FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Former East End Lions midfielder Samuel Bekoe is hopeful of earning a Leone Stars call-up ahead of Sierra Leone’s crucial double-header against DR Congo later this month.

Bekoe was previously called up by former Leone Stars head coach Sellas Tetteh, but his invitation was cut short following questions surrounding his eligibility to represent Sierra Leone. At the time, several Sierra Leoneans opposed his inclusion, arguing that he did not meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements.

Bekoe has previously featured for Leone Stars in an international friendly played in Turkey, but the appearance was not recognised as an official FIFA international cap. He is now hoping for another call-up and an official debut under the current technical team ahead of the DR Congo double-header.

Kargbo and Bundu return

Meanwhile, Leone Stars fans will welcome the return of Augustus Kargbo and Mustapha Bundu, who missed Sierra Leone’s defeats to Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea. Their return is expected to strengthen the squad ahead of the challenging encounters against DR Congo.

Sierra Leone face a difficult task in their bid to revive their AFCON 2027 qualification hopes, with at least four points needed from the two matches to keep their campaign alive.