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Sierra Leone U16 Basketball Team heads to Afrobasket 2025

By: Alhaji A. Barrie


The Sierra Leone Under-16 boys basketball team has made history by qualifying for the AfroBasket U-16 Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda this coming September.

They won two games against Mauritania in Conakry, Guinea, with scores of 54–36 and 65–46. This is the first time any team from Sierra Leone, boys or girls will take part in a big basketball event across Africa.

It’s a proud moment for the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation and the whole country. The journey wasn’t easy. Nine players were ruled out because of age and paperwork problems, so only six players could compete.

But the boys didn’t give up, they played with heart and gave their all. Even with limited support from sports officials, the team showed courage and strong teamwork, carrying the hopes of Sierra Leone on their shoulders.

Africell Sierra Leone gave $2,000 to support the team’s travel and preparation. The company continues to believe in the new Federation's goals and wants to see basketball grow across the country.

SLBF President Ali Hijazi said after the win, “A new era has begun, driven by belief, sacrifice, and relentless ambition.”

Among those celebrating this landmark achievement is Mr. Yusufu Sourie, a passionate fan of Sierra Leonean basketball.

“This victory is more than just points on a scoreboard,” he said. “It’s proof that our youth can shine, even when the odds are tough. Kigali, here we come."

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