The head coach of Sierra Leone’s national football team, Amidu Karim, has excluded two key strikers, Musa Tombo and Buya Turay, from the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

The announcement of the 24-man squad has stirred debates among fans and analysts.

Musa Tombo, who recently returned to the team in December 2023 after a prolonged absence, has been in fine form in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League. He notably scored a hat-trick and earned the Man of the Match award for Ports Authority in their 3-1 victory over Bhantal FC. Despite his recent performance, his omission has disappointed many supporters who consider him a vital player for Leone Stars.

Buya Turay, another prominent striker, has also been left out of the squad. Turay’s recent career has been turbulent, including a challenging stint at Danish Superliga club Odense Boldklub, where he scored three goals in 16 games over six months. He recently signed with American USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC on January 30, 2024. Additionally, Turay has been dealing with personal issues, which might have influenced the coach’s decision.

Coach Amidu Karim’s selection has sparked discussions about the team’s strategy and the potential impact of these key absences on Leone Stars’ performance in the crucial upcoming matches. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the team performs without two of its most well-known players