The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has assured the national senior men’s team, Leone Stars, of adequate preparations and logistical support ahead of their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against DR Congo.
The assurance was given on Thursday, 5 November 2026, during a press conference held at the SLFA Secretariat in Kingtom, Freetown, where the Association’s Executive provided updates on preparations for the two encounters.
Leone Stars are scheduled to face DR Congo away on 12 November before hosting the return fixture on 17 November 2026 in Morocco.
Speaking at the press conference, SLFA General Secretary, Mohamed Benson Bawoh, outlined the team’s preparations and expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for its financial support. He assured the public that the team was determined to deliver positive results in both encounters.
Head Coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa also unveiled his squad for the two fixtures, expressing confidence in the players’ ability to bounce back and revive Sierra Leone’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Representing the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, and the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mohamed Alphaka Conteh Esq., the NSA Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Abdul Rahman Swarray, commended the SLFA Executive, led by President Babadi Kamara, for putting the necessary arrangements in place for the team’s preparations.
Dr. Swarray reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing continued financial support to the national team but stressed that the players must translate the investment into positive results on the pitch.
He noted that victories in both matches would further encourage the Government of President Julius Maada Bio to increase its support for Leone Stars. He added that football remains a major passion for the President and the people of Sierra Leone, particularly the country’s youth.
Dr. Swarray was accompanied by the NSA Director of Participation and Sustainable Sport, Steven Keifala, and the Director of Projects and Research, John Ngegba.
Meanwhile, the Leone Stars delegation is expected to depart Sierra Leone on Sunday, 8 November 2026, for DR Congo ahead of the first qualifying encounter.