Cambridge United winger Sullay Kaikaki has expressed his satisfaction as skipper of the Sierra Leone National team match day six African Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia in the Liberia Capital.

Kaikai was named captain in the absence of Steven Caulker as the Leone Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat ending the AFCON campaign in defeat but Sullay Kaikai was thankful for the chance to lead the nation.

Sierra Leone suffered its third defeat, a 2-0 loss to Zambia in the last match of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. During the campaign, Sierra Leone conceded ten goals and scored five in their six qualifying matches.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to lead the team out for our last auction qualifier. Although we fell short, we know there’s still a lot more to come from us.

Thank you to all Sierra Leoneans that supported us throughout the good and difficult times. We feel your pain and are very committed to learning from our experiences and using them to help us achieve.”

Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah noted, “We gave our all and it wasn’t to be for AFCON 2025, but we will be back better and stronger as a nation for March 2026 World Cup qualifiers.”

“I’m always proud to wear these national colours. Thank you for your support and together we will achieve much more. Was really a disappointing campaign, we felt your pain and frustration back home. We promise to put a smile on your faces, we are so sorry. This is our motherland, Sierra Leone,” Netherland-based midfielder Ibrahim Sillah.