Sierra Leonean football legend Mohamed Kallon has clinched his first victory as head coach of the national men’s senior A’ team, Leone Stars, in a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over the Shooting Stars at the Approved School Mini Stadium in Freetown.
Veteran striker Kei Ansu Kamara netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute, sealing the win and handing Kallon a much-needed boost after his earlier 2-1 defeat to the Shooting Stars, the country’s U20 squad led by coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara.
The victory comes as a crucial confidence boost for Kallon, who recently took charge of the national team on a two-year contract. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Leone Stars are gearing up for a tough double-header against Guinea Bissau and Egypt, making this win an important step in their preparations.
For the Shooting Stars, the match was also a valuable test as they continue their build-up to the 2025 CAF U20 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Both coaches used the encounter to assess their squads, fine-tune strategies, and identify key players ahead of the upcoming competitions.
Speaking after the match, Leone Stars Head Coach Mohamed Kallon emphasized that the game was more about assessment than results. He noted that his primary focus was on observing the tactical and technical abilities of his players while also ensuring a well-balanced selection for the upcoming matches.
“The result was not our main concern today. This match was all about analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of our squad and identifying areas that need improvement,” Kallon said. “I am particularly impressed with the energy and discipline displayed by the Shooting Stars. They gave us a tough game, which is a positive sign of their preparedness for the AFCON.”
He further acknowledged that Leone Stars are set to face formidable opponents in Guinea Bissau and Egypt, but remains optimistic about his team’s readiness.
“We know what lies ahead—both teams we are set to face are strong, but I have seen great determination from my players. The inclusion of foreign-based professionals will further strengthen our squad and improve our chances in the qualifiers,” Kallon added.
The technical test match not only gave the senior team valuable insights but also served as a confidence booster for the Shooting Stars, who proved they are ready to compete at the continental level. With final squad selections expected in the coming days, both teams will now shift their focus to their final phase of preparations as they seek to make their mark on the international stage.
