In their opening match of the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Sierra Leone's U-20 team, the Shooting Stars, secured a commendable 0–0 draw against Zambia at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt. This fixture marked Sierra Leone's debut in the tournament, and the team showcased resilience and determination throughout the match.
Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara expressed a mix of satisfaction and concern following the draw. While acknowledging the team's solid defensive performance, he emphasized the need to improve their attacking efficiency. "The outcome doesn't please us completely, but we will study the game and pick apart certain critical moments," Kamara stated. He highlighted the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities in upcoming matches, especially with a challenging fixture against host nation Egypt on the horizon.
Debutant goalkeeper Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, representing IF Brøndby, was pleased with his clean sheet performance. He expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating that the Shooting Stars possess the strength and determination to secure victories in their forthcoming games and advance to the next round.
Sierra Leone's next match against Egypt presents a significant challenge. Coach Kamara remains optimistic, asserting, "To advance, one must defeat the finest in the field. We're up for the challenge." The team aims to build on their solid start and continue their quest for a successful tournament debut.