Chad and Sierra Leone neutralized each other with a score of 1-1 during their confrontation for the qualifications of the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025, Wednesday evening at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
In a contested and tension-filled encounter, both teams failed to take the lead, leaving the Leone Stars with fragile qualification hopes.
This result in Group G ensures the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, reigning champions, their place for the next edition of the CAN in Morocco. Indeed, they can no longer be caught up by Sierra Leone, which remains in third position.
With nine points and the head of the group, the Elephants are at least assured of finishing in second place, while Sierra Leone, four points from first place and with only one match to play, sees their chances of qualifying. diminish.
The Leone Stars, however, took the lead in the 29th minute thanks to a strike from outside the area by Abu Dumbuya. His powerful shot lodged in the left corner, giving the visitors the initial advantage.
The goal galvanized Sierra Leone, who were trying to consolidate their position in the group and stay in the race for qualification.
Chad reacted quickly, five minutes later, when a foul in the area on Marius Mouandilmadji gave the Chadians a penalty.
Mahamat Thiam did not tremble when shooting and placed the ball in the top corner to put the teams level, 1-1.
The second half saw both teams intensify their efforts to secure the winning goal, with Sierra Leone particularly attacking and several chances up for grabs.
In the 64th minute, Kei Kamara, the experienced scorer, tried his luck with a header, but the Chadian goalkeeper made a decisive save to preserve the score.
Substitutes Issa Kallon and Sullay Kaikai added late pressure for Sierra Leone, but their attempts were saved.
Despite the Leone Stars’ late onslaught, Chad held on, securing their third draw of this qualifying campaign.
With five points from five games, Sierra Leone remains in third position in Group G, while Chad still brings up the rear with three points.
This draw complicates the qualification ambitions of Sierra Leone, which now depends on the results of the other teams in the group to hope to qualify.
