East End Lions and AFAD set for decisive CAF Confederation Cup second leg

East End Lions and AFAD meet in Monrovia on Saturday, 12 September, with their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary-round tie finely poised at 1-1.

The second leg will begin at 16:00 GMT at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, where both sides will be aiming to secure their place in the next round.

East End Lions will take confidence from holding AFAD to a draw in the first leg in Cote d’Ivoire. The Sierra Leonean club returned from Abidjan with a result that leaves the qualification contest open and gives them home advantage for the deciding match.

AFAD, meanwhile, must find a way to score away from home if they are to put themselves in a stronger position to progress. The balanced nature of the opening encounter means both teams now have a clearer understanding of their opponents.

The key question is whether East End Lions can control the match without becoming rushed in their approach. If they establish territorial dominance, they will need to turn it into clear goalscoring opportunities rather than possession alone.

AFAD are likely to focus on staying compact and disciplined, while looking to exploit any space left by the hosts when they commit players forward. With no decisive advantage separating the teams after the first leg, the outcome could depend on their ability to manage the finer details.

Attacking efficiency and defensive resilience are expected to play a central role in deciding which side advances. The second leg kicks off at 16:00 GMT in Monrovia.