By Joseph S. Conteh
In an intense showdown at SKD Stadium in Liberia, the Leone Stars battled to a goalless draw against Chad in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. While Chad had plenty of opportunities in the first half, their inability to convert was a missed chance for victory.
The match was marked by late changes from the Leone Stars’ head coach, Amidu Karim, which stirred up controversy among fans and pundits.
The decision to opt for Daniel Kanu over Musa N Kamara was questioned, as Kanu’s performance fell short of expectations in breaking down Chad’s defense.
Additionally, the midfield duo of Alhassan and Alusine Koroma failed to establish a balance, hindering creative play and ball retention. Furthermore, winger Mustapha Bundu struggled on the right wing, impacting the team’s attacking flow.
With the upcoming clash against Zambia on September 10, 2024, the Leone Stars face mounting pressure to secure vital wins in the AFCON qualifiers to boost their chances of advancing in a challenging group alongside Ivory Coast. The performance against Chad raises concerns about the team’s qualification prospects and ability to compete at the highest level.