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Sierra Leone Premier League club, Star Sports Academy will face Gambian champions Medina United in the preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, following the official draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on August 8, 2026.
The two-legged tie will see Star Sports Academy host the first leg in Sierra Leone between September 4 and 6, before travelling to The Gambia for the return leg scheduled between September 11 and 13, 2026. The opening home fixture is expected to be crucial as the Sierra Leonean side aims to build an advantage ahead of the decisive away encounter.
The fixture marks a historic moment for Star Sports Academy, who are set to make their continental debut after finishing second in the domestic league behind champions Bo Rangers. Under the leadership of Head Coach John Kaisamba, the club has emerged as one of the country’s rising football forces.
The clash against Medina United presents an early test of the team’s readiness to compete at the continental level. Victory over the Gambian side would secure progression to the next round, where stronger and more experienced African clubs await.
Star Sports is representing Sierra Leone after Bo Rangers dropped out due to financial reasons. The Sierra Leonean club’s qualification comes against the backdrop of mixed results for Sierra Leonean clubs in recent CAF competitions. Bo Rangers were eliminated in the preliminary round of the 2025/26 Champions League after a narrow aggregate defeat to Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers, while FC Kallon exited the CAF Confederation Cup in the second preliminary round following a loss to South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.
With expectations rising among local supporters, Star Sport Academy will be aiming to improve on those outcomes and make a deeper run in the competition.
Beyond the immediate fixture, the club’s participation is seen as an important opportunity to showcase Sierra Leonean football on the continental stage. Strong performances could enhance the visibility of local talent and attract interest from scouts and clubs across Africa.
The tie also comes at a significant moment for Sierra Leone football, as the country prepares to announce a new national team head coach. Performances in continental competitions are increasingly viewed as key indicators of the progress and competitiveness of the domestic game.
As preparations begin, all eyes will be on Star Sport Academy to see whether they can translate domestic success into continental impact and advance beyond the preliminary stage.
