Sierra Leone head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has named a 25-man squad for the Leone Stars’ two decisive encounters against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The squad, announced ahead of the November international window, combines foreign-based professionals and locally based players as Sierra Leone seek to revive their qualifying campaign after losing their opening two Group E matches.
Among the prominent selections are Blackburn Rovers forward Augustus Kargbo, Cambridge United winger Sullay Kaikai, Augsburg defender Abdulai Juma Bah and Northampton Town midfielder Tyrese Fornah.
The attacking options also include Alhassan Koroma of Baniyas, Daniel Kanu of Notts County, Idris Kanu of Barnet, Alie Conteh of Inter Turku and Malachi Jones of New York City FC.
Da Rosa has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards for the double-header.
The goalkeeping department comprises Mamadou Jalloh of VPS Vaasan in Finland, Francis Koroma of Katsina United in Nigeria and Ibrahim Sesay of Alashkert FC in Armenia.
In defence, Abdulai Juma Bah is joined by Emmanuel Samadia, Alpha Turay, Sallieu Tarawallie, MJ Kamson-Kamara, Osman Kakay and Mohamed Fofanah.
The midfield selection includes Saidu Bah Kamara, Tyrese Fornah, Samuel Bekoe, Ibrahim Turay, Saidu Fofanah, Momoh I. Kamara and Ra’ees Bangura Williams.
The first encounter will take place on November 12 at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, where DR Congo will host the Leone Stars.
The return fixture is scheduled for November 17 at Stade El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco, with Sierra Leone designated as the home side because the country does not currently have a stadium approved to host the international fixture.
The double-header represents a significant test for Sierra Leone, who are bottom of Group E without a point after defeats in their opening matches against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea.
DR Congo, meanwhile, lead the group with six points after winning both of their opening fixtures, defeating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 before beating Zimbabwe 2-1.
Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have three points each, leaving the Leone Stars under pressure to secure positive results if they are to remain in contention for qualification.
The 2027 AFCON finals, branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
For Da Rosa and his players, the two meetings against DR Congo offer an opportunity to change the direction of Sierra Leone’s qualifying campaign and restore hopes of returning to the continental tournament.
