Former East End Tigers keeper Ibrahim Sesay said it was an “indescribable emotion” after being named the youngest to be part of his country Africa Cup of Nations squad in Cameroon.

The youngster is in contention to make his Afcon debut with the West Africa Nation against Algeria on January 11 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

Sierra Leone’s Sesay is the second youngest at this year’s continental tournament set to kick off on Sunday in Yaounde. The youngest at this Afcon is Mauritanian Beyatt Lekweiry. The young AS Douanes midfielder Beyatt Lekweiry was a surprise call-up by Mourabitounes coach Didier Gomes da Rosa, who took charge in November. He was part of last year’s Under-20 Arab Cup aged 15.

“Indescribable emotion after I learnt that I will be representing my country at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon,” the 17-year-old told FSL Sport.

He made his International debut against the Gambia in an international friendly, helping the Leone Stars to a 2- 1 at the El Jadida stadium in Morocco back in November.

Sesay, who started his career with Yopanda Rovers, has been impressive with the Submarines in the ongoing Sierra Leone Premier League that warranted his inclusion into the National team.

The 17-year-old stopper was praised for his display against the Gambian and was in goal again for his second appearance in the 2-1 defeat to Morocco home-based side as Leone Stars wrapped up their training camp at the Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia, during Sierra Leone training camp in November.

“A big blessing for me, and of course, this came with hard work. Not many 17-years get this opportunity to represent their country in one of the biggest stages of Africa and world football,” Sesay told FSL Sports.

“I want to thank God for giving me the talent my prayers has always been playing for Sierra Leone. My wish was to get a good and impressive season in the Sierra Leone Premier League, which has helped me impress the Bo Rangers management.

In November, after Sierra Leone International friendlies, Sesay told FSL News that he was over the moon to make my International debut against the Gambia, and most importantly, we won. I am grateful for this opportunity. It takes a lot of sacrifices and hard work to get this far.

“I was part of the team in Guinea in the 1-0 over Benin at the General Lansana Conté Stadium in June African Cup of Nation qualifier.”

In their last friendly, the Moroccan local-based defeated Sierra Leone 2-1 after a late-gasp controversial penalty.

Legend and former Inter Milan striker was the youngest from Sierra Leone when he hit a last-minute goal for Sierra Leone a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein in South Africa, their first-ever continental victory (African Nations Cup).

• List of the four youngest at the Tournament in Cameroon.

Beyatt Lekweiry – Mauritania( 16 Year’s 8 months )

Ibrahim Sesay – Sierra Leone (17 Years, Two Months)

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku- Ghana (17 Years, 10 Months)

Hannibal Mejbri – Tunisia ( 18 Years, 11 Months)

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