By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Leone Stars Team Manager Alhaji Umaru Bah stated that the national team must win the remaining crucial matches against Chad and Zambia to secure the AFCON 2025 qualification.
Sierra Leone will face off against Chad in the Ivory Coast on the 13th of November and host Zambia in Liberia on the 19th of November.
Leone Stars, currently eyeing consecutive victories against Chad and Zambia in their quest to qualify for the AFCON 2025, are approaching these final group G encounters to secure winnings that will see them qualify.
Sitting in Group G’s third position with 4 points, winning both matches will see Sierra Leone secure 10 points. Manager Bah believes that the chances are still open, as Leone Stars have what it takes to win both matches.
Team Manager Bah said Leone Stars ending Cote d’Ivoire’s 11-match unbeaten run has motivated the team for the two remaining crucial matches against Chad and Zambia. Since crowned continental champions earlier this year, Cote d’Ivoire’s only loss came in a 1-0 defeat to Sierra Leone, at the SKD Sports Complex in Liberia.
The Real Republicans CEO and Sierra Dooper Fisheries FC’s owner believes last month’s breakthrough victory, secured under his managerial watch, has boosted the team’s confidence in Sierra Leone’s quest for a fourth appearance in the continental showpiece. The team previously participated in the 1994, 1996, and 2021 editions.
“It’s time to secure qualification; ending Cote d’Ivoire’s 11-match unbeaten run has motivated the team for the two remaining vital matches against Chad and Zambia,” TM Bah affirmed.
“Our qualification lies on both our final fixtures away to Chad and at home against Zambia. We need to perform well in both matches as visitors and hosts. Against Chad, we can’t play like we do in Zambia and Ivory Coast; we can play well, but not in the same way. We have to execute our tasks and tactical duties. The team has been improving all aspects and honing details. We need to take the step as visitors and host,” he said.
“We have been working hard, and we have confidence in the work the coach is doing. We know Leone Stars is a good team, desperate to qualify for the AFCON 2025 in Morocco. With these crops of players, I am very hopeful that we will win both our final games against Chad and Zambia.
