Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

The Sierra Leone national football team, nicknamed the Leone Stars, represents one of West Africa's most passionate football nations. Governed by the Sierra Leone Football Association, the team competes in AFCON qualifiers and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Sierra Leone made a historic return to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 (held in January 2022) after a 26-year absence, their first AFCON appearance since 1996. The team drew all three group-stage matches and was eliminated but their participation galvanised national pride. Notable players include Kei Kamara, who had an extensive career in Major League Soccer. The Leone Stars play home matches at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown. Sierra Leone's football has shown encouraging development, with more players joining professional leagues abroad in recent years.