Emmanuel Samadia Ruled Out of Leone Stars AFCON Qualifiers

Sierra Leone defender Emmanuel Samadia has withdrawn from the Leone Stars squad due to injury, ruling him out of the team’s upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers.

Samadia’s withdrawal comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s opening Group E fixtures against Zimbabwe on September 24 and Equatorial Guinea on September 28, 2026.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has moved to replace the injured defender, with Alex Bangura receiving a late call-up to join the Leone Stars squad.

Bangura will now join the team as preparations continue for the two opening qualifying fixtures.

Samadia’s absence leaves the technical team with additional considerations as it finalises its defensive options for the start of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

The SLFA has wished Samadia a speedy recovery and expressed hope that he will return to full fitness and the national team soon.

The Leone Stars are set to begin their Group E campaign against Zimbabwe before travelling to face Equatorial Guinea four days later. Sierra Leone’s group also includes the Democratic Republic of Congo.