Sierra Leone’s hopes of reaching the 2023 African Cup of Nations were dented by visiting São Tomé, who twice took the lead in the 2-2 draw at the Adrar Stadium in Wednesday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier.
As a result, the Central African nation claimed their first point in Group A (though they remain bottom of the standings), while the Leone Stars are just one point ahead in third place.
Bo Rangers striker Abu Komeh, who was making his Sierra Leone debut, got the perfect introduction. Komeh draws parity for Sierra Leone through Alhaji Kamara’s assist.
After a few half chances wasted in the opening minutes from the home team, São Tomé broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Luis Leal Dos Anjos, who collected a fine past of the left for a tap-in.
It could have been worst when the visitors were awarded a free kick late in the first half that deflected on the wall for a corner.
Abubakarr Samura’s header in the last minute of additional first-half extra time was calmly collected by the Sao Tome keeper as it ended 1-0 in the visitors’ favour.
After the recess, Sierra Leone got themselves back into the game with a leveller from Mustapha Bundu, who was in the area at the right time after Sao Tome’s keeper and defender failed to clear their lines.
The Leone Stars were top of the game after their equaliser missed a couple of chances. 55th-minute Sullay Kaikai could have put Sierra Leone ahead but missed his shot.
Bundu missed another brilliant chance shooting just wide that could have been his second of the day in the 56-minute.
Against the run of play, São Tomé took the lead for the second time as Luis Leal Dos Anjos completed his brace in the 59 minutes before Abu Komeh’s 78th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for the host.
The 45,000 seater Grand Stade Adrar Agadir in Morocco will host the second leg match day four of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification on 26 March.
Group A leaders Nigeria on six points, battle second place Guinea-Bissauon four points will meet in Abuja on Friday.
Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and African News.
Related Articles
Augustine Williams was pleased to be named to USL Team of the Week
The Sierra Leone international scored both goals in Battery's 2-0 victory at Rio Grande Valley FC, recording four shots overall and completing 16 of 22 passes for the visitors. He has started brightly in this campaign. The 25-year-old has scored eights goal in his...
Rodney Michael nets first FK Mornar goal in playoff
"Delighted to get my first goal in such a big game. The club president and coaches emphasized how important these last two games are in the clubs' history," the attacking midfielder told FSL News. "To be able to score and assist last night was great, but what I am...
Coventry City confirm Fankaty Dabo’s release
Sierra Leone native Fankaty Dabo has been released by championship side Coventry City a few after they failed to qualify to the Premier League. The news comes just three days after he missed the deciding penalty in their Championship play-off final defeat to Luton on...
Sierra Leone’s winger Kallon nets in Shanghai Port’s win
Sierra Leone’s winger Issa Kallon was on target as Shanghái Port recorded their fifth straight victory in the Chinese Super League Changchun Sports Center in the 10th round of the Super League. Kallon, 27, scored his first of the season and Shanghái Port's opener in...
Sierra Leone | Highlights -