Sierra Leone strengthen World Cup hopes with win over Ethiopia

Sierra Leone boosted their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup playoffs with a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Tuesday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

The Leone Stars delivered a composed display in front of a supportive crowd, seizing their opportunities at decisive moments to claim all three points.

The win ensures they remain firmly in the hunt for a place in the African qualifying playoffs.

The early stages of the contest were evenly balanced, with both sides cautious in possession and intent on avoiding mistakes.

Ethiopia sought to impose themselves through short passing combinations, while Sierra Leone looked to use pace and physicality to unsettle their opponents. As the match developed, the hosts began to assert more control.

Their growing dominance was rewarded shortly before the interval. In the 37th minute, Momoh Kamara produced the breakthrough with a clinical volley, finishing off a well-worked move to ignite celebrations among the home supporters.

The goal gave Sierra Leone the confidence to push forward, while Ethiopia were left chasing the game.

Despite spells of pressure after the restart, the Ethiopian side struggled to find a way past a disciplined Sierra Leone defence.

Attempts to carve out clear chances were repeatedly thwarted by a backline that held its shape well and limited the visitors largely to efforts from distance.

As the game entered its closing stages, Ethiopia pressed higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser.

That urgency, however, left them exposed at the back, and Sierra Leone capitalised decisively. In the 90th minute, a poorly dealt-with corner from the Ethiopian goalkeeper gifted possession to Koroma, who raced forward at full speed and struck home the second goal to seal the win.

The late strike confirmed Sierra Leone’s control of the match and ensured there would be no way back for Ethiopia.

The final whistle was met with jubilation in the stands, as fans celebrated a victory that keeps their nation firmly in contention for a place in the next stage of qualifying.

The result underlined Sierra Leone’s growing maturity on the international stage. By combining defensive resilience with sharp attacking moments, the Leone Stars demonstrated both discipline and ambition.

Head coach and players alike will view the performance as proof that the team can compete effectively in tight contests and capitalise when opportunities arise.

For Ethiopia, the defeat marked a frustrating evening. While they managed to keep the game competitive for long periods, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly.

The missed opportunities and defensive lapse in stoppage time highlighted the challenges they face in keeping pace with the group’s stronger contenders.

With the victory, Sierra Leone remain alive in the race for a playoff spot, ensuring that the coming rounds will carry even greater significance. For the Leone Stars, belief is growing that qualification for the 2026 World Cup is within reach, provided they continue to perform with the same determination and efficiency displayed in Monrovia.