The dates and venues for the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches between Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone have been officially confirmed. The two teams will face each other in a doubleheader that could prove decisive in their quest for a spot in the tournament.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced on Tuesday that the first leg will be held on October 11 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire.
This marks the third matchday of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers and is a crucial opportunity for the Elephants to extend their perfect start in Group G.
The return leg between Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone is scheduled for four days later, on October 15, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.
There had been initial uncertainty regarding the venue, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially sanctioned the Liberian stadium for the match, making it the confirmed location for this critical fourth-round clash.
The decision to host the game in Liberia is a significant one, as the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, located in Sierra Leone’s neighboring country, will serve as a neutral venue.
This arrangement reflects the geographical closeness of the two nations and the existing footballing infrastructure in Liberia.
Côte d’Ivoire, led by head coach Emerse Faé, has enjoyed a flawless campaign in the opening two rounds of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
The Elephants have collected maximum points, defeating Zambia 2-0 and Chad 2-0, placing them firmly at the top of Group G with six points.
As the host nation of the upcoming AFCON tournament, set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Côte d’Ivoire is determined to maintain its momentum.
A win in either of the upcoming matches against Sierra Leone would all but secure their qualification for the tournament’s final phase, ensuring they maintain their position as one of the dominant forces in African football.
For Sierra Leone, this doubleheader presents a crucial test.
Currently lagging behind Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia in Group G, the Leone Stars are in desperate need of points to keep their qualification hopes alive.
A failure to secure a favorable result in either of these two encounters could effectively end their campaign, leaving them out of contention for a spot in AFCON 2025.
The Leone Stars are well aware of the task ahead, and with the pressure mounting, the team will be relying on strong performances both at home in Monrovia and away in San Pedro.
A win or even a draw could give them a lifeline in their pursuit of qualification.
Group G remains a closely contested pool, with Côte d’Ivoire leading the pack, followed by Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Chad.
With only two rounds played, there is still room for movement in the standings.
However, the Elephants, with their perfect record, are the team to beat, and their rivals will need to deliver something special to topple them.
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If Côte d’Ivoire can keep another clean sheet and secure six points from this doubleheader, their qualification for AFCON 2025 will be all but guaranteed.
For Sierra Leone, a strong performance is essential if they are to keep their hopes alive in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive qualifying campaign.
Both teams will now prepare for what promises to be an intense and decisive round of fixtures in October, with their sights firmly set on AFCON 2025.
