The stage is set for an intense conclusion to Group G in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, as Zambia squares off against Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex this Tuesday. While Sierra Leone’s hopes for qualification have been extinguished, the Chipolopolo of Zambia are poised to battle for supremacy in the group standings, aiming for a top finish in their final match.
For Sierra Leone, the dream of competing in AFCON 2025 officially came to an end last Wednesday. In a must-win encounter against Chad at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw, a result that crushed their slim hopes of advancing.
The Leone Stars got off to a promising start in that match, with Abu Dumbuya opening the scoring in the 29th minute. However, their lead was short-lived, as Chad equalized just five minutes later through a Mahamat Thiam penalty, restoring balance to the contest. Despite moments of promise, Sierra Leone could not capitalize on opportunities to secure a much-needed victory.
The draw against Chad was emblematic of Sierra Leone's underwhelming qualifying campaign. After managing just one point in their first three games, they finally showed some resilience in mid-October, earning a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ivory Coast thanks to a decisive goal from Amadou Bakayoko. However, this solitary victory proved insufficient to revive their qualification bid.
Now sitting in third place in the Group G standings with just five points from five matches, Sierra Leone finds itself four points behind second-placed Ivory Coast. As a result, Amidu Karim’s side is consigned to missing out on their second consecutive AFCON tournament, having also failed to qualify for the 2023 edition.
On the other side of the spectrum, Zambia enters the group finale on the back of a remarkable campaign. The Chipolopolo secured a pivotal 1-0 win over Ivory Coast in a high-stakes clash last Friday, catapulting them to the top of the group standings and placing them in the driver’s seat for a first-place finish.
The victory over Ivory Coast was a testament to Zambia’s determination and tactical discipline. In a tightly contested match at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Kennedy Musonda emerged as the hero, scoring the only goal of the game just before halftime. His decisive strike not only handed Ivory Coast their second consecutive defeat but also highlighted Zambia's ability to perform under pressure.
Zambia’s road to the top of Group G has been marked by resilience and consistency. Although their campaign began with a setback—a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast in September’s opening round—Avram Grant’s side quickly regrouped to establish themselves as strong contenders.
In their subsequent four matches, Zambia recorded three wins, scoring five goals and keeping an impressive three clean sheets along the way. Their only stumble during this period came in a goalless draw against Chad on October 11, a result that temporarily slowed their momentum.
One of the standout aspects of Zambia's campaign has been their defensive solidity. The Chipolopolo have demonstrated an ability to shut out opponents, a quality that has served them well in tight matches. Their ability to secure crucial wins, such as the one against Ivory Coast, has been instrumental in their rise to the summit of the group standings.
With 10 points from five matches, Zambia currently holds a one-point lead over Ivory Coast, their nearest rivals. This slim margin underscores the importance of their final game against Sierra Leone. A victory would not only ensure Zambia finishes as group winners but also solidify their status as one of the teams to watch in next year’s tournament in Morocco.
For Sierra Leone, the AFCON 2025 qualifiers have been a story of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. After a disappointing start to their campaign, the Leone Stars struggled to find consistency, which ultimately cost them a chance to compete in Morocco.
Their lack of offensive firepower has been a recurring issue. In five matches, Sierra Leone has managed to score just three goals, highlighting their struggles in the final third. While players like Amadou Bakayoko and Abu Dumbuya have shown glimpses of brilliance, the team has often lacked the cutting edge needed to secure wins.
Defensively, Sierra Leone has also faced challenges. While they have managed to avoid heavy defeats, their inability to maintain leads or keep clean sheets has been a significant drawback. The draw against Chad, where they conceded a penalty shortly after taking the lead, is a prime example of this vulnerability.
Despite their struggles, Sierra Leone can take some positives from their campaign. The 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast was a moment of pride for the team and their fans, showcasing their ability to compete against strong opponents. Moving forward, the Leone Stars will need to build on these moments and address their weaknesses to improve their prospects in future competitions.
As Zambia and Sierra Leone prepare to face off on Tuesday, the historical record between the two teams favors the Chipolopolo. In their last three encounters, Zambia has emerged victorious twice, with the other match ending in a draw. This unbeaten run against Sierra Leone will undoubtedly boost Zambia’s confidence as they aim to secure the top spot in Group G.
Zambia’s superior form and track record make them favorites heading into this match. However, Sierra Leone, playing without the pressure of qualification on the line, could prove to be a tricky opponent. With pride and redemption at stake, the Leone Stars may look to end their campaign on a high note by upsetting the group leaders.
For Zambia, Kennedy Musonda will be a player to keep an eye on. The Young African Sports Club forward has been in fine form, with his match-winning goal against Ivory Coast highlighting his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Musonda’s pace, skill, and composure in front of goal make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
In midfield, Zambia will rely on their captain and experienced playmaker, Enock Mwepu. Known for his vision and passing ability, Mwepu is the engine of Zambia’s attack, orchestrating plays and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Defensively, the Chipolopolo have been well-organized, with goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata and center-backs Tandi Mwape and Dominic Chanda forming a solid backbone. Their ability to maintain clean sheets will be crucial against a Sierra Leone side eager to salvage some pride.
On the Sierra Leonean side, Amadou Bakayoko and Abu Dumbuya are the standout players. Bakayoko’s goal against Ivory Coast demonstrated his ability to seize key moments, while Dumbuya’s attacking instincts and creativity make him a dangerous player in the final third.
The significance of Tuesday’s match cannot be overstated for Zambia. While their qualification for AFCON 2025 is already secured, finishing as group winners would provide a psychological boost ahead of the tournament. Topping Group G would also reinforce Zambia’s reputation as a rising force in African football, capable of competing with the continent’s best teams.
For Avram Grant and his players, the match against Sierra Leone represents an opportunity to send a statement of intent to their future opponents. A dominant performance and a victory would underline their credentials as serious contenders for the AFCON title.
As the curtain falls on the Group G qualifiers, all eyes will be on the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, where Zambia and Sierra Leone will battle for contrasting objectives. For Zambia, it’s about consolidating their position as group leaders and preparing for the challenges ahead in Morocco. For Sierra Leone, it’s a chance to restore pride and finish their campaign on a positive note.
While Zambia enters the match as favorites, the unpredictable nature of football means that Sierra Leone could spring a surprise. Regardless of the outcome, this clash promises to be a compelling contest, filled with moments of drama and excitement.
As fans from both nations and across Africa tune in, the match will serve as a fitting conclusion to an eventful Group G campaign, highlighting the passion and competitiveness that make the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers so special.