Sierra Leone to Host CAN Qualifier Against Cameroon in Yaoundé Amid Ebola Crisis
Sierra Leone will host their upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifier against Cameroon in the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé, due to continued health concerns surrounding the Ebola virus in West Africa.
The decision follows a meeting last Saturday in Addis Ababa, where the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the extension of its ban on hosting international matches in countries affected by the Ebola outbreak, including Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. The measure aims to protect players, officials, and supporters from the deadly virus, which continues to claim lives across the region.
Initially scheduled to play the Indomitable Lions at home, Sierra Leone has opted to shift the fixture to Yaoundé for logistical and financial reasons. “The president of the Sierra Leone Football Federation contacted us to play her first leg in Yaoundé. We informed the Minister of Sports and Physical Education of this. He gave his agreement,” confirmed the Secretary General of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
While the move provides Sierra Leone with a cost-effective solution amid challenging circumstances, it has sparked concern among other teams in Group D. Hosting a match on Cameroonian soil could offer the Lions a significant advantage, even though they are technically the away team. This has raised questions about the competitive fairness of the group stage fixtures.
Originally, the fixture was slated to take place in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, a neutral venue. But financial constraints have led Sierra Leone to pursue alternatives closer and more feasible to arrange. The country, whose football infrastructure and public gatherings have been severely affected by the health crisis, continues to grapple with the fallout from the pandemic.
CAF has yet to officially approve the proposed venue change. A decision is expected soon, as the qualifier approaches.
Sierra Leone currently faces an uphill battle in the qualifying campaign, while Cameroon leads the group and remains unbeaten. Despite the unusual circumstances, both teams are preparing intensely, aware of the high stakes in a tightly contested group.
The Ebola crisis continues to cast a shadow over African football, with CAF closely monitoring the situation and prioritising public health as it navigates unprecedented logistical challenges.
