By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Men’s National Football Team, Leone Stars, has announced two major test matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The friendlies will see the national side take on East End Lions- winners of the 2025 Leone Rock Premier League, and Bhantal FC, the league’s runners-up.
The matches are expected to draw widespread attention from football fans across the country, as they bring together the best of Sierra Leone’s home-grown talent and the national team ahead of crucial international fixtures. Officials describe the games as an important opportunity for Leone Stars technical team to assess players, sharpen tactics, and build match fitness in the lead-up to competitive qualifiers.
For East End Lions, the clash presents more than just a meeting with the national team. The reigning champions will use the match as part of their preparations for the CAF Champions League preliminaries. The club, which has a long and decorated history in Sierra Leonean football, is eager to make an impact on the continental stage and sees this friendly as a chance to test their squad against top-quality opposition.
Bhantal FC, fresh from a strong domestic season that saw them finish second in the league, will also benefit from the encounter. With the CAF Confederation Cup on the horizon, the club will be keen to fine-tune its strategy and evaluate new signings before heading into continental action. Meeting the national team provides both a morale boost and a competitive benchmark as they continue their upward trajectory in Sierra Leonean football.
Speaking about the significance of the friendlies, officials from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) emphasized that the initiative reflects a broader strategy to keep local clubs engaged while providing the Leone Stars with quality competition. They noted that such matches not only prepare the national team for international commitments but also elevate the standard of domestic football by giving clubs exposure to the highest level of play within the country.
Fans have also welcomed the announcement, seeing it as a rare chance to watch their favourite local clubs compete against the national side in what promises to be two thrilling encounters. The matches are expected to highlight both the depth of Sierra Leonean football talent and the progress made by local clubs in recent seasons.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers intensifies, Leone Stars will be hoping to use these games to build momentum, cohesion, and confidence. At the same time, East End Lions and Bhantal FC will look to prove their readiness for continental campaigns.
With so much at stake for all sides, the upcoming friendlies are being described as a win-win for Sierra Leonean football—bringing excitement to supporters while strengthening the game at both national and club levels.
