Sierra Leone’s hopes of advancing in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers were dashed as the national team played to a 1-1 draw with Liberia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.

The result saw Liberia progress with a 3-2 aggregate score, following their 2-1 victory in the first leg.

The fixture opened with promise for Sierra Leone, as forward Momoh Lappo Dumbuya struck in the 22nd minute, handing his team an early lead and narrowing the aggregate deficit. However, Liberia’s Lawrence Kumeh leveled the score just seven minutes into the second half, delivering the equalizer in the 52nd minute that secured Liberia’s path forward. Despite Sierra Leone’s pressing efforts, they were unable to reclaim the lead, leaving the aggregate score in Liberia’s favor.

Both qualifiers were held in Monrovia, Liberia, where the Lone Stars capitalized on their home advantage, solidifying their place in the next round of the tournament and sending Sierra Leone’s campaign to an early end.