BREAKING: Leone Stars Throw Away Two-Goal Lead in Dramatic AFCON Qualifier Defeat
Aaron Parker Sierra Leone suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Zimbabwe in their opening Group A match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after surrendering a two-goal lead.
The Leone Stars made a strong start to the encounter, taking the lead in the seventh minute through Alie Conteh.
Sierra Leone doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Tarawally found the back of the net to put the Leone Stars 2-0 ahead.
However, Zimbabwe returned from the break with renewed intensity, piling pressure on Sierra Leone as they searched for a way back into the game.
Their efforts paid off in the 68th minute when Divine Lunga pulled one goal back to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Zimbabwe continued to press forward and were rewarded again in the 76th minute, with Chirewa scoring to level the match at 2-2.
The comeback was completed in the 89th minute when Corbin Mthunzi scored to give Zimbabwe a 3-2 victory and leave Sierra Leone empty-handed despite their early two-goal advantage.
The defeat leaves Sierra Leone third in Group A after the opening round of matches.
The Democratic Republic of Congo currently lead the group on three points after defeating Equatorial Guinea 2-0, while Zimbabwe occupy second place following their comeback victory over Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone will now look to respond in their next qualifying fixture as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.