Sierra Leone’s U-20 Shooting Stars have secured qualification for the 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢-𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 of the ongoing 𝐖𝐀𝐅𝐔 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐀 𝐔-𝟐𝟎 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐨, 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢, following a hard-fought goalless draw against Senegal at the Stade Mamadou Konaté.

The Shooting Stars delivered a disciplined and resilient performance, demonstrating defensive solidity, determination and tactical organisation to hold their Senegalese opponents and secure the result needed to progress to the last four of the competition.

The qualification marks an important milestone for the team, which had pledged to 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐊𝐰𝐞𝐤𝐮 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐤, to fight for success and make the nation proud. The players have now fulfilled that commitment by securing a place in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone midfielder 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐉𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐡 was named 𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 following an outstanding display in the middle of the park. His composure, work rate and contribution to the team’s overall performance proved valuable as the Shooting Stars battled to secure their qualification.

Sierra Leone will now face The Gambia in the semi-finals after the Gambians finished top of Group A. The encounter promises to be a crucial test for the Shooting Stars as they pursue a place in the final.

The two finalists of the WAFU Zone A U-20 Tournament will automatically qualify for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐔-𝟐𝟎 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚, making a place in the final even more significant for the competing teams.

The team will be looking to build on its defensive discipline, collective determination and team spirit as it continues its campaign, with the ultimate ambition of reaching the final, securing AFCON qualification and winning the tournament.