Sierra Leone welcome 11 players as preparations for DR Congo clash intensify

Sierra Leone have received a major boost ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against DR Congo, with 11 additional players arriving in Kinshasa to join the national team camp.

The latest arrivals have increased the number of players in camp to 21 out of the 25 selected for the upcoming fixture, giving head coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa more options as preparations gather pace.

Among those who joined the squad are captain Osman Kakay, Juma Bah, Idris Kanu, Augustus Kargbo, Sullay Kaikai and Tyrese Fornah, who are expected to strengthen the Leone Stars ahead of Thursday’s encounter.

The players arrived in the Congolese capital last night and were welcomed at the team hotel by head coach Gomez Da Rosa and team ambassador Umaru Bangura.

Bangura, a former captain of the national team, joined the coach in receiving the players as the squad continued its preparations for the important qualifying fixture.

The arrival of the 11 internationals represents a significant development for Sierra Leone, who had been waiting for several members of their squad to report for duty.

Sierra Leone prepare for crucial DR Congo encounter

The Leone Stars are preparing for a difficult assignment against DR Congo, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

With the latest group of players now in camp, Gomez Da Rosa has been able to work with a larger section of his selected squad as the team approaches the matchday.

The presence of experienced players such as Kakay and several important attacking options, including Kargbo and Kaikai, also adds depth to the group ahead of the meeting with the Leopards.

Sierra Leone’s preparations are taking place in Kinshasa, where the team is expected to complete its final training sessions before Thursday’s match.

Four players still expected in camp

Despite the arrival of the latest group, Sierra Leone are still waiting for four more players to join the squad.

Their arrival is expected by the end of the day, which would bring the number of players in camp to the full 25 originally selected for the assignment.

Completing the squad will allow Gomez Da Rosa to work with all his available players as he finalises his plans for the encounter.

The Leone Stars will be hoping to make the most of their preparations in Kinshasa as they look to secure a positive result against DR Congo in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.