By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In their pursuit of continental and global football glory, the Sierra Leone National Under-20 (U20) Team, affectionately known as the Shooting Stars, have embarked on a significant step forward with the invitation of 50 promising young players to a training camp set to commence Monday, January 20, 2025, at the SLFA Academy in Freetown.
The training camp, under the guidance of Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara and his technical team, marks the beginning of an intensive preparation period aimed at fine-tuning the team’s skills and tactics ahead of the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18, 2025, in Ivory Coast.
This highly anticipated tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone for African nations vying for a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. With the top four teams reaching the semi-finals securing automatic qualification, the stakes are high for Sierra Leone’s young talent to showcase their capabilities and seize the opportunity.
Coach Kamara and his team have set their sights on building a formidable squad that not only represents Sierra Leone with pride but also competes for continental and global success.
With the training camp set to be a key component of the team’s preparation, expectations are running high amongst fans and the football fraternity in Sierra Leone.
The SLFA Academy has been chosen as the venue for the training camp, providing a suitable environment for the players to hone their skills, build team cohesion, and develop the strategies necessary to overcome their competitors.
Under the guidance of Coach Kamara and his experienced technical team, the Shooting Stars will be expected to work diligently to perfect their game, leveraging every moment to maximize their potential.
As the countdown to the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations begins, supporters of the national team are optimistic about the prospects of a successful campaign. With a talented group of young players, a dedicated coaching staff, and the support of the football community, Sierra Leone’s U20 team is poised to make a positive impact in Ivory Coast.
Whilst the road to achieving success will undoubtedly be challenging, the collective efforts of Coach Kamara, his technical team, and the participating players will undoubtedly be crucial in propelling the team towards the pinnacle of African and global football.
As the players take the field at the SLFA Academy, one thing is certain – the journey to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup has officially begun for the Shooting Stars.
The nation’s football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next stage of the team’s journey, and with a well-planned training camp and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the prospects for a successful campaign look promising.
