Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone male national football team, the Leone Stars have never qualified for the finals of the FIFA World Cup, but their performances this year could land them a spot via a play-off route to the finals next year.
The Leone Stars chances became dimmer earlier this week after they drew with West African neighbours, Guinea-Bissau 1-1 in Group A.
The Group is currently led by Egypt sitting on 18 points, Burkina Faso in second place with 11 points and Sierra Leone carrying 8 points. Both Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau have 6 points each while group minnows, Djibouti are bottom with a single point.
For Sierra Leone to make the play-offs, they need a win against Ethiopia on Sunday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia (Sierra Leone’s home ground due to construction works at their national stadium in Freetown) and pray for a slip-up from Burkina Faso playing against Egypt on September 9.
The Stallions are also due to face Sierra Leone on October 6 in Monrovia before playing their final match against Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, the Leone Stars will play Ethiopia on September 9, Burkina Faso on October 6 before their final match against Djibouti on October 13.
The Leone Stars, at this point, cannot afford any slip-up and hope that Burkina Faso falter when they face Egypt, a better team at least on paper. The dynamics could sway to the Leone Stars, especially with a win against Ethiopia. This could reignited hope in the team as they prepare for Burkina Faso in their next fixture.
Coach Mohamed Kallon’s style of play is applauded by many but the sloppiness of the defence is one thing his team needs to work on. With his contract expiring in 2027, pundits believe that he has a good chance to shape this team into what he desires.
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