U-20 AFCON: Arsenal youngster Osman Kamara opens up on Sierra Leone debut

Photo Credit - Sierra Leone FA.

Arsenal youngster Osman Kamara has opened up on his debut for Sierra Leone at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The 18-year-old left winger made his first appearance for the Shooting Stars in their goalless draw against Zambia in the opening game of the tournament at the Cairo international stadium on Sunday, April 27.

Kamara, who plays for Arsenal’s U-21 side, shared his joy and the experience he brings from the Gunners junior side that will help Sierra Leone go far at the tournament.

“I was very happy to make my debut on Sierra Leone’s Independence Day. It’s a very important day for me and my family, because it was the first time I played for Sierra Leone and I am really proud to have played for them,” Kamara told Sierra Leone Media.

“My teammates are very welcoming and training with them is a joy everyday so I’m really enjoying myself out here and I am happy to keep training and giving my all. With our two remaining games and the way we are playing I feel like I know we can make it out of the group and if we carry on playing well, we can go far in this tournament.

“With my Arsenal experience, the way I play I feel like I can bring my other teammates qualities and I can bring the best out of them.”

Sierra Leone, who are making their debut, held Zambia to a goalless draw in the opener before whitewashing hosts Egypt by 4-1 at the Cairo International Stadium in the second fixture.

Their next group game is against Tanzania with a win securing them a spot in the knockout phase of the competition. The semifinalists of the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 Tournament to be held in Chile.