By Sulaiman Stom Koroma
The solid and impressive performance by the Sierra Leone National Team, the Leone Stars in the just concluded African Cup of Nations has not only created a belief among the home supports but has also changed the perceptions of sports pundits about this West African nation.
Though the team crashed out in the group stages of the competition, the outstanding performance against Algeria and Ivory Coast was enough for a team that is returning to the African Cup of Nations after 25 years. 
During the draws for the 2023 Nations Cup, Sierra Leone was drawn along with Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, and Sao Tome e Principe or Mauritius in group A.

The Leone Stars will start their encounter with Nigeria, although both teams are coming to terms with such a grouping. This will be a battle for pride, image, and a show of total superiority for the Nigerians, while for Sierra Leone the goal is a win. The two teams were paired in last year’s qualifiers with Sierra Leone coming from behind to equalize 4 all in Nigeria and also held their counterpart to a goalless drown in Sierra Leone. This match will be played on the 9th of June in Nigeria. 
A few days later, Sierra Leone will play Guinea Bissau in Guinea Conakry because the national stadium in Sierra Leone is under repair. For these encounters coach Keister has made the following call-ups.
Goalkeepers- Mohamed N. Kamara, Donald Kamara, and Ibrahim Sesay.
Defenders- Osman J. Kakay, Kelvin Wright, Steven R. Caulker, Daniel J.T. Francis, Alie Sesay, Saidu Mansaray, and John Kamara.
Midfielders- Kamil Conteh, Ibrahim Silla, Emmanuel S. Samadia, Alhassan Koroma, Saidu B. Kamara, Kwame Quee, Kallum X.T Cesay, Mustapha Bundu, and Agustus Kargbo.
Forwards- Amadou Bakayoko, Musa N. Kamara, Jonathan S. Morsay, Sulaiman B. Kaikai, and Mohamed Buya Turay. 

The coach made some reformation in this squad, names like Ibrahim Sillah, Kallum Sesay, Amadou Bakayoko, Kamil Conteh, and Jonathan Morsay were initiated.
 Former captain Umaru Bangura, Augustin Williams, Issa Kallon, and Alhaji Kamara lost their space in the team.