By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Head Coach Mohamed Kallon has announced a 26-man Leone Stars squad for Sierra Leone’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia, scheduled for September 4 and September 9, 2025. The fixtures are seen as a major test for the national team, which is aiming to secure qualification for football’s biggest stage.
The squad reflects a balance of foreign-based professionals and homegrown talents, signaling Kallon’s determination to build a formidable team capable of competing at the highest level. Speaking at the unveiling, the coach expressed confidence in the players’ readiness, noting that their recent performances in test matches have given him optimism. “I am satisfied with the output from the test games, and I believe this squad has what it takes to make Sierra Leone proud,” Kallon said.
Among the notable names called up is veteran striker Kei Kamara of FC Cincinnati, whose experience and leadership will be vital in guiding the younger players. He is joined in attack by prolific forward Mohamed Buya Turay of Zhetysu FC, Mustapha Bundu of Hannover 96, and Augustus Kargbo of Blackburn Rovers. Musa N. Kamara of Port Authority, Momoh Kamara of Minnesota United, Mohamed Kamara of Bai Bureh Warriors, and Momoh L. Dumbuya of FC Kallon complete the attacking line, giving the team both depth and versatility up front.
In midfield, Kallon has opted for a mix of youth and experience. Key inclusions are Alhassan Koroma of Al Shahaniya SC, Saidu Fofanah of Zhetysu FC, and Santigie Fornah of SLIFA FC, all of whom bring creativity and energy to the middle of the park. They will be supported by Mohamed Kabba of Bo Rangers, Alusine Dumbuya of East End Lions, and Abu Dumbuya of Zabbar St. Patrick. John B. Sesay of Bhantal FC and Alhaji L. Jalloh of Luawa FC to add further strength to a midfield expected to play a pivotal role in dictating games.
The defensive unit also features strong options, led by Osman Kakay of FC Košice and Abdulai Juma Bah of OGC Nice. Emmanuel Samadia of Hartford FC, Alpha Turay of El Gouna, Nathaniel Jalloh of FC Kallon, Sallieu Tarawallie of FC Kallon, and Mohamed B. Sesay of FC Kallon provide solidity at the back, ensuring Kallon has the right balance of experience and youthful exuberance.
Between the posts, Bhantal FC’s Alhaji Sesay, Francis Koroma of Wilberforce Strikers, and Mamadou Jalloh of Brøndby IF will compete for the starting goalkeeper spot. Their inclusion underscores Kallon’s strategy of building a reliable last line of defense.
Leone Stars will first face Guinea-Bissau on September 4 at the Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau before heading to Monrovia, Liberia, where they will play Ethiopia on September 9 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. The Group A clashes are considered decisive in shaping Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes.
The team will regroup in Freetown this week to begin intensive preparations before traveling for the fixtures.
With a squad that blends experience, emerging talent, and home-based commitment, fans across Sierra Leone are hopeful that the Leone Stars can deliver results that keep their World Cup dream alive.
