After 26 years of absence, Sierra Leone returns to the African Cup of Nations competition for the first time since their second participation in South Africa 1996. Today, the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone depart for Cameroon to take part in the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The team was able to qualify after defeating Benin. A total of 28 players have been finalized with one of the country’s key players, Kei Kamara, possibly making his last international competition appearance. Steven Caulker, a former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur professional, also makes his first competitive appearance for the Sierra Leonean side. Daniel Francis also seeks to deliver on his first appearance.
Their first match is against Algeria on the 11th of January. The side is hopeful of creating a major upset.
It wasn’t an easy road for Sierra Leone. The small but mighty West African nation defeated Benin 1-0 some months ago in a rescheduled game that took place at the General Lassana Conte Stadium in Conakry, Guinea. A game that took them to their first Nation’s Cup in 26 years! Leone Stars finished the group stage second with seven points behind group leaders Nigeria.
How far can Leone Stars go? Leave a comment.
