Zimbabwe complete stunning comeback to beat Sierra Leone 3-2 in CAN 2027 qualifying

Zimbabwe overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Sierra Leone 3-2 in a dramatic opening match of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

The Warriors appeared to be heading for a difficult start after conceding twice inside the first 27 minutes. Alie Conteh put Sierra Leone ahead in the seventh minute, before Sallieu Tarawallie added a second in the 27th.

That left the Leone Stars in a strong position at half-time, with Zimbabwe facing the task of recovering from a 2-0 deficit.

The match changed after the interval, however, as Zimbabwe began to take control of the contest. Marshall Munetsi pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute, giving the Warriors renewed hope.

Only four minutes later, Tawanda Chirewa completed the comeback by making it 2-2. Zimbabwe had recovered from a position of considerable difficulty and were now pushing for a winning goal.

The decisive moment came in the 88th minute. Munetsi struck again to complete his double and give Zimbabwe a remarkable 3-2 victory.

The result gives the Warriors three points from their opening Group E fixture and provides an ideal start to Ramon Catala’s first match in charge of Zimbabwe during these qualifiers.

Zimbabwe will return to action soon, with the Warriors scheduled to host RD Congo on 28 September.