The local national football team enters the fray this Sunday in Monrovia against Liberia, as part of the first leg of the qualifying play-offs for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled for February 1 to 28 in Kenya, in Tanzania and Uganda.
The local Lions, under the leadership of Souleymane Diallo, benefited from more than two months of preparation. However, no international friendly match was played during this period, a choice which could weigh against experienced opponents.
For his baptism of fire as national coach, Souleymane Diallo said he was satisfied with the work accomplished with his group. “We have had rigorous preparation, and the team’s spirit is high,” he said. Former coach of Teungueth FC and Guédiawaye FC, Diallo hopes to respond to the confidence placed in him by the federal authorities by defending the continental title.
Liberia, who will play at home in front of their home crowd at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium (SKD) in Monrovia, will look to take the advantage before the return match scheduled for Saturday, December 28. For their part, the local Lions, CHAN title holders, are aiming for a solid performance to retain their crown.
The two teams know each other well. During the CHAN 2023 qualifiers, Senegal won (3-0) in Monrovia before losing (1-2) at home. A context which adds a particular dimension to this confrontation.
The match will be led by a Malian refereeing trio composed of central referee Ousmane Diakité, assisted by Baba Yomboliba and Souleymane Traoré.
With a recent past marked by disputed clashes, this double confrontation promises to be a decisive test for Souleymane Diallo and his men in their quest to remain at the top of local African football.
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