Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim is determined to end his team’s AFCON qualification campaign on a high note, despite failing to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Leone Stars will face Zambia in their final Group G match on Tuesday in the Liberian capital, a game that has no impact on the standings, as both Zambia and Ivory Coast have already qualified.
Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes were ended after a 1-1 draw with Chad and Zambia’s victory over Ivory Coast. But Karim is focused on finishing strong.
“We are disappointed as technical staff and as a head coach for not making it to Morocco this time. Nonetheless, we want to assure our people and fans that we will fight and give our best against a difficult Zambia side,” Karim said ahead of the game.
“Just because we have been eliminated does not mean we cannot give our all for the people of Sierra Leone. We need to finish the group strongly, which means securing a positive result against Zambia.”
Sierra Leone will be without captain Steven Caulker and veteran striker Kei Kamara, with injuries likely prompting changes to the lineup.
With only a few matches left in the qualifiers, 21 teams have already secured their places for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
