Ebola Outbreak Forces Suspension of Football in Sierra Leone, Threatening AFCON Qualifiers
Due to the dangerous spread of the Ebola virus, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has suspended all football matches in the country for at least one to two months to prevent mass gatherings and limit the epidemic’s spread.
This suspension casts doubt over Sierra Leone’s upcoming 2015 AFCON qualifier against DR Congo on September 10, part of Group D. The possibility of Sierra Leone withdrawing from the competition cannot be excluded.
The Leone Stars advanced after Seychelles forfeited the second leg of their qualifying tie, refusing to play at home amid fears of Ebola transmission, resulting in a 0-3 default loss and a 0-5 aggregate defeat for Seychelles.
CAF is currently in talks with the Sierra Leonean Federation and plans to delay any decisions for at least a week.
SLFA spokesperson Abu Bakarr Kamara remains hopeful, saying, “If the virus is not contained within a month, we will explore playing Group D matches at a neutral venue.”
