Mohamed Benson Bawoh, the Acting Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), delivered an important update on April 22, 2025, ahead of the upcoming CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The tournament is set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, where Sierra Leone’s U-20 male national football team will make its debut, facing Zambia in their opening match.
“I welcome you all and thank you for honoring our invitation. This is indeed a significant occasion for us as Sierra Leoneans, as we gather here to update the nation on the preparedness of our U-20 national team ahead of their historic participation in the AFCON U-20 tournament,” Mr. Bawoh said.
He emphasized that this marks a historic milestone in Sierra Leonean football, as it is the first time the U-20 team has qualified for this prestigious continental competition. Their qualification, secured last year in Monrovia, Liberia, was a proud moment for the nation, both as a team achievement and for individual player accomplishments.
Since then, the SLFA, in close collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, has worked diligently to ensure the team is well-prepared to represent the country with pride and dignity on the continental stage.
Preparations are currently in full swing. The team is scheduled to depart Sierra Leone on April 23, 2025, and will arrive in Cairo on April 25. Their first group stage match is slated for April 27—coinciding with Sierra Leone’s Independence Day, making it a double celebration for the nation.
“Our Technical Department, led by Mr. Bah, the SLFA’s Technical Director, has overseen all training arrangements,” Bawoh added. “Together with his capable technical team, they organized two intensive training camps—one international and one domestic.”
The international camp was held in Morocco and led by International Talent Developer Mr. Molah Burreh Kamara, along with National Team Ambassador Mr. Christian Dauda. Afterward, the team returned home to continue preparations at a local training camp in Sierra Leone.
Mr. Bawoh also addressed changes to the tournament’s logistics. Originally scheduled to be hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the hosting rights were transferred to Egypt due to unforeseen circumstances. Following CAF regulations, a new tournament draw was conducted to reflect the venue change. Egypt, as hosts, will lead Group A. Sierra Leone will compete in a group alongside four other nations, and Mr. Bawoh expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform admirably.
He concluded by thanking the media for their ongoing support and role in keeping the nation informed, encouraging all Sierra Leoneans to rally behind the team as they proudly carry the green, white, and blue flag on the continental stage
