Sierra Leone U20 Profile: Kamara leads Shooting Stars' bright new generation at U-20 AFCON
Their qualification, earned through a spirited run at the WAFU Zone A Championship, marked a defining moment for youth football in the country.
With a new generation of exciting talents, including players plying their trade in Europe, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager to shine on the continental stage.
Grouped alongside hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Tanzania, Sierra Leone will relish their underdog status in a highly competitive Pool A.
Below is the full profile of the Sierra Leone U20 team:
Sierra Leone will be making their debut at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, following a memorable campaign at the WAFU Zone A Championship.
The Shooting Stars captured the imagination of fans with their fearless performances, reaching the final and earning qualification in style.
With a talented core of players and growing belief, Sierra Leone will be aiming to make history in Egypt.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Sierra Leone booked their spot at the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON 2025 as runners-up in the WAFU Zone A Championship.
Led by captain and star striker Momoh Kamara, the Shooting Stars produced an impressive string of results, defeating Guinea-Bissau, hosts Liberia, and The Gambia en route to the final.
Though they ultimately fell short against Senegal, the performance throughout the tournament showed resilience, attacking flair, and tactical maturity, earning them a well-deserved ticket to their maiden U-20 AFCON.
HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON
This marks Sierra Leone's first-ever appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Their qualification alone has been historic, and the team now aims to leave a lasting impression by challenging Africa's best at the continental stage.
With no past records to compare, every point won and every goal scored will set new milestones for the West African nation.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Momoh Kamara – The captain and main attacking force of the team, Kamara finished as joint top scorer at the WAFU Zone A tournament with three goals. Named the competition's Best Player, his leadership and sharp eye for goal make him the focal point of Sierra Leone's offence.
Hindolo Mustapha – An emerging talent from England's Premier League 2, Mustapha brings technical quality and attacking creativity. With seven goals and four assists for Crystal Palace's U-21s, he is expected to add firepower and composure in the final third.
Mamadou Jalloh – A promising goalkeeper from Denmark's Brøndby IF youth system, Jalloh is known for his reflexes and shot-stopping ability. If he finds consistency, he could be a key figure in Sierra Leone's defensive structure.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has built a well-drilled, balanced squad that thrives on discipline and quick transitions.
Under his leadership, Sierra Leone play with a compact defensive shape and look to hurt opponents with rapid counterattacks. The team's blend of youth from Europe and local leagues adds versatility and hunger.
Kamara has instilled belief in his squad, preparing them to face top-level opponents with courage and structure.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
Sierra Leone enter the 2025 tournament as one of the dark horses, aiming to cause upsets in Group A, which includes hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa and Tanzania.
While the group is undeniably tough, the Shooting Stars have already shown they can punch above their weight.
With momentum from their regional campaign and a squad full of potential, they will be pushing to progress to the knockout stages and make their debut campaign one to remember.
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