Striker Amadou Bakayoko’s fantastic goal saved a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. He came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.
Burkina Faso had a strong start, with Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, making a couple of good saves. The Stallions also hit the post through their top striker, Lassina Traoré.
But a strong show from the Leone Stars saw Burkina Faso lose a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali on Monday.
The Leone Stars were under pressure from the start and conceded in the 42nd minute when Dango Ouattara beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara to make it 1-0 to Burkina Faso after being set up by Stephane Aziz Ki.
The Stallions maintained their momentum after scoring the opening goal and extended their lead through Lassina Traore in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a penalty. Burkina Faso led 2-0 at the break.
Despite this, the visitors managed to score against the run of play in the 58th minute when Augustus Kargbo found the net, narrowing the score to 2-1.
The Comeback
In a strategic move, Coach Amidu Karim introduced Amadou Bakayoko with four minutes left, and the 28-year-old proved to be an inspired substitute by scoring in the 88th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place as Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.
Looking ahead, the Stallions will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while the Leone Stars will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.
Burkina Faso (2) 2 (Ouattara 41′, L. Traore 45’+2)
Sierra Leone (0) 2 (Kargbo 58′, Bakayoko 88′)
Burkina Faso: Nikiema, Tapsoba, Nagalo, Yago, Ouedraogo, Banse, Ki (Sampore 69′), Badolo (Toure 89′), Bande (H. Traore 80′), Ouattara (Bouda 88′), L. Traore (Konate 69′).
Sierra Leone: M. N Kamara, Kakay, Samadia (R Michael 86′), Kabia, Davies, Dumbuya (Conteh 69′), Alhassa Koroma, Alh Koroma, Kanu (Bakayoko 86′), Kaikai (Bundu 69′), Kargbo (J. Koroma 78′).
