Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Leone Stars head coach, Mohamed Kallon has expressed frustration after the national team did not play a single friendly match during the November international break.
“Another international window for national team friendly games gone,” Kallon wrote on social media, accompanied by disappointed emojis.
The period from 10–18 November 2025 was designated by FIFA for international matches. However, Sierra Leone’s national team remained inactive despite recently concluding their unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in October.
In response to Kallon’s complaint, media outlet WeBlog 232 claimed their investigation revealed the coach never submitted any formal proposal for friendly matches to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).
The outlet further questioned the purpose of organizing friendlies when Sierra Leone has already been eliminated from both the 2026 World Cup and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, asking why the government or FA should invest in matches with “no clear purpose or upcoming tournament.”
The Leone Stars recently concluded their challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing third in Group A with 15 points. While the team secured a 2-1 victory over Djibouti in their final game, their hopes for the World Cup were officially ended following an earlier 1-0 defeat to Burkina Faso.
Following the World Cup elimination, President Julius Maada Bio met with the team, urging them to make “changes and get more prepared” for upcoming international competitions, emphasizing that “improved organization is vital for success in future tournaments”.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) had previously stated that the team would shift focus to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The missed window for friendlies comes shortly after the retirement of legendary striker and captain Kei Kamara, who played his final match for the Leone Stars against Djibouti on October 12.
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