Sierra Leone U-20 Coach Kamara Targets Historic World Cup Qualification Ahead of Zambia Clash

Sierra Leone Under-20 head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has set his sights on qualifying the team for their first Under-20 FIFA World Cup.

On their maiden appearance at the Under-20 Africa Cup in Egypt, the Shooting Stars are drawn in Group A alongside the host, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa and Tanzania.

Their inaugural match will be against 2017 winner Zambia on Sunday at 17:00 CAT.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, Kamara revealed high expectations on the team back in their country.

Kamara says the expectations will serve as motivation to strive for success and qualify for the global showpiece.

“We are here to perform at our best as a team because there’s a high expectation back home. Our people are there; the whole country is behind us,” Kamara said.

“I want to look at certain things, and one thing I’m going to carry on is we have to qualify for the global [World Cup]. And, if you can get anything more than that, that’s really good. But that’s our ultimate aim of being here, and we’re here to give a very good fight. And we’re still focusing on our goals.”

Kamara has described Zambia as a strong side but that he has previously watched and analysed their strengths and weaknesses.

“Zambia, there is a strong side. I watched them play against South Africa in their own zone there. We know that there should be a very good side when it comes to this category. And we’re coming here for the first time. I think we have nothing to lose. We’re going to fight for our country,” Kamara disclosed.

“But we know their weakness. I’m going to work against that. And for the game, for their strength, watch their team again and notice their strength, and we’ve been working to counter their strength and ensure that we carry the day after ninety minutes.”