Sierra Leone’s Hassan Malik Mansaray remains optimistic despite his team’s 2-1 defeat to Benin in the first leg of their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) women’s qualifiers.
The match, played on February 20 at the Kégué Stadium, saw Benin secure a narrow advantage, but Mansaray is confident his side can overturn the result in the return leg on February 24 in Monrovia.
Speaking after the match, the Sierra Leone head coach emphasized the importance of the away goal and the challenges his players faced on an unfamiliar playing surface.
We will try to capitalize on the goal we scored here away.
It was not easy for the players who played on natural grass.
Our players are not used to playing on natural grass, but in the return match at home, we promise victory, Mansaray said.
A crucial away goal keeps Sierra Leone in the contest
Despite the defeat, Mansaray believes the away goal could be decisive in their bid for qualification.
Scoring a goal for us is a considerable advantage,” he stated, highlighting the continued relevance of the away goals rule in the qualifiers.
The coach pointed to past encounters between Sierra Leone and Benin in men’s football, where Sierra Leone had successfully overturned first-leg deficits.
We have already played Benin in other areas, not necessarily in the women’s game.
And we were able to beat them in the return match to qualify.
So it is a similar situation here, and I think we have our say in the return match, Mansaray added.
Sierra Leone Gearing up for a determined comeback
With the return leg set to take place in Monrovia, Sierra Leone will be eager to make the most of familiar conditions and home support.
The Leone Stars’ coaching staff will be looking to refine their tactical approach to exploit any weaknesses in Benin’s defense.
Mansaray’s comments reflect a determined mindset within the squad, as they prepare to battle for a place in the next round of AFCON 2026 qualification.
With a crucial goal already secured away from home, Sierra Leone will be banking on their attacking strength and resilience to overturn the deficit and keep their qualification hopes alive.
