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The CAF Local Organising Committee held an arrival meeting with the Sierra Leone U-17 team on Saturday as they arrive in Bamako for their upcoming fixtures in WAFU A Qualifiers for the AFCON U-17 Tournament.
The meeting was convened at the Hotel Lamitie in Bamako under the chairmanship of CAF General Coordinator Mustapha Jalloh, with other senior CAF officials in attendance, including CAF Security Officer Aminata Diallo, CAF Referee Assessor Koman Coulibaly, and CAF Tournament Media Officer Ibrahim Kamara. The Sierra Leonean delegation was led by SLFA Executive Committee Member Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, alongside team officials and administrative staff.
During the session, General Coordinator Jalloh conducted a detailed review of all players’ documentation, ensuring compliance with tournament regulations and confirming the eligibility of each squad member. The review process is part of CAF’s strict protocol to maintain fairness and transparency in the competition.
The CAF Security Officer, Aminata Diallo addressed the delegation on matters of safety and security, assuring that comprehensive measures had been put in place to guarantee the protection of players, officials, and support staff throughout the tournament. She emphasised the importance of vigilance and cooperation with local authorities to ensure a safe tournament environment.
The CAF Referee Assessor, Koman Coulibaly briefed the Sierra Leonean team on recent amendments to the Laws of the Game. He particularly highlighted updates to the offside interpretation and the strict enforcement of the eight-second rule. Coulibaly urged the Sierra Stars to carefully study and adhere to these changes to avoid unnecessary disciplinary issues during matches.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Sierra Leone delegation to raise logistical questions and discuss key aspects of the tournament schedule, including training sessions, match venues, transportation, and accommodation arrangements. CAF officials reassured the delegation that all necessary facilities and support would be in place to ensure a seamless tournament experience.
This coordination meeting marks the official commencement of Sierra Leone’s participation in the CAF U-17 tournament. It sets the tone for a well-organised and secure competition, while giving the Sierra Leonean team confidence and clarity as they prepare to compete against some of the continent’s best young football talents.
The Sierra Leone National Under-17 team, popularly known as the Sierra Stars, is aiming to make a strong impression at the tournament, building on recent efforts to strengthen youth football development in the country.
Their counterpart, the Sierra Leone female U-17 team, just returned home after winning the WAFU-A Tournament in Liberia.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/61556068204876/posts/122272439510202273/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
