By Bockarie Allieu –
The qualification journey for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is nearing its end this month, with Sierra Leone’s national team, the Leone Stars, set to play two critical matches. Currently in Group G, Ivory Coast leads with 9 points, followed by Zambia with 7 points, Sierra Leone with 4 points, and Chad with 2 points at the bottom.
Sierra Leone faces a do-or-die scenario. The Leone Stars will play Chad in Abidjan and must secure a win to stay in contention. A victory against Chad would raise Sierra Leone’s points to 7, setting up a final showdown against Zambia in Liberia. Sports analysts say the Leone Stars need to improve both their goal-scoring and defensive performances to strengthen their chances of qualification.
If Sierra Leone wins both remaining games, they will advance to AFCON regardless of other results. However, should Ivory Coast defeat Zambia in the other match, a Sierra Leone victory over Chad would mean the Leone Stars need only to beat Zambia to qualify.
Sierra Leonean sports authorities have called on fans to show maximum support, especially for the decisive home match in Liberia. Plans are underway to arrange buses for fans to travel to the game, which will be pivotal in Leone Stars’ quest to secure their fourth AFCON appearance. Authorities remain optimistic, noting that Sierra Leone previously defeated group leaders Ivory Coast in Liberia, and they believe Zambia could face a similar fate.
