By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Sierra Leonean international Kei Kamara has declared his retirement from international football, effective after the World Cup Qualifier match against Djibouti on Sunday.
Kamara began his journey with the Leone Stars in 2008 during the African Cup of Nations Qualifiers held in Freetown. As he prepares for his final game, he reflected, “Back in June 2008, I made a commitment to serve this nation, and I will never regret that decision. If you know me, you know I gave it my all and made many sacrifices. I felt the emotions of every Sierra Leonean around the world, and that motivated me every day. Thank you for the energy.”
He emphasized, “Tomorrow’s game against Djibouti (October 12, 2025) will be my last as a player for our beloved Leone Stars. It has been a tremendous joy and honor to wear the Green, White, and Blue.”
Kamara expressed his love for Sierra Leone, stating, “I love you, mama Salone. Our time will shine at the FIFA World Cup, but my time to say goodbye to the national team has finally arrived.”
In his international career, Kamara scored 8 goals in 45 appearances for the Leone Stars. He marked his first goal for Sierra Leone in 2013 during the African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against São Tomé and Príncipe on June 16, 2012. He also scored in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on June 8, 2013, against Tunisia.
Notably, Kamara scored a penalty that helped secure Sierra Leone’s place in their third Africa Cup of Nations, though he missed a crucial spot-kick that eliminated the team from the 2022 AFCON Tournament in Cameroon.