Freetown – Leone Stars head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has called on Sierra Leonean supporters to keep faith with his young squad after a 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday.
The Leopards were clinical at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, racing into a 3-0 lead before substitute Samuel Bekoe pulled one back late. Yoane Wissa opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Samuel Moutoussamy doubled the advantage in the 35th minute, and Edo Kayembe made it 3-0 in the 58th minute. Bekoe’s 83rd-minute strike offered some consolation but could not change the outcome.
The result leaves Sierra Leone bottom of Group E with zero points from three matches, while DR Congo remain perfect at the top with nine points. Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea sit on four points each after their goalless draw on the same day.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Gomes Da Rosa refused to criticise his players. He described the side as a team in transition, full of promising young talent, and insisted the future remains bright.
“This is a team in transition,” the French coach said. “We have considerable young talent. We must be patient and continue to build.”
He highlighted two positives from the night in Kinshasa: the return of Augustus Kargbo and the impact of Samuel Bekoe, a fresh face in the squad who marked his appearance with a goal. Gomes Da Rosa said both players will be important as the team prepares for the return fixture.
That return match is now critical. Leone Stars face DR Congo again on Tuesday, 17 November, in Morocco. The coach described it as Sierra Leone’s last realistic chance to revive qualification hopes.
“We still have a chance,” Gomes Da Rosa said. “Tuesday is our opportunity to respond. We need the fans behind us.”
His message to supporters was clear: do not give up on this team. Sierra Leonean football is going through a period of change. With time, continued support and proper development of the young players, Leone Stars can become stronger and more competitive.
For now the pressure is high. Three games, three defeats, and only the return leg in Morocco stands between Sierra Leone and the end of its AFCON 2027 dream. But if Gomes Da Rosa has his way, the story is far from over.
