Shooting Stars Ready for Senegal Showdown After Final Training Session
Aaron Parker Sierra Leone’s U-20 national team, the Shooting Stars, will take on Senegal on Thursday in a crucial WAFU Zone A U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Mali, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
The Shooting Stars have completed their final training session ahead of the encounter, as they prepare for a decisive test that could determine their progression in the competition.
Sierra Leone need at least a draw against Senegal to secure qualification for the semi-finals. A victory would see the team finish top of the group with four points and face Guinea in the last four.
However, a draw would place the Shooting Stars second in the group with two points, setting up a semi-final meeting with The Gambia. Senegal have already secured their place in the semi-finals.
Speaking to the players after their final training session, Head of Delegation Kweku Melvin Sheldon Lisk urged them to approach the match with seriousness and determination, reminding them of the hopes and expectations of millions of Sierra Leoneans.
“Seven million Sierra Leoneans back home want to see us qualify tomorrow, so please take tomorrow’s game seriously,” Lisk told the players.
With preparations complete, the Shooting Stars will look to deliver a strong performance against Senegal to secure their semi-final place and keep Sierra Leone’s hopes of winning the WAFU Zone A U-20 title alive.
