By Bockarie Allieu
Sierra Leone’s national football team, Leone Stars, will face Zambia’s Chipolopolo tomorrow in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Lusaka. The team traveled to Zambia shortly after their recent match against Chad, which was played at the Samuel K. Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, as part of Group G qualification. At that first game the Leone Stars were held to a 0-0 draw. Both teams go home with a point each.
Leone Stars, grouped alongside Ivory Coast, Chad, and Zambia, are aiming to secure a top-two finish in their group to qualify for the AFCON tournament in Morocco next year. The team was targeting wins in all their home matches while looking to pick up valuable points away. The draw against Chad has now put more pressure on the team to go all out and win their remaining matches.
Sierra Leone’s delegation includes 17 foreign-based players and 8 home-based players. Head coach Amindu Karim has assured fans that the worst possible outcome in Zambia will be a draw. Reflecting on their goalless draw against Chad, Karim acknowledged the mistakes made and expressed confidence that his players will deliver a stronger performance against Zambia.
In the Chad match, top home-based striker Musa Tombo Kamara came off the bench in the 64th minute, replacing Mustapha Bundu. Kamil Conteh also came on in the 65th minute, replacing Josh Koroma. Both teams missed key chances, with Chad dominating midfield in the second half.
Leone Stars are determined to build on their performance and secure a positive result against the Chipolopolo, as they continue their journey toward AFCON qualification.
