Author: Alusine Rehme Wilson

by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Book WAFU-A U20 Semifinal Spot After Senegal Stalemate

The Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone have secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 WAFU-A U20 Male Championship after holding Senegal to a goalless draw on Thursday, October 22.

The result sees head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara’s side advance as Group B runners-up with two points after recording consecutive draws in the group stage.

Star Sport Academy’s midfielder Mohamed C Jalloh was named Player of the Match. Sierra Leone will now face The Gambia in the semifinals, while Group B winners Senegal take on Guinea for a place in the final and a chance to qualify for next year’s U20 AFCON.

Reacting to his team’s progress in the tournament, currently being held in Mali, Shooting Stars head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara expressed confidence in his players’ ability to rise to the challenge in the knockout stage and make Sierra Leoneans proud.

The experienced coach, who guided the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone to their historic AFCON appearance in 2025, said he believes his side “can continue making its mark on the international stage.”

WAFU A semifinal schedules
WAFU A semifinal schedules
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone to Host DR Congo in Morocco for AFCON Qualifier

Sierra Leone’s 2027 AFCON qualifying next home game will take place in Morocco after the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has confirmed that Morocco will host the November 17 match against DR Congo after failing to secure a closer location.

The SLFA said it initially explored hosting the Matchday Three encounter in Guinea or Liberia to give Sierra Leonean supporters the opportunity to cheer on their national team but, scheduling conflicts in both countries made the arrangements impossible.

The association also revealed that it had requested the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to reschedule the match from November 17 to November 16, but DR Congo rejected the proposal, insisting that the fixture be played on the original date in accordance with the official schedule.

With both alternative venues ruled out and the date change unsuccessful, the SLFA turned to Morocco to host the crucial qualifier.

The decision comes as Sierra Leone’s National Stadium remains unavailable for international matches following a CAF ban over its failure to meet the required standards for hosting such fixtures.

The SLFA has expressed regret that the match could not be staged closer to home, apologising to supporters for the inconvenience while thanking them for their patience and continued backing of the national team.

Meanwhile, the Leone Stars, under head coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa, will be looking to bounce back after suffering defeats in their opening two matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Despite the disappointing start, the SLFA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national team as Sierra Leone continues its pursuit of qualification for the continental tournament.

The November 17 encounter against DR Congo will present another important test for the Leone Stars as they seek to get their qualifying campaign back on track.

by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Target Semi-Final Berth in Crucial Senegal Clash

Sierra Leone’s U-20 men’s national team is set to make it to the semi-finals of the WAFU A U-20 tournament if they achieve a favourable outcome against Senegal on October 22 in Bamako, Mali.

The development comes after the Shooting Stars salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Mauritania in their opening fixture, with Mohamed Bah striking in the 90th minute to rescue a valuable point for head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara’s side.

During the Monday evening match, Sierra Leone put themselves in front in the 23rd minute through Papay G. Mansaray but conceded twice before Bah’s late intervention ensured they avoided defeat.

The result leaves Mauritania on two points, while Sierra Leone and Senegal have one point each, according to the standings provided. Senegal also drew 1-1 against Mauritania, setting up a pivotal encounter between the Shooting Stars and their West African rivals.

With a place in the last four at stake, Sierra Leone’s experienced coach has acknowledged the importance of the upcoming fixture as his team seeks to keep their continental ambitions alive in the zonal tourney, which doubles as the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“We anticipate building on our opening-match result and delivering a winning performance against Senegal to keep our continental ambitions on track,” Kamara said.

by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Star Sport Academy Eye Champions League Comeback Against RS Berkane in Morocco

Sierra Leone’s sole representative in the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League, Star Sport Academy, faces a defining continental test after their 2-0 home defeat in Liberia on Saturday.

The Freetown-based outfit will travel immediately ahead of the return fixture at the Berkane Municipality Stadium on Sunday, October 25th. 

Oussama Lamlioui’s first-half brace handed Berkane a 2–0 victory in the first leg at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Stadium on Saturday, October 17, giving the Moroccan side a two-goal aggregate advantage heading into the decisive encounter.

Despite the setback, Head Coach Amidu Karim and his men remain focused on the challenge ahead, with another 90 minutes to show their resilience, determination and ambition on the continental stage.

Star Sport Academy must now turn the first-leg lessons into a determined response, combining defensive discipline, attacking intent and clinical finishing to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Although the task in Morocco will be demanding, the Sierra Leonean side will be determined to deliver a spirited performance and represent their country with pride.

Coach Karim insists that his team remains committed to the challenge, stressing their determination to represent Sierra Leone with pride on the continental stage until the final whistle.

Following their 2-0 home defeat, Star Sport Academy now need a disciplined team performance, belief and composure in front of goal as they seek to overturn the two-goal deficit and keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.

by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Guinea-Bissau Withdraws as Sierra Leone Stays Ready

Here is the WAFU statement on Guinea-Bissau's withdrawal
Here is the WAFU statement on Guinea-Bissau's withdrawal