The Sierra Leone national football team, the Leone Stars, are brimming with confidence as they prepare to face Cote d’Ivoire in the upcoming AFCON qualifying matches.

The two teams will clash on October 11th at the Stade de Laurent Pokou Stadium in Ivory Coast, followed by a return fixture on October 15th at the SKD Sports Complex in Liberia.

The Leone Stars recently experienced a dip in the latest FIFA rankings, dropping three positions to 125th place globally.

The updated rankings, released by FIFA on September 19, 2024, reflect a loss of 14.74 points for Sierra Leone from July to September of this year. This decline also sees the team fall from 34th to 35th place among the 53 CAF nations.

The drop in ranking follows the Leone Stars’ recent struggles, with a winless streak in their last three international matches. The team recorded a 0-0 draw against Chad and a 3-2 loss to Zambia, raising concerns over their prospects for qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations.

Head coach Amidu Kamara, who has been under increasing scrutiny, has managed only two wins out of eight games since his appointment by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).

The Leone Stars are determined and aware of the challenges that lie ahead. However, with the unwavering support of the nation, the team believes they can overcome any obstacle and secure a place in the final tournament.

The national team is appealing to the public to continue their strong and unwavering support. The players believe that the nation’s belief in them will fuel their determination and help them achieve their goal of qualifying for the AFCON.