By Desmond Tunde Coker
A setback for Sierra Leone in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers as Chad level Abu Dumbuya’s 29-minute goal for a place in next year’s AFCON in Morocco. Amidu Karim boys played well but were not attacking-minded in scoring more goals as two wins will see Leone Stars through to the African Cup of Nation Morocco.
Abu Dumbuya scored his first goal for Sierra Leone from an opening play which gave hope to Sierra Leoneans back home, but a goal from Chad Georgian-based midfielder Mahamat Thiam leveled the scores in the 34th minute of play.
Sierra Leone’s dreams of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been put on hold. after a 1-1 draw against Chad on Wednesday.
Group Standings and Scenarios
This draw leaves Sierra Leone third in the group with five points from five matches. Here’s how the group currently stands:
Ivory Coast: 9 points from 4 matches (already qualified) after Chad and Sierra Leone draw.
Zambia: 7 points from 4 matches
Sierra Leone: 5 points from 5 matches
Chad: 3 points from 5 matches
Qualification Scenarios for Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s chances of qualification now hinge on today’s game between Ivory Coast and Zambia. Here are the possible outcomes and how each would affect Sierra Leone: If Ivory Coast lose to Zambia; Zambia would move up to 10 points, making it impossible for Sierra Leone to catch up. In this case, Sierra Leone would be eliminated from qualification.
If Ivory Coast and Zambia draw: Sierra Leone would still have a chance to qualify, but they would need to beat Zambia in their final match with at least a 1-0 or 2-1 margin. This result would allow them to edge Zambia head-to-head and secure second place in the group.
If Ivory Coast defeat Zambia: Sierra Leone’s path to qualification becomes more straightforward. A win over Zambia in the final match, regardless of the goal margin, would guarantee Sierra Leone’s spot in the Nations Cup.
Sierra Leone now faces an anxious wait, hoping for a favorable outcome on Friday to keep their hopes alive. While they showed strong determination and control in today’s game, their inability to secure a win against Chad has left them in a precarious position, with everything resting on the results of the next few days.