Kamara hat-trick helps Sierra Leone stun hosts Egypt for first-ever U-20 AFCON victory

Sierra Leone have loudly announced that they are a team to fear at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a brilliant second half sparked Wednesday’s impressive 4-1 victory for the Shooting Stars at the expense of hosts Egypt. Captain Momoh Kamara scored a hat-trick to spur his Sierra Leone team to victory.

It was a strong effort from the West African debutants who looked like the better team throughout the match. Similarly to their 1-0 victory against South Africa to begin the competition, Egypt did manage to take the lead just before halftime despite looking second best when a low shot from Ahmed Khaled “Kabaka” snuck under Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mamadou Jalloh.

Egypt could have doubled their lead early in the second half but Mohamed Abdallah missed a golden chance after getting behind the Sierra Leonean defense. This would cost the Egyptians dearly.

Poor goalkeeping from Egypt shot stopper Abdelmonem Tamer allowed a low shot to sneak under him for Kamara’s first goal in the 63rd minute.

Kamara need no help from Tamer on his second goal less than three minutes later. After collecting a cross from Nathaniel Jallow, the Portuguese-based midfielder placed his finish perfectly from the edge of the penalty area (video at the top).

It went from bad to worse for Egypt when a VAR review confirmed a penalty kick in the Egyptian 18-yard box and Sallieu Bah sent Tamer the wrong way to make it a two-goal lead. Egypt pushed hard to get back into the match but Kamara completed the humiliation in the final moments with a brilliant dribbling run and curled finish to confirm a massive victory and first place in Group A for Sierra Leone.

Group A Table