Sierra Leone Promises $500 Bonus to U-20 Players Ahead of AFCON Quarter-Final Clash

May 10, 2025

As excitement builds ahead of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, the Sierra Leonean government has announced a $500 bonus for each national team player if they defeat Morocco in the knockout round.

This pledge was made during a visit to the team’s hotel in Ismailia, Egypt, by Minister of Sport Augusta James-Teima and National Sports Authority Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai. The delegation encouraged the young athletes and reaffirmed the government’s support for sports development.

Dr. Abdulai praised the team’s discipline and reminded them that a victory could secure Sierra Leone a historic spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. He also acknowledged the hard work of the Sierra Leone Football Association in organizing the team’s campaign.

Minister James-Teima highlighted the team’s positive influence on Sierra Leone’s global image and commended figures like National Teams Ambassador Christian Dauda and scout Morlai Kamara for their contributions to nurturing football talent.

Team captain Momoh Ibrahim Kamara thanked the government for the incentive and assured fans that the team is united and ready. Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara echoed this confidence, saying the boys are determined to rise to the challenge.

Despite early setbacks, including a heavy loss to Egypt and a narrow defeat to Tanzania, the team earned 7 points to reach the quarter-finals—an achievement that has surprised many.

With the government’s backing and national pride on the line, the young squad is now focused on making history in Egypt.