Sierra Leone is out of the Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON 2021) after failing to secure the needed points to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Equatorial Guinea claimed a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone to book their passage to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The two teams went into their final group game with destiny in their own hands, with both knowing a win would guarantee their progress. There was not much in it, but the goal from Pablo Ganet was worthy of winning any contest.

Sierra Leone had a chance to find an equaliser which would in all probability have been enough to take them through as one of the best third-placed teams when Ganet brought down Issa Kallon in the box, but Kei Ansu Kamara’s spot kick was saved by Jesus Owono.

The Sierra Leone side lost their discipline as the match wore on, and Kwame Quee was sent off for a foul on Ganet.

Equatorial Guinea advanced from Group E in second place, behind Ivory Coast who beat Algeria 4-1.

The Leone Stars, making their first appearance at the Nations Cup since 1996, had drawn their first two games against defending champions Algeria and two-time winners Ivory Coast to give themselves a chance of going through.

Yet they struggled to create meaningful chances in Limbe, although Steven Caulker headed across goal and wide just after the hour mark as they sought an equaliser.

Sierra Leone had Kwame Quee sent off late on for a second bookable offence and their result, coupled with Algeria’s 3-1 defeat by Ivory Coast, means Tunisia and debutants Comoros are guaranteed their own spots in the knock-out stages.