2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Sierra Leone hand Malachi Jones, Samuel Bekoe first call-ups for crucial DR Congo games

Sierra Leone head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has handed maiden call-ups to Samuel Bekoe and Malachi Jones as the Leone Stars prepare for a crucial two-legged 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against DR Congo.

The 25-man squad combines fresh additions with the return of key players as Sierra Leone attempt to revive their qualification campaign after a disappointing start in Group E.

Bekoe earns his first invitation to the national team following the completion of his nationality switch, while New York City FC forward Jones has also been included and could make his senior international debut.

Their inclusion provides Gomes Da Rosa with additional attacking options as he seeks to find a winning formula against a DR Congo side standing between Sierra Leone and a much-needed turnaround.

The upcoming double-header carries significant importance for the Leone Stars, who have struggled to get their qualifying campaign underway.

Defeats to Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea in September left Sierra Leone without a point from their opening two matches, placing them bottom of Group E and increasing the pressure to deliver results in their next fixtures.

Bekoe, Jones headline new inclusions

Bekoe’s inclusion represents a significant development for the Leone Stars following the completion of his nationality switch, making him eligible to represent Sierra Leone at international level.

The midfielder will now have an opportunity to establish himself within the national team setup as the country seeks to strengthen its squad for the remainder of the qualifying campaign.

Jones is another notable addition, with the New York City FC forward potentially set to make his first appearance for Sierra Leone.

His arrival offers Gomes Da Rosa another attacking option ahead of two fixtures that could prove decisive in determining the country’s chances of reaching the tournament.

The two newcomers will be eager to make an immediate impression as Sierra Leone look to inject fresh quality into a squad that has struggled for results in the opening phase of the qualifiers.

Kargbo, Turay return from injury

Gomes Da Rosa has also received a boost with the return of Augustus Kargbo and Ibrahim Turay after lengthy spells on the sidelines through injury.

Their availability adds experience and depth to the squad at a critical stage of the campaign, particularly with Sierra Leone needing to improve their performances after consecutive defeats.

Both players will be hoping to make valuable contributions as the Leone Stars attempt to secure maximum points from their encounters with DR Congo.

The return of the injured duo, alongside the introduction of Bekoe and Jones, gives the technical team additional options as preparations intensify for the double-header.

Leone Stars face must-win qualifiers after disappointing start

Sierra Leone’s immediate challenge is to halt their early slide in Group E and get their qualification hopes back on track.

The defeats to Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have left Gomes Da Rosa’s men bottom of the standings, making the upcoming matches against DR Congo particularly important.

With qualification points already dropped, the Leone Stars cannot afford another disappointing return if they are to remain in contention for a place at the 2027 AFCON.

The two encounters will therefore provide an important test of the team’s ability to respond under pressure, with the coach counting on both his returning players and new additions to help deliver improved performances.

Sierra Leone will be hoping the fresh faces and returning internationals can provide the spark needed to revive their campaign and keep their hopes of reaching the continental showpiece alive.