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Sierra Leone Line Up Three International Friendlies Ahead of AFCON 2023 Qualifiers
AfriNews 247 | Africa's Trusted Sports & Development Source
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a strategic move to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has confirmed a lineup of three high-profile international friendlies. The fixtures are designed to test the team’s readiness and cohesion as they seek to return to continental prominence.
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The Leone Stars, who are eager to build on recent improvements in form and team spirit, will face Ethiopia, Togo, and Morocco in what officials describe as “crucial preparatory matches” ahead of their Group A AFCON qualifying campaign.
According to an official statement from the SLFA, the three friendlies will be played as follows:
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Sierra Leone vs Ethiopia
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Sierra Leone vs Togo
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Sierra Leone vs Morocco
These encounters are expected to provide Head Coach John Keister and his technical team with valuable insights into squad depth, tactical adaptability, and individual player performance under international pressure.
“This is a golden opportunity for us to fine-tune our strategies, test our players in competitive conditions, and build momentum before the qualifiers,” Keister told AfriNews 247.
The selection of opponents reflects a calculated mix: Ethiopia offers a familiar East African style of play, Togo brings a physical and fast-paced West African challenge, and Morocco — a continental powerhouse — provides the sternest test in terms of technical prowess and discipline.
Football analysts in Freetown and beyond have praised the SLFA’s initiative, noting that consistent international exposure is critical to raising the standard of play for Sierra Leone’s national team.
“Friendlies like these are essential if Sierra Leone is to compete effectively against Africa’s top teams,” said sports commentator Ibrahim Jalloh. “You don’t qualify for AFCON by chance — you prepare for it, tactically and mentally.”
The friendlies also offer an opportunity for rising stars and new call-ups to impress the coaching staff and earn a spot in the final squad for the qualifiers.
Sierra Leone is drawn in a competitive AFCON 2023 qualifying group that includes Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Their opening qualifier match is expected to take place later this year, with dates yet to be finalized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
With the AFCON dream alive once again, fans across the nation are rallying behind the team, hopeful that this round of preparation will ignite a strong campaign and lead to another historic appearance on Africa’s biggest football stage.
By AfriNews 247 Sports Desk
📍 Follow AfriNews 247 for exclusive updates, team news, and player interviews as Sierra Leone prepares for AFCON 2023.
