Leone Stars Begin Recovery After 3-2 Defeat to Zimbabwe in AFCON Qualifier
Sahid Bangura Leone Stars returned to work in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, holding a physical fitness and recovery session as they look to regroup from their opening defeat and prepare for Monday’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Equatorial Guinea.
The session comes after Sierra Leone suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Zimbabwe in their opening Group E encounter on Thursday in El Jadida, Morocco.
Sierra Leone appeared firmly in control during the first half after Alie Conteh opened the scoring in the seventh minute, before Sallieu Tarawallie doubled the advantage in the 27th minute, giving Leone Stars a 2-0 lead at the break.
Zimbabwe, however, produced a strong second-half comeback. Marshall Munetsi scored twice, while Tawanda Chirewa added another goal as the Warriors overturned the deficit to claim all three points.
There was also encouraging news from the Leone Stars camp regarding Alhassan Koroma and Abdulai Juma Bah, who were both withdrawn during Thursday’s match after sustaining minor injuries.
The pair are reportedly making good progress in their recovery and are expected to continue rehabilitation ahead of Monday’s encounter.
The technical team will be hoping both players recover in time to be considered for selection against Equatorial Guinea.
Following the opening round of matches, Sierra Leone sit at the bottom of Group E without a point.
The Democratic Republic of Congo opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, while Zimbabwe’s comeback victory over Sierra Leone also earned them three points.
That leaves both Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea searching for their first points when they meet in Yaoundé.
The encounter therefore presents an important opportunity for Leone Stars to respond immediately to their opening defeat and strengthen their position in the qualification race.
Sierra Leone will face Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé on Monday, September 28, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM local time.
With recovery now underway, the Leone Stars’ attention has shifted fully to regrouping and preparing for their second Group E fixture as they seek their first victory of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
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