Leone Stars Suffer Defeat to Premier League Champions East End Lions
Aaron Parker East End Lions FC showcased their dominance on Tuesday evening as they defeated the Sierra Leone National Team, Leone Stars, 2–0 in the first of two scheduled technical test matches at the Approved School playing field in Freetown.
The match formed part of the Leone Stars’ preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea Bissau and Ethiopia next month. Despite being a home-based squad, the national team struggled to break down a disciplined and organized East End Lions side, who demonstrated why they are the reigning 2025 Leone Rock Premier League champions.
East End Lions’ victory was sweetened by a motivational gesture from Leone Stars’ newly appointed Team Manager, Abdul Karim Bangura (AKB), who offered Le 15,000 to the winning side and Le 5,000 to the losing team, a lighthearted reward intended to boost competitive spirit.
Leone Stars Head Coach Mohamed Kallon acknowledged the challenge, noting that facing a strong league champion provided an important opportunity to assess home-based players against quality opposition preparing for continental competitions.
On Wednesday, August 27, Leone Stars will take on Bhantal FC, the league runners-up, in the second test match at 5:00 PM at the same venue.
The clash drew large number of fans from across Freetown, who witnessed an entertaining and competitive display, highlighting the talent and depth in Sierra Leonean football.