Freetown — The national U-20 side, the Shooting Stars are expected to depart Freetown today ahead of their first leg encounter with the Baby Scorpions of The Gambia this weekend.

After weeks of preparation, the team will depart with a 26-man delegation which comprises of 18 players and eight officials. After eliminating Algeria in the first qualifying round, Shooting Stars Coach Alimamy 'K Foot' Turay believes the team can do the same against their West African opponent.

Speaking to Concord Sports yesterday after the final 18-man selection, K-Foot said they are expecting a more difficult test from the Gambians than the Algerians. "The Gambians are a very strong side when it comes to youth football," he said, "We are expecting a difficult battle because we would be playing against the home crowd also but we hope to come out with a great result."

About the strength of his squad, Coach K-foot said he has no injury worries and the players are well-determined for the test. The 18 selected players are: Abdulia Bah, Bambia Kamara, Mohamed Bah, Amara Kamara, Osman Kamara, Mohamed Janneh, Sulamina Kamara, Ibrahim Kallay, Donald Wellington, Musa Sesay, Lamin Suma, Abu Bakar Kamara, Ibrahim K Fofonah, Mohamed Kamara, Abu Koroma, Idrissa Sesay, Lansana Kamara, Foday Samura.