Author: Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's Ismailia camp bubbles ahead of U20 AFCON opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Ismailia camp bubbles ahead of U20 AFCON opener

The camp of Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars in Ismailia, Egypt, has welcomed the last three foreign-based players: Arsenal’s Osman Kamara, Reading defender Abraham Kanu, and RWDM forward Kevin Bobson Kargbo.

They arrived with National Team Ambassador Christian Duada in preparation for their opening match against Zambia on Sunday, April 27th.

Sierra Leone is filled with fresh optimism and vigor as it aims to qualify for the U20 World Cup in Chile in 2025. The four semi-finalists will secure a spot in the tournament.

This moment is significant for the team, as it marked the first time in history they qualified for this tournament. Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara’s squad has demonstrated great resilience throughout their preparations.

Remarkably, the last time a youth team from Sierra Leone flourished on the international stage was during the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. Sierra Leone’s youth last participated in this tournament, which took place in Finland from August 13 to 30, 2003, with games held in Turku, Lahti, Tampere, and Helsinki.

𝐂𝐀𝐅 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐔-𝟐𝟎 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF holds pre-tourney briefing & Media day with Serra Leone U20

As part of the preparations for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held a crucial pre-tournament meeting with the Sierra Leone U-20 national team at the Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, Egypt, where the team is staying.

During the meeting, the CAF General Coordinator provided an overview of the tournament rules, player eligibility criteria, match protocols, and disciplinary actions. The coordinator reminded the team to uphold fair play and professionalism throughout the tournament.

The CAF Safety and Security Officer emphasized the importance of accreditation badges and bibs for safety and access control at match venues and training grounds. The CAF TV representative discussed media rights and filming guidelines, ensuring consistency and the protection of broadcast rights.

Additionally, the Referees Assessor highlighted the need for discipline, respect for officials, and cooperation with referees to ensure fair and smooth matches.

The day concluded with an engaging CAF Media Day, during which the Sierra Leone U-20 team participated in official photoshoots, video shoots, and digital content creation for CAF’s social media and promotional campaigns.

With protocols clearly communicated and media activities successfully completed, the stage is set for an exciting and well-organized tournament. The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Media Team will continue to provide updates, exclusive content, and matchday coverage throughout the competition.

SLFA MEDIA DEPARTMENT

Senegal set to defend U20 Cup of Nations title in Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal set to defend U20 Cup of Nations title in Egypt

Senegal arrived at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, as the defending champions and a team to beat. With a strong reputation for producing elite youth talent, the Lionceaux of Teranga aims to retain their title.

Under coach Serigne Saliou Dia, they blend tactical discipline with attacking flair in pursuit of back-to-back triumphs.

As reigning African U-20 champions, Senegal aims to defend their title at the tournament following their historic 2023 victory in Egypt. Their recent success is built on disciplined structures and a rich talent pipeline.

Senegal secured their place in the tournament by winning the WAFU Zone A Championship for the second consecutive time, defeating Sierra Leone 2-0 in the final.

Senegal, as the reigning champions after winning the 2023 title, had a flawless campaign, winning every match, including a 2-0 final against Gambia. They had previously reached the finals in 2015, 2017, and 2019, but fell short each time.

  • **GROUP ANALYSIS**  

Senegal is in Group C alongside DR Congo, Ghana, and the Central African Republic. Each of these teams poses a unique challenge, with DR Congo being particularly ambitious and Ghana showing consistent growth in youth football. The Central African Republic is a dark horse, known for their physical and direct style.

Mustapha Bundu brace helps Plymouth increase hopes Championship survival
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu brace helps Plymouth increase Championship survival hopes

Plymouth, facing relegation, surprised play-off contenders Coventry by achieving their third straight home win, thanks to two goals from Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie, boosting their chances of survival in the Sky Bet Championship.

Bundu scored his second goal of the afternoon 20 minutes into the second half, ensuring Plymouth secured all three points.

Coventry had an early chance to take the lead in the 12th minute when an unmarked Joel Latibeaudiere missed an opportunity to score, firing wide from the far post after receiving a corner from Jack Rudoni.

Plymouth’s first threat came from a well-coordinated move down the left side, initiated by Darko Gyabi. Bali Mumba delivered an excellent cross to top scorer Hardie, who claimed he was fouled as he attempted to connect from a challenging angle, allowing City keeper Bradley Collins to easily gather the ball.

In the 23rd minute, Hardie nearly scored when Bundu cut in from the left and shot, with Hardie just getting a touch that sent the ball inches past the post. Collins faced more pressure when he fumbled a cross, but the referee ruled a foul on Tijani.

Mumba came close to a spectacular goal in the 31st minute with a twisting run and a curling chip attempt over Collins that missed the far post.

Bundu, who received a yellow card for a foul earlier, opened the scoring in the 40th minute. After a corner was cleared, he half-volleyed a cut-back from Randell into the net from a tight angle, beating Collins at the near post.

Tanzania Players gearing up for U20 AFCON in Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Tanzania head coach Suleiman Hemed aware of U20 AFCON challenges

Tanzania U20 head coach Suleiman Hemed Morocco is aware of the tough challenge ahead after his team was drawn into a competitive Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025. The draw placed Tanzania alongside hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Sierra Leone.

In an interview, Coach Morocco acknowledged the strength of the group, stating, “It’s not an easy group for us… Everyone wants to win the cup.”

The tournament will take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025, featuring 13 teams, with the top two from each group and two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals.

Reaching the knockout stage would mark a significant achievement for Tanzania, and Coach Morocco emphasized the need for effective preparation to compete with elite teams. “We take our group seriously to ensure we can compete with anyone we meet,” he said. Group A will present challenges, particularly from host nation Egypt and a talented Zambian squad, reflecting the growing ambitions of Tanzanian youth football.”

Tanzania is eager to assert its presence and compete for one of the four spots at the U-20 World Cup, given the high stakes and limited margin for error.