Walsall's on-loan Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu was named in the starting XI as Sierra Leone took on Azerbaijan in the 2026 FIFA Series on Monday afternoon.Sierra Leone were originally due to take on both Azerbaijan and Oman in this stage of the competition but, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have seen their schedule cut to one game.
Opponents, Azerbaijan, however, have already been in action as they enjoyed a comfortable win over Saint Lucia, running out 6-1 winners on Friday evening, giving them plenty to build upon heading into their meeting with the Leone Stars.
SIERRA LEONE
Mamadou Jalloh; Idris Kanu, Abdul Jarju Kabia, Abdulai Juma Bah, Alpha Turay, Alpha Kabia, Daniel Kanu, Kamil Conteh, Amadou Bakayoko, Sulaiman Kaikai, Yayah Kallon
Substitutes: Alhaji Sesay, Francis Koroma; Emmanuel Samadiya, Nathaniel Jalloh, Sallieu Tarawalie, Santige Fornah, John T. Kamara, Kwame Quee, Alhasson Koroma, Samuel Gandi
Taking place at the Sumgayit City Stadium in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, Monday afternoon's match turned out to be a historic one for Saddlers loanee Kanu as he scored his first goal for his country with an effort 28 minutes into the first-half.
Unfortunately for the Leone Stars, they couldn't hold onto the lead forever as they were eventually pegged back with under twenty minutes of the contest remaining when Araz Naxçıvan defender Rahil Mammadov scored.
Shortly before the goal, and with manager Mohamed Kallon looking to explore his options, Daniel was one of a trio of changes when FC Politehnica striker Samuel Gandi took his place as Kanu looks forward to the Saddlers' clash with Gillingham on Good Friday.
The match itself finished all-square at one-all, but it was Azerbaijan who secured the bragging rights as they won a post-match penalty shootout 9-8.
| MAMMADOV (72') | D.KANU (28') |
| AT | SUMGAYIT CITY STADIUM |