Government to Spend $2 Million on Leone Stars’ AFCON Qualifiers

Running Sierra Leone’s next four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will cost nearly two million US dollars, according to the national football association. SLFA General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh confirmed the budget covers player allowances, winning bonuses, travel, and hotel costs.

Because local venues remain unapproved, Sierra Leone must play its “home” matches in Morocco, starting with a game against Zimbabwe. Officials say they are keeping staff numbers as low as possible to keep costs down while playing abroad.

The government has backed the team financially, but Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima warned that future funding depends on results. The Leone Stars face a tough Group E campaign against DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Zimbabwe.