The Sierra Leone national football team, Leone Stars, suffered a major setback in their quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a crucial defeat to Zambia. The AFCON qualifiers match between Sierra Leone and Zambia took place last night at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.

Leone Stars now sit in third place with just one point after the 3-2 loss to Zambia’s Chipolopolo, who moved up to second spot with three points. 

The AFCON Qualifiers Match Details

Zambia, the hosts, dominated the first half-hour, controlling possession and creating several chances. 

Chipolopolo’s pressure paid off in the 27th minute to crown their dominance. Kennedy Musonda secured Zambia’s lead with a header, outjumping two Leone Stars defenders to beat goalkeeper Mohamed Nabali Kamara.

Sierra Leone’s Augustus Kargbo quickly fired a shot from outside the box, beating Zambia’s goalkeeper, Lawrence Mulenga to equalize. The first half ended with both sides level but with Zambia dominating possession.

A Dramatic Second Half 

Zambia maintained their dominance in the second half and found the back of the net in the 57th minute. However, it was ruled out for offside. Leone Stars attempted to counterattack but were ineffective in the final third, missing key opportunities. 

Substitute Kelvin Kampamba restored Zambia’s lead in the 70th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, beating the Leone Stars goalkeeper.

Leone Stars responded swiftly, as substitute Hindolo Mustapha skillfully beat two defenders and slotted the ball low into the bottom corner just three minutes later. It marked the midfielder’s first goal for Leone Stars in only his second appearance.

Leone Stars nearly took the lead for the first time with a one-on-one opportunity, but the play was called back for offside. 

Injury Blow During AFCON Qualifiers Match

Midfielder Alusine Koroma was stretched off the field with an injury, leaving the visitors temporarily down to 10-men. While details of the injury are yet unknown, Koroma may spend some time on the sidelines. 

The Deciding Set Piece for the Match

Zambia continued to press for a lead and capitalized on a mistake by the Leone Stars defense. The visitors conceded a free-kick just outside the penalty area after Leone Stars midfielder Ibrahim Sillah was penalized for handball. 

Kings Kangwa curled the freekick past Kamara and into the top corner, restoring Zambia’s lead for the third time and ultimately sealing the match. 

Leone Stars battled to equalize once more but were unsuccessful. Zambia’s Coach, Avram Grant’s pre-match claim that they had identified Leone Stars’ weaknesses was evidently validated. 

Excerpts from the game

Group G Standings in AFCON Qualifiers

Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire remain atop Group G following a 2-0 win over Chad, who now sit at the bottom of the group with a negative goal difference. Côte d’Ivoire has secured two wins from two games. 

Zambia, with their first win of the qualifiers, has moved to second place with three points. Sierra Leone and Chad both have one point each. Sierra Leone is third on goal difference due to a draw and a loss in their initial fixtures, while Chad, having conceded a goal more than Sierra Leone, sits at the bottom of the group.

Leone Stars will be looking for a comeback and a stroke of luck when the qualifiers resume in just over a month. They will face the group leaders, Côte d’Ivoire, in back-to-back matches. For now, their chances of reaching Morocco next year appear to be slim.