Leone considers its investment in the sport an important contribution to youth development and the country's broader social and economic progress.

Kone further explained that the company's collaboration with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has helped strengthen the local football landscape by creating opportunities for players to showcase their abilities while promoting the commercial growth of the game.

He added that the Orange FA Cup has grown beyond being just a football tournament, becoming an important platform for fan engagement, community involvement, and the discovery of emerging talent across Sierra Leone. He noted that the strong support witnessed throughout the competition reflects the increasing popularity of football and reinforces Orange Sierra Leone's commitment to the sport.

Sierra Leone Football Association President, Babadi Kamara, praised Orange Sierra Leone for its unwavering support, describing the telecommunications company as a reliable partner whose sponsorship has played a key role in the successful organization of the country's biggest knockout football competition.

Kamara said the tournament provides clubs from every region with an opportunity to compete on the national stage while creating valuable pathways for grassroots teams and young players to develop and pursue their football ambitions. He stressed that the competition remains essential for identifying talent and advancing football development nationwide.

For East End Lions, lifting the trophy marks another proud chapter in the club's distinguished history.

Club Chairman, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., expressed delight with his team's performance throughout the campaign, highlighting victories over Diamond Stars, Star Sport Academy, and FC Kallon before overcoming Mighty Blackpool in the final.

He revealed that tactical changes introduced during the halftime break proved decisive after a difficult first half. By adopting a more aggressive pressing style in the second period, the team gained greater control of the match and eventually found the winning goal.

Navo also pointed to the club's continued focus on professionalism both on and off the field, referencing the unveiling of the team's new jersey ahead of the final with support from its sponsors.

He described the FA Cup triumph as another significant achievement for one of Sierra Leone's most successful football clubs, adding to its impressive collection of Premier League and FA Cup titles. He expressed confidence that the victory would inspire the squad as they prepare to represent the country in future continental competitions.

As winners of the 2026 Orange FA Cup, East End Lions have earned qualification for the upcoming CAF continental competitions, where they will represent Sierra Leone on the African stage.

The successful completion of the 2026 Orange FA Cup once again highlighted the value of strong partnerships in the growth of sports. Through its continued investment in football, Orange Sierra Leone has helped create opportunities for talent development, community participation, and the overall advancement of the game, strengthening the future of football in Sierra Leone.