In the AFCON U-20 WAFU A qualifiers at the SKD Annex Field in Monrovia, defender Nathaniel Jalloh scored a crucial 45th-minute goal, securing Sierra Leone U-20 a spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over a struggling 10-man Guinea-Bissau team.

Guinea Bissau’s team, the Young Djourtous, had already been eliminated after losing their first two matches, but they played for pride in the last encounter.

Their situation worsened when they were reduced to 10 men following a red card in the second half.

As a result, Sierra Leone topped Group A with 7 points, followed by Guinea with 5 points.

A victory in the semifinals will ensure the Shooting Stars’ participation in the upcoming African Cup of Nations U-20 category.

The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for exceptional performance.

In a post-match conference, Sierra Leone U-20 Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara expressed his confidence and trust in his team, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming semifinal match as a crucial moment for their AFCON U-20 aspirations.

“We are now focusing on our preparations for the semifinals,” Coach Kamara stated. “Our semifinal encounter is one of the most important matches for us, as it determines our hope to qualify for the AFCON U-20.”

The Shooting Stars are now gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal match in their journey.