Sierra Leone staged a second-half comeback to share spoils with Guinea-Bissau in their matchday two 2023 Group A Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in the Guinean capital on Monday.

Both West African nations played to a 2-2 draw, and as a result, Sierra Leone placed third in the group after their two opening games.

The Leone Stars started well but wasted a couple of chances in their exchanges with Amadou Bakayoko, and Musa Kamara missed possible goal opportunities.

Coming into the tie after their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria, the Leone Stars were fully aware that it was a must-win to revive qualifying hopes, but the visitors stood firm to a goalless first half.

In the second half, two quick goals from the Djurtus through Jorge Fernando Barbosa Intima in the 47 and 52nd minutes, respectively – dismantled the host team.

In the 55th-min, Guinea-Bissau was reduced to 10 men as defender Zidane was sent off for a dangerous foul on Bolton Wanderers strike Amadou Bakayoko just outside the box.

In the 72nd minute, Sierra Leone missed a glorious opportunity to reduce the deficit from the spot when Substitute Augustus Kargbo was brought down, but Musa Noah Kamara missed the spot-kick.

Sierra Leone finally rallies a goal in the 77th minute after Augustus Kargbo dribbles his marker from the left wing to score a carpeted shot into the left-hand corner.

The home team completed their comeback through Musa Noah Kamara, who drew parity for the Leone Stars in the 88th-minute.

Sierra Leone coach John Keister made three changes to his side that lost in Nigeria on Thursday. 

The draw means Guinea-Bissau are now on four points and occupies second place. Nigeria, who thrashed Sao Tome 10-0 in Morocco Stade d Agadir top Group A.

Guinea-Bissau will be guests to the Super Eagles for their third group game in September this year. Sierra Leone will go up against Sao Tome at home and away. 

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Sierra Leone coach John Keister has made three changes to his starting team for their match day two African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau this afternoon in Guinea.

The double strike force, Bolton Wanderers’ striker Amadou Bakayoko and national top scorer Musa Noah Kamara will lead the Leone Stars front against Guinea-Bissau Djurtus at the General Lansana Conté stadium on Monday.

The matchday two contest will kick off at 4 pm local time as Sierra Leone search for their first win in the African Cup of Nations Group A qualifiers.

Jonathan Morsay, who scored his first goal against Nigeria at the MKO Abiola on Thursday, was named on the bench as Kwame Quee is back in.

Defensive midfielder John Kamara has been left out of the sqaud as coach John Keister decided to accommodate two strikers in his first team.

In defence, IK Sirius left-back Kevin Wright is in for Emanuel Samadia, but Steven Caulker, Alie Sesay and Osman Kakay kept their places.

The Leone Stars must secure a good result against the Djurtus, who has become a regular in the final stages of the AFCON since 2017 after taking part in the last three editions.

Without a doubt, Nigeria deemed a Group A favourite, whilst the second-place battle is between Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

Both coaches are optimistic about winning the contest. Sierra Leone coach John Keister noted they’re expecting a tight game.

“I think it is a tough match, but we are looking to bounce back after the defeat to Nigeria. There are no longer minors in African football, there are no more easy games, but we’re looking forward to starting our winning ways in this match.”

The Djurtus coach Candé admitted his respect for the Sierra Leone team but looking to guide his side to their second win in the group.

“I respected the Sierra Leone team because they are a strong side,” Coach Candé said in the pre-match press conference.

Candé, 55, added that the tie is a difficult match. However, they are ready.

The two sides last played to a goalless draw during the FIFA World Cup 1st round 2nd leg in qualifier Bissau 17th November 2007 as Sierra Leone won the first leg in Freetown 1-0.

Elsewhere, Sao Tome will host Nigeria at the Stade d’ Agadir in Morocco 2 pm kick-off. The Super Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign with a 2-1 victory.

Sierra Leone starting XI #Matchday2#AFCON2023Q #FSLMedia #SierraLeone #GroupA #Leonestars
Lansana Conté General Stadium – Conakry, Guinea 06/13/2020#SaloneTwitter @bittar32 @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/1Jf7Iyuct8

— FSL News website (@football_sierra) June 13, 2022

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Sierra Leone skipper Steven Caulker has said Leone Stars remain ‘optimistic’ as they prepare for Guinea Bissau in match day two of the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

After the 2-1 defeat to Nigeria at the MOK Abiola Stadium on Thursday, Sierra Leone is back in the Guinean Capital ahead of match day two crucial confrontation. 

Guinea-Bissau Djurtus have never defeated Sierra Leone at the senior level after twelve meetings, the Leone Stars with the advantage of seven wins and five draws. 

The Fenerbahçe defender is fully aware that the Monday game is as big as the Nigeria task, especially after Djurtus’s 5-1 win over Sao Tome. 

“I am excited about the future lots of positives to take from our first game against a strong Nigerian side. I thoughts we played well in patches,” Caulker told footballsierraleone.net. 

“I thought we moved the ball quite well at some stage with lots of possessions. We showcase that at times, but there is still room for improvement. I felt that if we had that belief, we could have stayed high trying to win the game,” 

“There were obvious signs of progress as we show that on the pitch. We probably lacked just a little bit of self-belief. We dropped a little bit too deep.” 

Caulker noted that the team must continue working in training to get a result. ‘When we get a positive result, belief and self-confidence will build up in these qualifiers.’ 

“We know it’s not an easy game against a tough Guinea-Bissau side. They have shown themselves well in their last game. So, it is a challenge, but I am confident, with the group that we got, we can get a result.” 

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