By Reginald Brian Ojukutu Sawyerr
The Sierra Leone U-20 national football team has been drawn into Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the official draw conducted today in Cairo, Egypt.
The group includes host nation Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Tanzania—setting the stage for a highly competitive opening phase of the continental youth tournament.
Sierra Leone, nicknamed the Shooting Stars, will kick off their campaign on Sunday, April 27, against Zambia. Their second match will be a high-stakes encounter with hosts Egypt on Wednesday, April 30, before facing Tanzania on Saturday, May 3. The team will wrap up its group stage fixtures on Tuesday, May 6, with a decisive match against South Africa.
Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara acknowledged the stiff competition but expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation. “We hold every team in this group in high regard, but we are undaunted. Our preparations have been thorough, and we are traveling to Egypt to compete with determination,” he stated following the draw.
The tournament, scheduled to run across multiple venues in Egypt, will serve as a platform for Africa’s top young talents to showcase their potential, with the top teams securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The draw marks the beginning of a crucial phase for Sierra Leone’s youth side, as they aim to make a significant impact on the continental stage.
