By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has officially announced the Leone Stars squad set to compete in the final fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers. The team, led by head coach Mohamed Kallon, features a blend of experienced internationals and promising local talents determined to secure Sierra Leone’s place on the global stage.
The Leone Stars will face Guinea-Bissau on 8 October 2025 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia, before taking on Djibouti on 12 September 2025 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. Both matches are crucial as the nation continues its push for a historic World Cup appearance.
The goalkeeping department includes Alhaji Sesay of Bhantal FC, Francis Koroma from Wilberforce Strikers, and Donald Kamara of FC Kallon. Their inclusion reflects the team’s reliance on homegrown talent to maintain strength and depth between the posts.
In defence, Sierra Leone will count on Abdulai Juma Bah of OGC Nice, Emmanuel Samadia from Hartford FC, and Alpha Turay of Egyptian club El Gouna. They are joined by FC Kallon’s Nathaniel Jalloh and Sallieu Tarawallie, Citta Bah of Star Sport Academy, and Mohamed Kamara from Bhantal FC. This defensive lineup offers both international exposure and local energy, expected to provide balance and stability.
The midfield will be anchored by Alhassan Koroma, who plays for Al Shahaniya SC, alongside Abu Dumbuya of Zabbarr St. Patrick FC and Saidu Fofanah from Zhetysu FC. Mohamed Kabba of Bo Rangers, Mohamed Kabia from Borak Cacak in Alaska, and John B. Sesay of Bhantal FC complete the midfield unit. Their creativity and tactical discipline will be vital in transitioning from defence to attack.
Upfront, Sierra Leone boasts an array of seasoned forwards. Veteran striker Kei Kamara of FC Cincinnati returns to the fold, bringing his wealth of international experience. He will be joined by Mohamed Buya Turay of Zhetysu FC, Augustus Kargbo of Blackburn Rovers, and Momoh Kamara from Minnesota United FC. Also included are Samuel Gandi of Politehnica UTM Chisinau, Mohamed Kamara of Bai Bureh Warriors, Momoh L. Dumbuya from FC Kallon, Alie Conteh of East End Lions, and Mohamed Bangura of Bhantal FC. This attacking force blends international exposure with domestic promise, offering coach Kallon multiple options in pursuit of goals.
Speaking on the announcement, head coach Mohamed Kallon expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete. “The road has been tough, but the players have shown passion, determination, and resilience. These matches are important not just for qualification, but for the pride of Sierra Leone. We are ready to give everything on the pitch to make the nation proud,” he stated.
The unveiling of the squad has generated excitement among fans across Sierra Leone, with many hopeful that this group of players will rise to the occasion. The mix of home-based stars and foreign-based professionals reflects the country’s growing football depth and ambition.
As the Leone Stars prepare for these decisive fixtures, the nation rallies behind them with one goal in sight, a historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
