Sierra Leone name 25-man squad for WAFU U-20 qualifiers as Shooting Stars target AFCON return

Sierra Leone have named a 25-man squad for the 2026 WAFU A’ Zone U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Mali, with head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara targeting another appearance at the continental showpiece.

The Shooting Stars will begin their Group B campaign against Guinea-Bissau on Friday, October 16, at the Mamadou Konate Stadium, hoping to turn weeks of preparation into a winning start.

Sierra Leone are seeking to qualify for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the second consecutive time after making their debut at the tournament last year.

Kamara and his players have spent more than two weeks preparing for the regional competition and will be looking to build on the experience gained from their previous continental campaign.

Shooting Stars face demanding Group B schedule

Sierra Leone will face three challenging fixtures as they compete for progression from Group B, with Mauritania and Senegal completing their list of opponents.

The opening match against Guinea-Bissau is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time on Friday, October 16, at the Mamadou Konate Stadium.

Kamara’s side will then take on Mauritania at 4:00 pm on Monday, before concluding their group-stage campaign against Senegal on Thursday, October 22, at the same venue. That encounter is also scheduled for 4:00 pm local time.

The three matches will test the team’s consistency, tactical discipline and squad depth, with the opening fixture offering an opportunity to establish momentum before two potentially decisive encounters.

Sierra Leone will need to deliver strong performances across the group if they are to keep their qualification ambitions alive and secure another appearance at the U-20 AFCON.

Kamara names eight defenders and eight midfielders

The 25-man squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and six forwards, giving Kamara options across the pitch ahead of the demanding schedule.

Amara Kamara, Steven Nyakeh Momoh and Abubakar Alhaji Kamara have been selected as the three goalkeepers.

The defensive unit features Dauda Kamara, Mohamed Sahid, Abubakarr Nyakeh Massaquoi, Osman Tolo Sesay, Ivan Lawrence Jalloh, Mohamed Kallon, Santigie Abdulai Sesay and Ibrahim Sorie Z.G. Dumbuya.

In midfield, Kamara has called up Alhaji Lerma Jalloh, Sampha Kamara, Mohamed Saidu Bah, Alhaji Abubakarr Jalloh, Mohamed Chernor Jalloh, Ben Benoit Henriette Loua, Nelson Fatorma Mbayo and Malik Ahmed Berray.

The balance of the squad will be important as Sierra Leone navigate three group matches in a short period, with the coach expected to rely on both his starting players and the depth available on the bench.

Jusu Kanja leads attacking options

Old Edwardians forward James Jusu Kanja is among the six attackers selected to lead Sierra Leone’s goal threat in Mali.

He will be joined by Abu Bakarr Sidibay, Randy Mike George, Papay Gumba Mansaray, Alpha Bedor Conteh and Abdulai Bangura as the Shooting Stars seek to make their opportunities count.

The forwards will be expected to provide the goals needed to complement the team’s defensive and midfield efforts, particularly against opponents who will also be targeting progression from Group B.

With the opening match against Guinea-Bissau approaching, Sierra Leone will hope their preparations translate into an encouraging start to the competition.

The Shooting Stars’ immediate priority will be to secure a positive result on Friday before turning their attention to Mauritania and Senegal.

After reaching the U-20 AFCON for the first time last year, Kamara’s team now have another opportunity to establish themselves among the region’s competitive youth sides and earn a return to the continental stage.