Monrovia, Liberia – Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars strengthened their bid for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Tuesday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
The win, sealed with a dramatic stoppage-time goal, moves Sierra Leone to 12 points after eight matches, just two behind second-placed Burkina Faso, who will group leader Egypt later today.
The Leone Stars took control in the 37th minute when midfielder Ibrahim Kamarra fired home a powerful volley from inside the area, sending the traveling fans into celebration. The first half was otherwise cagey, with both sides struggling to carve out clear chances.
Ethiopia came out more aggressive after the break, dominating possession and testing Sierra Leone’s defence. However, goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara and his backline stood firm, frustrating the visitors’ efforts. Sierra Leone nearly doubled their lead in the 75th minute, but a well-taken free-kick struck the post.
With Ethiopia pressing for a late equalizer, the Leone Stars struck on the counter. In the 96th minute, a quick clearance from a corner set up Alhassan Komora, who raced past the Ethiopian defence and calmly slotted into an empty net as the goalkeeper was caught out of position. Moments later, the referee’s whistle confirmed Sierra Leone’s crucial 2-0 triumph.
This result keeps the Leone Stars’ qualification hopes alive ahead of their next decisive fixture at home against Burkina Faso on October 6. They will round off their group stage campaign with an away tie against bottom side Djibouti.
