Head Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has named a 25-man Sierra Leone squad for the two-legged 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against DR Congo’s Group E qualifiers.

These fixtures are crucial to Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes, particularly after the Leone Stars lost their opening two matches against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea in September.

The squad features several notable inclusions, with Samuel Bekoe earning his first call-up following the completion of his nationality switch.

New York City FC forward Malachi Jones is also in line to make his maiden international appearance for Sierra Leone, adding fresh talent to the Leone Stars setup.

Meanwhile, Augustus Kargbo and Ibrahim Turay are set to return to the national team after lengthy injury layoffs, providing a timely boost to Gomes Da Rosa’s squad ahead of the crucial qualifiers.

The Leone Stars will be hoping to secure positive results across both legs as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2027 AFCON. The fixtures are particularly crucial following their defeats to Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea in their opening two matches, which left Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s side bottom of the group.