Shooting Stars Announce Squad for U-20 AFCON 2025 in Egypt

The Sierra Leone National Under-20 team, known as the Shooting Stars, has formally announced its 26-member delegation for the upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. Head Coach Mohamed Lamin made the official declaration during a press conference convened in Freetown on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, preceding the team's departure. 

The roster comprises a carefully selected mix of athletes, with Coach Kamara detailing the inclusion of nine international players alongside seventeen domestic players for the highly anticipated continental tournament. Sierra Leone has been placed in Group A, where it will encounter formidable opposition from host nation Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa. 

During the press briefing, Mr. Mohamed Benson Bawoh, Acting Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), affirmed the federation's steadfast dedication to the team's preparation and all other essential facets of their participation. Dr. AbdulRahman Swaray, Deputy Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), highlighted the historical import of this occasion for the Shooting Stars. He also acknowledged the government's support through the NSA, specifically in providing airfare and stipends for the players, linking it to the team's past achievements. 

The Honorable Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James, expressed her confidence in the players' commitment and solidarity to perform admirably in the tournament, emphasizing that their collective spirit would be paramount to their advancement. 

Among the distinguished players is Mr. Osman Kamara, a promising midfielder from Arsenal, who is one of the nine internationally-based talents in the squad. Mr. Kamara is expected to be a central figure for the Shooting Stars as they navigate the challenges of Group A. Sierra Leone is scheduled to commence its U-20 AFCON campaign against Zambia on April 27, 2025, at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia. 

This inaugural match carries particular significance as it coincides with Sierra Leone's Independence Day, thus providing additional impetus for the team to strive for a successful beginning. 

Football enthusiasts throughout Sierra Leone and supporters of Arsenal Football Club will be observing Mr. Osman Kamara and the entire Shooting Stars contingent with keen interest as they embark on their journey in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.