Government to Spend $2 Million on Leone Stars’ AFCON Qualifiers
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has revealed that running the Leone Stars’ four upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will cost the government close to two million US dollars
SLFA General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh told Truth Media that the budget covers ticketing, allowances, winning bonuses, draw bonuses, hotels, and preparation. He described the national team as “very expensive,” noting that for two matches alone, the government will spend “nothing less than maybe five hundred thousand dollars.”
“The budget we’ll submit is not for the two matches, it’s for the period,” Bawoh explained, adding that funds will be released in tranches, with government approval expected by Friday or Monday.
According to the SLFA, the Leone Stars have been drawn in Group E of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Zimbabwe. The four upcoming matches are:
– 24 September 2026: vs Zimbabwe (played in Morocco, Sierra Leone’s nominal home fixture)
– Away fixture: vs Equatorial Guinea
– November 2026: home and away against DR Congo
Due to stadium constraints, Sierra Leone’s “home” matches are being staged in Morocco. Bawoh confirmed this, stressing that “in Morocco, we are playing as hosts” with added responsibilities, but that the FA will still keep the delegation “to the barest minimum of staff” to “minimise costs and be effective and efficient.”
“Victory will strengthen the case for increased financial support.” Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima has publicly pressured the team to win its home fixtures, explicitly linking results on the pitch to continued government funding
National Sports Authority Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh assured reporters that government would continue funding the qualifying campaign.