Sierra Leone’s U-20 national football team, the Shooting Stars, suffered a devastating exit from the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco in extra time.
The quarter-final clash, held in Egypt, saw the young Leone Stars’ dreams dashed by an own goal in the 117th minute.
The match remained goalless through regular time, with both sides displaying resolute defenses. However, in the dying moments of extra time, a misdirected clearance by Sierra Leone’s Amara Keita inadvertently found the back of his own net, handing Morocco the decisive goal. Adding to Sierra Leone’s woes, midfielder Samba Juma Bah received a red card, reducing the team to ten men during the crucial final minutes.
This defeat marks the end of Sierra Leone’s historic maiden appearance at the U-20 AFCON finals.
Despite their commendable journey, the loss means they miss out on a coveted spot in the semi-finals and, consequently, qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Morocco’s victory propels them into the semi-finals and secures their place in the upcoming U-20 World Cup, joining other African representatives in the global tournament.
While the outcome is a bitter pill to swallow, the Shooting Stars have showcased significant promise on the continental stage. Their performance in this tournament lays a solid foundation for future competitions, and with continued development, Sierra Leone’s youth football looks poised for a bright future.
