Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has announced that coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa will reveal his squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against DR Congo on Thursday. The media briefing, scheduled for 3 p.m. at the SLFA conference hall in Kingtom, Freetown, will also provide a platform for Da Rosa to discuss the team’s technical preparations and address questions from journalists. The announcement comes ahead of two crucial matches against DR Congo, with Sierra Leone set to travel to Kinshasa on Nov. 12 and host the return fixture on Nov. 17.
The doubleheader against DR Congo forms part of Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with Sierra Leone competing in Group E alongside Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea. DR Congo, who have made a strong start to their qualifying campaign, will pose a significant challenge to Sierra Leone’s chances of qualification. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the November matches are crucial in determining the team’s position in the group. A strong performance in these matches could boost Sierra Leone’s chances of advancing to the continental tournament.
The SLFA has extended an invitation to members of the media to attend the briefing and has also announced that the event will be streamed live on its official Facebook page. This will enable football fans across the country to stay updated on the latest developments in the team’s preparations. The 2027 AFCON finals, officially branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Sierra Leone’s participation in the tournament would be a significant milestone for the country’s football team.
The second encounter between Sierra Leone and DR Congo on Nov. 17 will take place at El Jadida in Morocco, rather than on home soil, due to arrangements for an alternative venue. This change in venue may pose logistical challenges for the team, but Da Rosa and his squad will need to adapt quickly to ensure a strong performance. The coach will discuss the team’s technical preparations and strategy for the matches during the media briefing.
The November matches provide the Leone Stars with an opportunity to strengthen their position in Group E and boost their chances of qualification to the continental tournament. A positive outcome in these matches could have a significant impact on the team's morale and momentum in the qualifying campaign. Da Rosa’s squad selection and strategy will be crucial in determining the team's success in the upcoming fixtures.
The SLFA has been actively engaging with the media and the public to ensure that football fans stay updated on the latest developments in the team’s preparations. The association’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the team’s operations have been commendable. The media briefing on Thursday will provide a platform for Da Rosa to address questions from journalists and provide insights into the team’s strategy and tactics.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers have generated significant interest among football fans in Sierra Leone, with many eagerly anticipating the team’s performance in the upcoming matches. A strong showing in the tournament could have a positive impact on the country’s football landscape and provide a boost to the sport’s development. The Leone Stars will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges posed by DR Congo and other teams in Group E.
Key points
- Sierra Leone coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa to unveil squad for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against DR Congo on Thursday.
- The doubleheader against DR Congo forms part of Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
- The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
