Sierra Leone secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in their Group A World Cup qualifiers, giving themselves a slim possibility of reaching the playoffs.
Momoh I Kamara scored for Sierra Leone in the 37th minute, capitalising on a smart pass from Sallieu Tarawallie. Substitute Alhassah Koroma sealed the victory for the home team in extra time.
Blackburn Rovers attacker Kargbo came close for Sierra Leone with his strike, which hit the crossbar before flying over.
The host enjoyed much possession in the opening exchanges at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, with Blackburn Rovers winger Augustus Kargbo, Momoh Kamara and skipper Mustapha Bundu being the most dangerous in attack and making life difficult for the Ethiopians.
Under a sunny sky at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, the hosts displayed promising moments against their opponents, effectively controlling and moving the ball all around the pitch.
Head coach Mohamed Kallon made five changes to his squad that were held in Guinea-Boissau 1-1 last Thursday, aiming to maximise his squad as the likes of Kei Kamara, Buya Turay, and Alhassan Koroma all named on the bench as Leone Stars settled with a 1-0 lead in the first half.
After the recess, the visitors tried many tactics but couldn’t find the back of the net. Sierra Leone’s Buya Turay nearly scored from a direct free kick, as the ball hit the crossbar and went over.
Alhassan Koroma finally got the second for the Leone Stars in extra time, sending the fans into ecstasy.
These three vital points are crucial for coach Kallon’s team as they prepare to challenge Burkina Faso and Djibouti in October for the final two matches of the qualifiers.
Egypt is leading Group A with 19 points, followed by Burkina Faso with 14 points and Sierra Leone with 12 points. Guinea-Bissau is in fourth place after their recent 2-0 win over Djibouti, which is at the bottom of the table with only 1 point.
Substitutions
90+3 substitution for Sierra Leone. Mohamed Billoh Kabba comes on for Emmanuel Samadia.
90+3 substitution for Sierra Leone. Musa Kamara comes on for Saidu Fofanah.
76′ Substitution for Ethiopia. Dawa Hotessa comes on for Wogene Gezahegn.
70′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Mohamed Buya Turay comes on for Momoh Kamara.
70′ substitution for Ethiopia. Suleiman Hamid comes on for Bereket Desta.
64′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Alhassan Koroma comes on for Mustapha Bundu.
64′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Comes on for Augustus Kargbo.
46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Ahmed Reshid comes on for Asrat Tonjo.
46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Kenean Markneh comes on for Abdulkerim Worku.
46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Bereket Wolde comes on for Mohammed Abera.
