Return of the ‘Fabianski’: Can Sierra Leone’s AFCON Hero Reclaim His Spot?

As the Leone Stars begin their quest for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a familiar face has returned to the fold, sparking debate: is there still room for the unconventional hero of AFCON 2021?

Head Coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa officially opened a home-based training camp on Monday at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Academy, marking the start of preparations for crucial September qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea. The camp is designed to evaluate domestic talent and build a competitive core before overseas-based players join the squad.

A major storyline of this preliminary gathering is the inclusion of goalkeeper Mohamed Nbalie Kamara, popularly known as “Fabianski”. The 27-year-old shot-stopper became a national icon during the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where he was named Man of the Match in the tournament opener after a series of crucial saves against reigning champions Algeria, securing a historic 0-0 draw. He famously saved a penalty from Franck Kessie in a subsequent 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast.

However, Kamara’s career has since experienced turbulence. Following his heroics in Cameroon, he transferred to Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars, but his contract was terminated in late 2024 due to disappointing form. His recent club history and absence from the national team have raised questions about his current readiness.

Kamara’s return to the national setup puts his form and fitness squarely under the microscope. Gomez Da Rosa is tasked with selecting a squad capable of ending Sierra Leone’s absence from the continental stage, after the country missed the 2023 and 2025 tournaments. SLFA Vice President Alie Badara Tarawallie, present at the camp’s opening, emphasised that selection will be based solely on merit and performance.

The camp runs as Gomez Da Rosa observes and assesses the local talent pool. With the first qualifiers just weeks away, the “Fabianski” of old may be exactly what the Leone Stars need, but the current version will have to prove he still possesses the magic that made him a legend.