Kei Kamara: Sierra Leonean striker retires from international football

Sierra Leone star Kei Kamara has announced his retirement from international football after 15 years with the Leone Stars.

The striker was capped by West Africans in 2008 and made 39 appearances with seven goals to his name.

His last outing for his country was in a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Omnisport de Limbe on 20 January 2022.

“Fifteen years ago, I decided to wear green, white and blue and represent them on the international stage. I never knew what the trip would bring me, but I tell you I would do it all over again if I had the chance,” Kamara wrote on Twitter.

“Today, I am finally hanging up my international jersey to focus on my club career. Now, when those international breaks come around, I’ll spend time with my family, but I’ll always miss the games at Siaka Stevens Stadium.

“Thank you, Sierra Leone, for allowing your son to live out a dream, a dream that is not only mine, but also that of many people in Salone, at home and abroad.

“I will continue to serve you in any way I can. I wish Leone Stars all the best, and can’t wait to celebrate every step of the way. From the Kamara family, we say: Una Tenki.”

Kamara had called time out for the first time in her Sierra Leone career in November 2019 after falling out with trainer Sellas Tetteh.

He returned two years later and marked his return with a goal against the Republic of Benin on June 12, 2021, to help the country make its first appearance in the African Cup of Nations since 1996.

The lanky striker appeared in all three group stage matches as the Leone Stars began their Group E campaign with a 0-0 draw against Algeria, played out a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast before falling 1-0 to equatorial. Guinea.

However, he was in the spotlight during the team’s loss against National Nzalang as he missed a penalty that could have secured the team a place in the Round of 16 had the game ended in a draw.

The Leone Stars’ penalty was awarded in the 85th minute, but Kamara was unable to score after his feeble effort was saved by goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The incident upset fans in his home country who tried to burn down his house.

Kamara, who is the fifth-best goalscorer in Major Soccer League history, will now shift his focus to helping CF Montreal.