The Sierra Leone U-17 National Women’s Team received a hero’s welcome upon their return home after their successful game in the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup African Qualifiers in Douala, Cameroon on January 18th, 2025. The team will now advance to face Guinea in the second preliminary round in March 2025.

Their journey, fueled by determination and resilience, has reignited hopes for Sierra Leone’s global representation. Despite the triumph, their story reveals perseverance against significant challenges.

A Journey of Grit and Glory

The Lionesses embarked on their campaign with a tense 0-0 draw against the Central African Republic at the Southern Arena in Bo City. Despite the stalemate, the team displayed grit and determination, laying the groundwork for their remarkable performance in the second leg.

In Douala, Cameroon, the Lionesses roared louder, delivering a stunning 2-0 victory that secured their place in the next round. The first half saw both teams locked in a fierce battle for dominance. However, the deadlock was broken when Aminata I Kamara displayed nerves of steel to convert a penalty just before halftime.

The second half showcased the Lionesses’ relentless spirit as they pressed for a second goal. Their efforts paid off when Maseray Turay’s clinical finish in the 60th minute doubled their lead. The final whistle brought jubilant celebrations, with the team’s hard work and dedication evident in their triumph.

This March, the Lionesses will face Guinea in the second preliminary round, with both home and away matches to decide their fate. Victory against Guinea will set the stage for a final showdown against either Ivory Coast or Burundi. The ultimate prize? A coveted spot in the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup.

Behind the Glory: The Challenges

While the Lionesses’ success has ignited national pride, it also brings into focus the challenges they faced. Pa Alie Sesay, a sport journalist, revealed that one major hurdle of the match was the visa process to travel to Cameroon.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) relied on a process known as “Reciprocal,” where the host country assists the visiting team with visa arrangements. While Sierra Leone had facilitated CAR’s visa process for the first leg match in Bo, the favor was not returned. This non-compliance left the team stranded, forcing officials to scramble for funds to expedite the visa process.

He further shed light on the financial constraints faced by the girls.

“These girls haven’t received their per diem, they promised to give them when they arrive in Sierra Leone,” Sesay said.

These issues, if left unaddressed, could hinder the team’s progress in the upcoming rounds. It is important that the government and other stakeholders support the Lionesses by providing financial and logistical support needed to compete at the highest level.

This achievement of the U17 national women’s team is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Lionesses and a reminder of the immense potential in Sierra Leonean sports.

The road to the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup will not be easy, but with the nation’s unwavering backing, the Lionesses can continue to speed proudly on the global stage.