Sierra Leone Under-20 national football team, the Shooting Stars, have departed for Mali to compete in the WAFU Zone A U-20 Tournament, with the aim of qualifying for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The tournament provides the team with an opportunity to secure a place in the continental competition and build on its previous U-20 AFCON campaign, in which Sierra Leone reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Morocco.
Before the team’s departure, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Second Vice-President Prince Saquee urged the players to remain focused, disciplined and committed throughout the tournament.
He encouraged the squad to work together, give their best in every match and represent the country with pride and determination. He also stressed the importance of unity and a winning mentality as the team pursues qualification.
The Shooting Stars will face competition from other West African teams as they seek to progress through the regional tournament and earn a place at the 2027 continental championship.
Their previous AFCON experience offers valuable lessons as they prepare for the challenge in Mali. The team will be looking to translate that experience into strong performances and a successful qualification campaign.
Qualification would give Sierra Leone another opportunity to compete among Africa’s leading youth football teams when the tournament takes place in Ghana in 2027.