Leone Stars Face East End Lions in Technical Test Match Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Sahid Bangura The Sierra Leone national team, Leone Stars, played their first of two scheduled technical test matches against the 2025 Leone Rock Premier League Champions, East End Lions, at the Approved School playing field on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
The match was held as part of the national team’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea Bissau and Ethiopia, set to take place early next month.
Before the match commenced, newly appointed Leone Stars Team Manager, Abdul Karim Bangura (AKB), motivated the players with a competitive gesture, offering Le 15,000 to the winning side and Le 5,000 to the losing team.
He also promised a similar incentive for the team’s second test match tomorrow against league runners-up, Bhantal FC.
Despite a spirited performance, the Leone Stars were defeated 0–2 by the league champions. Head Coach Mohamed Kallon expressed optimism about the match, stating, “This is a great opportunity to further assess the home-based players against a quality opposition that is also preparing to represent Sierra Leone at the CAF Champions League.”
The second test match is scheduled for today, August 27, at 5:00 PM, once again at the Approved School playing field. The match attracted thousands of fans from across Freetown, who turned out in large numbers to witness an entertaining and competitive display of Sierra Leonean football.
The match drew thousands of fans from across Freetown, who turned out in numbers to witness the clash of some of their favorite players in what was both an entertaining and competitive display of Sierra Leonean football.
