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The Sierra Leone U-20 National Team, Shooting Stars, in their clash with the Zambia in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt on 27th April, 2025, battled to a 0-0 draw in the opening match of Group A at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.
The match, which marked as Sierra Leone’s first appearance in the league, was deemed an intense competition, with both teams striving to seize scoring opportunities but ultimately falling short in finishing.
Zambia, the 2017 champions, controlled much of the possession yet encountered persistent resistance from a determined Sierra Leone defense. Joseph Sabobo shone for the Young Chipolopolo, keeping Sierra Leone goalkeeper Samba Bah busy with multiple attempts, though he could not find the back of the net.
Sierra Leone, in their first-ever appearance at the prestigious level, showcased remarkable composure and confidence. They managed to generate several threats, particularly through Samba Bah and Nathaniel Jalloh. Alpha Turay almost gave Sierra Leone the lead with a well-timed header in the first half, but his effort was not enough to break the deadlock.
As the second half progressed, both sides ramped up their efforts in search of a winner. Zambia came close to scoring late in the match when Emmanuel Mutale and David Simukonda had opportunities to clinch victory, but neither could convert. Sierra Leone also pushed for a last-minute goal, with Samba Bah’s header being saved at the end of the contest, highlighting the fierce competitiveness throughout the match.
The draw leaves Group A tightly contested ahead of the evening’s encounter between hosts Egypt and South Africa at Cairo International Stadium.
As both teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, they now have a better understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. With the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage, every match is deemed crucial for their aspirations.
