Sierra Leone’s senior national football team, Leone Stars, is gearing up for a crucial double-header against Ivory Coast in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Head coach Amidu Karim has announced a 25-man squad as the team seeks to secure a spot in the prestigious continental tournament.

The squad includes three new faces making their debut for the senior national team. Nabieu Navas Daffae from Luawa FC, Momoh I. Kamara from Portuguese club Leixões S.C., and Nathaniel Jalloh from FC Kallon will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the international stage.

Their inclusion signals a fresh injection of youth and talent into the Leone Stars lineup, as the team prepares for these pivotal matches.

In a notable development, Issa Kallon has been recalled to the national squad after a two-year, seven-month absence. Kallon’s return is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options as they face the tough challenge of Ivory Coast, with matches scheduled for the 11th and 15th of October 2024.

However, the squad will be without the popular Bo Rangers striker, Musa Tombo, whose absence has raised eyebrows among fans.

Tombo has been a key figure for both club and country, and his exclusion from these crucial qualifiers has sparked speculation about the reasons behind his omission.

The upcoming matches are vital for Sierra Leone’s ambitions of qualifying for AFCON 2025, and Coach Karim’s squad selection will be put to the test as the Leone Stars aim to deliver strong performances against one of Africa’s football giants.

Full Squad Overview

GOALKEEPERS

Mohamed Nbalie Kamara

Isaac Caulker

Francis Koroma

 

■ DEFENDERS

Steven Roy Caulker

Abdul Jarjue Kabia

Emmanuel Sahr Samadiya

Nathaniel Jalloh

Mohamed Bangura

 

■ MIDFIELDERS

Alusine Koroma

Alhassan Koroma

Tyresse Fornah

Ibrahim Sillah

Abu Dumbuya

Mustapha Bundu

Momoh 1. Kamara

Rodney Michael

Jonathan Sahr Morsay

Sulaiman Borbor Kaikai

Hindolo Thomas E. Mustapha

 

■ FORWARDS

Daniel Kanu

Joshua Abdulai Koroma

Nabieu Navas Daffae

Amadou Bakayoko

Augustus Kargbo

Issa Kallon

New Faces: Nabieu Navas Daffae (Luawa FC), Momoh I. Kamara (Leixões S.C.), Nathaniel Jalloh (FC Kallon).

Returning Player: Issa Kallon (after a two-year, seven-month absence).

Notable Absence: Musa Tombo (Bo Rangers).

The nation will be watching closely as the Leone Stars take on Ivory Coast, hoping for a successful qualification campaign .