Sierra Leone’s U-20 national team, the Shooting Stars, have completed their final training session ahead of Thursday’s crucial encounter against Senegal in the WAFU Zone A U-20 AFCON Qualifiers in Mali.

The stakes are clear: Sierra Leone need at least a draw to qualify for the semi-finals. A victory would see the Shooting Stars finish top of the group with four points and face Guinea in the semi-finals. A draw would secure second place with two points, setting up a semi-final clash against Gambia. Senegal have already secured their place in the last four.

Addressing the players after training, Head of Delegation Kweku Melvin Sheldon Lisk urged the team to take the encounter seriously, reminding them of the expectations of millions of Sierra Leoneans back home.

“Seven million Sierra Leoneans back home want to see us qualify tomorrow, so please take tomorrow’s game seriously,” he told the players.

With preparations complete, the Shooting Stars are focused, motivated and determined to deliver a strong performance, secure qualification and keep Sierra Leone’s hopes of WAFU Zone A glory alive.