By Joseph S. Conteh
Sierra Leone’s hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025) have been dealt a major blow following a 1-1 draw against Chad in their latest qualifying match. The result leaves the Leone Stars relying on other results to go their way if they are to secure a spot in the prestigious continental tournament.
The match, played at Stade de Ebimpe, Abidjan in Ivory Coast, took a lead through a well-taken goal by Abu Dumbuya in the 29 minutes. However, the home side was unable to hold on to their advantage, with Chad finding an equalizer in the 34th minute penalty scored by Thiam the game to earn a share of the points.
Speaking after the match, Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, expressed his disappointment with the result, stating, This is a very frustrating outcome for us. We had the opportunity to take control of our own destiny, but we were unable to capitalize on it. Now, we find ourselves in a position where we must rely on other results to go our way if we are to have any chance of qualifying for AFCON 2025.
The draw leaves Sierra Leone in a precarious position in the qualifying group, with Ivory Coast already qualified. The Leone Stars will now need Zambia to lose their remaining two matches if they are to have any hope of snatching a spot in the tournament.
It’s a difficult situation, but we can’t give up. We will continue to work hard and do everything in our power to try and turn things around. Our fans deserve to see us at the AFCON, and we will do everything we can to make that happen.
With only a few matches remaining in the qualifying campaign, Sierra Leone’s chances of reaching AFCON 2025 have taken a significant hit. The team and its supporters will be hoping for a miracle in the coming weeks as they fight to keep their dreams of continental glory alive.
