Amara Keita’s Progress at ZED FC Puts Senior Leone Stars Call-Up in Focus
Alex Fefegula Harding Sierra Leone left-back Amara Keita remains without a senior international appearance, despite representing the country at the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and securing a move to Egypt’s ZED FC.
The 21-year-old defender, who was part of Sierra Leone’s U-20 squad at the tournament in Egypt, has continued his club career in the Egyptian Premier League since joining ZED FC from SLIFA in 2025.
Keita featured in all five of Sierra Leone’s matches at the U-20 tournament, according to player statistics published by BeSoccer. The defender is listed as having five appearances for the country’s U-20 side but no senior international appearances.
His club move, confirmed in August 2025, saw him sign a three-year contract with ZED FC, keeping him at the Egyptian club until 2028.
Questions about his possible promotion to the senior national team have resurfaced following the announcement of Sierra Leone’s 25-man squad for the November 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against DR Congo.
Keita was not included in the squad announced by coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa on Nov. 6. The selection includes several defenders playing for clubs at home and abroad.
While some Sierra Leone football followers have argued that Keita deserves an opportunity with the senior side, describing him as one of the country’s strongest options at left-back, that assessment remains an opinion rather than an established national-team ranking.
His absence from the latest squad does not establish whether the technical team has considered him for future selections. However, his development at ZED FC and previous experience at youth international level have placed his name in the conversation about Sierra Leone’s defensive options.