AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Zimbabwe stun Sierra Leone with incredible comeback

Zimbabwe produced a remarkable second-half turnaround to beat Sierra Leone 3-2 in a thrilling opening Group E encounter in the race for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Warriors appeared destined for defeat after Sierra Leone dominated the opening half and built a commanding two-goal advantage on home soil.

But Zimbabwe returned after the break with a different approach, increasing the tempo and attacking with greater purpose. Their persistence eventually paid off as they scored three times in the final 18 minutes to complete a stunning comeback and leave the home crowd stunned.

Sierra Leone take control

Sierra Leone wasted little time asserting their authority and exposed weaknesses in the Zimbabwe defence from the outset.

The hosts broke the deadlock after just seven minutes when Alie Conteh found room inside the penalty area before calmly finishing to give the Leone Stars an early lead.

The goal further encouraged Sierra Leone, who continued to exploit the flanks with pace and stretched Zimbabwe’s defensive shape.

Their pressure produced a second goal in the 27th minute. Sallieu Tarawallie reacted quickest to a loose ball following a set-piece and unleashed a powerful effort that beat the Zimbabwe goalkeeper.

With Sierra Leone firmly in control and holding a 2-0 advantage, the hosts went into the interval seemingly on course for a comfortable victory.

Munetsi sparks Warriors revival

Zimbabwe returned from the break with renewed urgency and began to dictate the contest, forcing Sierra Leone deeper and creating sustained pressure around the hosts’ penalty area.

The Warriors had to wait until the 72nd minute for their reward, but Marshall Munetsi finally gave them a route back into the match.

The midfielder rose above the defence to power a header into the net, cutting Sierra Leone’s lead to 2-1 and immediately changing the complexion of the game.

Zimbabwe sensed an opportunity and continued pushing forward.

Only five minutes after Munetsi’s goal, Tawanda Chirewa completed the comeback with an outstanding individual effort to draw the visitors level.

The momentum had shifted dramatically, with Sierra Leone suddenly struggling to contain a Zimbabwe side that had looked beaten at half-time.

Munetsi completes dramatic turnaround

The closing stages descended into an open contest as both teams pushed for a decisive third goal.

Zimbabwe, however, maintained their attacking intent and were rewarded in the 89th minute.

Munetsi once again emerged as the match-winner, finding space inside the penalty area before smashing the ball into the net for his second goal of the night.

The late strike completed Zimbabwe’s remarkable transformation from two goals down and secured a vital three points away from home.

Sierra Leone had looked firmly in control for much of the first half, but Zimbabwe’s response after the interval ultimately proved decisive.

The Warriors’ victory gives them an early boost in Group E as the battle for qualification to the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania begins.