The Sierra Leone U20 national team, known as the Shooting Stars, has officially begun its training sessions in Rabat, Morocco, as it gears up for two critical international friendlies against Ghana and Morocco. The match against Ghana is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, while the team will face the Moroccan side on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. These friendly matches are seen as a vital part of the team's preparations for the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place in Ivory Coast next month.
A total of 27 players have been called up for training, comprising 11 foreign-based players and 16 local-based players. Among the notables present is Crystal Palace U20 forward Hindolo Mustapha, Arsenal U18 winger Osman Kamara, and West Ham United U19 midfielder Aaron Kamara, who are expected to contribute significantly to the team's performance. The technical staff is confident that these friendly matches will help assess the squad’s balance and build chemistry ahead of the continental tournament.
Excitement is palpable as the team eagerly anticipates the arrival of young talent Isaac Babadi from PSV Eindhoven, who is expected to join the squad in Rabat on the same day the team faces Ghana. As preparations continue, the team's focus has been unwavering, fueled by the anticipation of strong support from Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad.
The importance of these friendlies cannot be overstated. They provide an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate player combinations and strategies in real match conditions. Strong performance in these matches could enhance team morale and set a positive tone ahead of the AFCON.
In a recent development, the Moroccan U20 national team also put on a stellar performance, defeating the Ghanaian U20 squad 1-0 in another friendly match held at the Complexe Mohammed VI on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Morocco managed to secure this victory while playing with a numerical disadvantage for over seventy minutes. Othmane Maamma of Montpellier Hérault Sport Club was a starting player in this match and showcased solid skills, further bolstering the Moroccan side's confidence before they face Sierra Leone.
The upcoming friendly against Sierra Leone adds an exciting layer to both teams' AFCON preparations. Fans are keenly awaiting the bout, which promises to highlight young footballing talent and tactical adaptations from both sides. The matches are not just about the score; they represent a critical phase in the development of these young players and their journey on the big stage.
As the shooting stars take to the field, the call for support resonates across Sierra Leone. The federation encourages fans to actively rally behind the team as they aim for a commendable showing in the AFCON tournament following their preparations in Morocco. Amid the expectations, challenges, and excitement lie hopes of a bright future for young footballers in Sierra Leone.
Ultimately, the upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Morocco represent more than mere practice matches; they encapsulate the aspirations of a nation desperate to make its mark in African football. They stand as a testament to the potential of Sierra Leone's youth and the dedication of those involved in cultivating the next generation of football talent. With preparation sessions continuing, all eyes will be on the Shooting Stars to deliver thrilling performances that could lay the groundwork for their upcoming AFCON campaign.
