By: alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspapersl.com
Makeni, SIERRA LEONE – Sierra Leone’s national goalkeeper, Hannah Juana, has made headlines across the continent after achieving a record-breaking performance at the 2025 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zone A Women’s Cup in Mauritania.
Juana, the last line of defense for the Sierra Queens, emerged as the tournament’s biggest star, claiming an unprecedented five individual honors: three Player of the Match awards, Best Goalkeeper, and Player of the Tournament. Her stellar showing helped steer Sierra Leone to its first-ever continental women’s football title.
The 24-year-old plays domestically for reigning champions Mogbwemo Queens in the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League. Her standout performances in the group stage — which included a gritty showing despite a 3-0 defeat to The Gambia, followed by a 3-1 win over Guinea and a 1-1 draw with Senegal — saw her collect two Player of the Match titles and anchor the team’s historic advancement to the semi-finals.
In the semi-final clash against Mali, Juana delivered a masterclass between the sticks, pulling off six crucial saves to seal a narrow 1-0 victory. Her match-winning effort earned her a third Player of the Match honor — setting a new record for a female goalkeeper in the competition.
But Juana was not done yet. In the final against Senegal, she once again proved indispensable, making four decisive saves to help secure a hard-fought 1-0 win, crowning Sierra Leone as champions of the 2025 WAFU A Women’s Cup.
Her string of outstanding performances not only led Sierra Leone to glory but also earned her a place among football’s elite. She now shares the spotlight with global goalkeeping icons like Diego Costa, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Lukasz Skorupski from Euro 2024, and Emiliano Martinez of the 2024 Copa America.
Reacting to her historic feat, Juana said, “I am thrilled to have made history for myself and my country on a continental level. It’s an honor to be recognized multiple times for my performances. This inspires me to reach even greater heights.”
With her star on the rise, Juana is already setting her sights on new goals. She plans to help Mogbwemo Queens clinch a third consecutive league title and is exploring opportunities to play in international leagues.
Hannah Juana’s record-breaking journey at the 2025 WAFU A Women’s Cup has not only lifted Sierra Leone to new footballing heights but has also placed her firmly among the legends of the game. ARW/4/6/2025
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