Sierra Queens Clinch First WAFU A Zone Championship in Historic Win Over Senegal
By Reginald Brian O. Sawyerr
Sierra Leone’s senior women’s national football team, the Sierra Queens, secured their first-ever West African Football Union (WAFU) A Zone Championship title on Saturday, 31st May, defeating Senegal in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Stade Cheikha Boiyda.
The match ended in a stalemate after regulation time, leading to a tense shootout. Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper emerged as the standout performer, making crucial saves to keep the Queens in contention. Striker Salamatu Kamara sealed the win with a composed penalty in the 81st minute of regular play, a moment that ultimately defined the match and delivered the championship to Sierra Leone.
The victory marks a landmark achievement for Sierra Leonean women’s football, highlighting the team’s growth and resilience on the regional stage. This is the first regional trophy in the history of the Sierra Queens.
Head coach Hassan Mansaray, popularly known as Zanetti, praised the team’s performance.
“These girls have made history today. They fought like warriors and showed what Sierra Leone is capable of. This win is for the people back home — for every young girl dreaming of playing football,” she said.
The national leadership, including President Julius Maada Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, and the National Sports Authority, publicly commended the team on social media, pledging continued support for women’s sports and celebrating the milestone as a breakthrough for gender representation in athletics.
As the Sierra Queens return to Freetown, preparations are underway for a celebratory reception. Kamara, whose decisive goal clinched the title, has been hailed as a national hero. The championship victory not only boosts the profile of women’s football in Sierra Leone but also sets a new benchmark for future international competitions.
