By Alpha Barrie

The Shooting Stars on Thursday, April 24, 2025 departed the shores of Freetown via Guinea to Egypt for the prestigious CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with their hearts full of pride and eyes set on performing wonders.

Led by the Administrative head Benjamin Gordon and NSA’s Director of Operations Alie Sesay, the delegation is expected to land in Cairo in the early hours of Friday, ready to light up the continental stage.

Our young lions will kick off their AFCON journey on April 27 – Sierra Leone’s Independence Day against Zambia in a clash that promises fire, flair, and full national spirit.

This isn’t just a team; this is a movement. A new generation carrying the dreams of millions, determined to make their mark and fly the green, white, and blue high.

Speaking before the team departing, Head Coach of the Sierra Leone U-20 national team, popularly known as the Shooting Stars, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, has boldly declared his ambition: to guide the team to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

“We’ve reached the semi-final stage of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations before. This time, we’re aiming higher-we’re going to the World Cup,” Coach Kamara said with conviction, as he officially announced the 26-man squad set to represent Sierra Leone at the upcoming CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The 26-man squad features a strong mix of local and international talent, with 17 home-based and 9 foreign-based players. Coach Kamara praised the squad for their discipline, commitment, and drive, noting that each player had “earned their spot through hard work.”

The full squad includes Goalkeepers: Dauda Bangura, Mohamed Baimba Kargbo, Mamadu Wurie Jalloh. Defenders: Nathaniel Jalloh, Saidu Musa Bangura, Citta Bah, Mohamed Alie Koroma, Alpha Turay, Amara Nmale Keita, Abraham Kanu. Midfielders: Abubakarr Sheriff, Alpha Kabia, Momoh Ibrahim Kamara, Mohamed Bai Kamara, Santigie Fornah, Sallieu Bah, Alusine Dumbuya, Sheku Kallon, Musa Bangura. Forwards: Kevin Kargbo, Samuel Gandi, Mohamed Fofanah, Abdul Bangura, Sulaiman Sheriff Kargbo, Samba Juma Bah, Osman Kamara

As the green, white, and blue prepares to shine on the continental stage, Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad will be watching with pride—and hope. Coach Kamara and his Shooting Stars are not just dreaming big—they’re setting their sights on history.