Leone Stars Make History with First-Ever FIFA Series Appearance in Azerbaijan

Sierra Leone’s national team, Leone Stars, have reached a historic milestone as they participate in the FIFA 2026 Series in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the first time.

The development marks a major step forward for a team that has long struggled with limited international friendlies, often affecting preparation for major tournaments.

“We are asking our players to win a war without ever letting them practice with their weapons,” wrote Gibril Conteh.

After a promising showing at the 2022 AFCON, where Leone Stars held Algeria and Ivory Coast to draws, the team failed to maintain momentum, a challenge widely linked to a lack of regular high-level matches.

In response, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) secured participation in the FIFA Series to strengthen preparation ahead of the 2027 AFCON.

In Baku, Leone Stars will face Niger, Oman, and St. Lucia, with the matches expected to improve team chemistry, boost rankings, and build confidence.

“The Baku series represents the first brick of the bridge,” Conteh noted, stressing the need for consistency.

As the team takes the field, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see Leone Stars grow from underdogs into consistent contenders.