Sierra Leone’s senior national football team, Leone Stars, held their first training sessions on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, in Kinshasa, as preparations intensify ahead of Thursday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
Eleven additional players arrived in Kinshasa on Monday night to join the team’s training camp, bringing the number of players in camp to 21 out of the 25-man squad.
The latest arrivals include Captain Osman Kakay, Juma Bah, Idris Kanu, Augustus Kargbo, Sulay Kaikai, Ali Conteh, Ra’ees Bangura-Williams, Tyrese Fornah, Alhassan Koroma, Daniel Kanu and Samuel Bekoe.
Upon arrival, the players were warmly welcomed at the team’s hotel by members of the Leone Stars delegation, including Head Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa and newly appointed Leone Stars Ambassador and former captain, Umar “Zangalay” Bangura.
The remaining four players are expected to join the camp later on Tuesday, bringing the squad closer to full strength ahead of the crucial encounter with the Leopards of DR Congo.
The first training sessions reportedly saw key players in high spirits, with a positive atmosphere in camp as the team steps up preparations for the two-legged contest against the Central African side.
Leone Stars will be seeking a victory in Thursday’s encounter to revive their qualification campaign, while DR Congo, who currently lead the group, will be hoping to strengthen their position and move closer to securing qualification.
Both nations are therefore expected to approach Thursday’s fixture with determination as they prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive encounter.