By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s men team, Leone Stars, forward Kei Ansu Kamara has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an illustrious 17-year career with Sierra Leone’s national team.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Kamara confirmed that the Leone Stars’ encounter with Djibouti on Saturday, October 12, would mark his final appearance for the country. The 41-year-old veteran striker expressed gratitude to fans and teammates for their support over the years, describing his journey with the Green, White, and Blue as one filled with pride, joy, and honour.
“It was a great joy and honour to wear the Green, White and Blue,” Kamara wrote. “I love you, Mama Salone. Our time will come to be at the FIFA World Cup, but my time has finally come to say goodbye to the national team.”
Kamara’s international career has been one of resilience, passion, and commitment to Sierra Leonean football. Since making his debut in 2008, he has represented the nation in major continental and international competitions, playing a crucial role in several qualification campaigns. He captained Sierra Leone to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, a historic moment that marked the country’s return to the tournament after a 25-year absence.
Following that AFCON outing, Kamara initially retired from international football in 2021, citing a desire to give younger players the opportunity to lead the team forward. However, in 2024, he made a surprising return to the squad, answering the nation’s call to help Leone Stars in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His comeback was motivated by two goals: to guide Sierra Leone back to another major tournament and to potentially become the next Roger Milla, the Cameroonian legend who holds the record as the oldest outfield player to have featured in a World Cup at the age of 42.
Despite his determination and leadership, Kamara’s dream of gracing the world’s biggest football stage was dashed when Leone Stars fell short in their World Cup qualifying campaign, losing to Burkina Faso. The defeat ended Sierra Leone’s hopes of reaching the intercontinental playoffs, a potential pathway to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Kamara’s second home.
Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, Kamara moved to the United States as a teenager and built a remarkable professional career spanning multiple continents. He became one of Major League Soccer’s most recognizable and respected figures, playing for clubs such as Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City, and Minnesota United. His professionalism and influence extended beyond the pitch, where he was often praised for his leadership and humanitarian work.
Over the course of more than a decade and a half, Kamara made numerous appearances for Sierra Leone and scored several crucial goals, cementing his place as one of the nation’s most iconic players. His journey with Leone Stars has been a story of perseverance, pride, and unyielding love for country.
As he steps away from international duty, Kei Kamara leaves behind a legacy defined by passion, service, and inspiration for the next generation of Sierra Leonean footballers.
