By Joseph S Conteh
Sierra Leone’s national mini-football team has been placed in Pot 4 for the upcoming 5th Africa Cup of Nations Mini-Football tournament draw, positioning the Leone Stars for what could be a breakthrough performance in the expanded 24-nation championship.
The Confederation of African Minifootball (CAFM/AMC) confirmed the seeding arrangements yesterday, with Sierra Leone grouped alongside Tanzania, Kenya, Gambia, South Sudan, and a yet-to-be-determined wildcard team in the fourth pot. The official draw ceremony is scheduled for July 25, 2026, in Conakry, Guinea.
The tournament, set to run from January 9-23, 2027, marks a significant expansion from the previous 16-team format, offering more African nations the opportunity to compete on the continental stage. The competition will feature six groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
Being in Pot 4 means Sierra Leone will face one team from each of the other three pots during the group stage, including potential matches against powerhouses like defending champions Libya, hosts Guinea, or former winners Senegal from Pot 1.
“This is a competitive but winnable pot for us,” a source close to the Sierra Leone Mini-Football Association noted. “The expanded format gives us a realistic chance of advancing to the Round of 16, especially with the four best third-placed teams also qualifying.”
The West African nation has also expressed interest in hosting the AMC headquarters and is establishing a national league targeting over 33 clubs. A follow-up committee comprising members from Burkina Faso, Benin, and Mali is overseeing the tournament logistics.
Top-performing teams from the African championship will earn qualification spots for the 2027 WMF World Cup, adding extra incentive for Sierra Leone to exceed expectations.
With traditional powerhouses like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon also in the mix, along with defending champions Libya and ambitious hosts Guinea, the tournament promises to be the most competitive mini-football championship Africa has seen.
Pot 4: Tanzania, Kenya, Gambia, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Wildcard
As Sierra Leone prepares for this expanded tournament, the nation’s mini-football community is optimistic about the team’s chances of making a strong impression on the continental stage.
