SIERRA QUEENS MAKE HISTORY! Salamatu Kamara’s Late Stunner sends Sierra Leone to WAFU A Finals

Nouakchott, Mauritania – May 29, 2025

The Sierra Queens have done it! Sierra Leone’s national female team has stormed into the finals of the WAFU A Women’s Tournament Mauritania 2025, following a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mali in a tense semifinal showdown.

It was a night to remember in Nouakchott as Salamatu Kamara etched her name into the nation’s sporting history books, scoring the match-winning goal in the 85th minute — a moment of brilliance that sent Sierra Leonean fans into jubilation across the globe.

he match was a showcase of tactical discipline, relentless defending, and moments of individual magic. Mali pressed hard, but the Queens, led by their ever-composed captain Salamatu Kamara (goalscorer) and backed by the heroics of goalkeeper Hannah Juana, held firm.

Then came the breakthrough — a perfectly weighted pass split Mali’s defense, and Kamara made no mistake. With poise and precision, she slipped the ball past the Malian keeper to send the Queens to their first-ever WAFU A final.

“We believed in ourselves from the first day,” Kamara said after the final whistle. “This is not just a win — it’s a dream come true for all of us and for Sierra Leone.”

Meanwhile, Hannah Juana added another feather to her cap by clinching the Woman of the Match award — her third such honor in the tournament. Her commanding presence between the sticks, reflex saves, and game-saving interventions were instrumental in keeping Mali at bay.

Head Coach Hassan Malik Mansaray was a picture of pride and passion on the sidelines as he praised his players’ heart and discipline.

“This team is special,” Mansaray said. “They’ve shown what unity, hard work, and belief can achieve. We came here with one goal — to make history. And now we’re one step away from lifting the trophy.”

The Sierra Queens now await the outcome of the second semifinal between Senegal and Liberia, with the final set to take place on Saturday, May 31st.

Back home, celebrations have already begun as the nation unites behind its rising football heroines. The Queens’ performance in Mauritania is more than just a sporting success — it’s a moment of national pride and a shining example of Sierra Leone’s growing strength in women’s football.