Equatorial Guinea secured a 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on September 28, 2026. The only goal of the game was scored by Loren Zúñiga in the opening minute, giving Equatorial Guinea an early lead that they maintained until the final whistle. This win comes as Sierra Leone sought their first points of the qualifying campaign following a 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe in their opening Group E fixture.
Sierra Leone, known as the Leone Stars, had started their qualifying campaign on a disappointing note. They had taken a 2-0 lead against Zimbabwe through Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie, but conceded three second-half goals, resulting in a 3-2 defeat. The team struggled to create scoring opportunities against Equatorial Guinea, with the hosts recording four attempts and one goal, while Sierra Leone failed to seriously threaten their opponents' goal.
The match produced few clear scoring chances, reflecting the tight defensive performances of both teams. Despite this, Equatorial Guinea's early goal proved decisive. The result leaves Sierra Leone still searching for their first points in the qualifying campaign. They are scheduled to face São Tomé and Príncipe in their next home-and-away qualifying fixtures, while Equatorial Guinea will play Liberia in their next two matches.
This defeat extends Sierra Leone's wait for a win in AFCON qualifying. According to the match report, the Leone Stars had gone eight qualifying matches without a victory, recording six defeats and two draws since June 2023. The team's struggles in qualifying have raised concerns among fans and pundits, with some calling for changes in the team's leadership.
Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea have a history of competitive encounters. Their most recent previous meeting was at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, played in January 2022, when Equatorial Guinea also won 1-0. The Leone Stars are eager to break their jinx and secure a win in the qualifying campaign to boost their chances of advancing to the tournament.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and the team's fans are under pressure to turn the team's fortunes around. The defeat has sparked criticism of the team's coach, with some fans expressing disappointment and calling for his resignation. The team's next matches will be crucial in determining their prospects in the qualifying campaign.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is ongoing, with teams competing for a spot in the tournament. Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea are part of Group E, along with Zimbabwe, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Liberia. The competition is expected to intensify as the teams face each other in their home and away fixtures.
Key points
- Equatorial Guinea's Loren Zúñiga scored the only goal of the game in the opening minute.
- Sierra Leone has gone eight qualifying matches without a win, recording six defeats and two draws since June 2023.
- The Leone Stars will face São Tomé and Príncipe in their next home-and-away qualifying fixtures.
