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.

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Sierra Leone head coach John Keister (in Photo) has set his sight on reviving their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification with a win when they host Sao Tome & Principe at Stade Agadir in Morocco on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 17hrs GMT.

Third in Group A with just one point after a 2-2 draw against Guinea Bissau and a 2-1 defeat away to Nigeria, today’s match day three qualifier is a must-win for the West African side.

Something coach Keister is fully aware of after his AFCON experience in Cameroon. The Leone Stars have set their sights on back-to-back wins over Sao Tome to revitalise any hope of reaching Ivory Coast 2023.

Head coach John Keister said, “Going to Cameroon after 25 years (away from the competition) was probably the best thing that’s happened to Sierra Leone and Sierra Leone football in that period.” 

“It’s a challenge, but I love challenges. I want to carry on working and hopefully get the right group of players. I am enjoying it. I’m trying to do the best I can. The aim is to qualify for the next Afcon, but I have hopes and aims as a manager.”

Sao Tome, on the other hand, suffered two heavy defeats (1-5 against Guinea-Bissau and 0-10 against Nigeria). However, in football, anything can happen in different games. 

The Falcons and True Parrots Team have only managed wins over fellow minnows Mauritius in the past seven years.

Skipper Steven Caulker focus on the task at hand. 

“It’s a must-win game for us. Because if we must qualify, we should win these games. “These are two important games against São Tomé and Príncipe, and today (Monday) is our first training session. We all know the importance of these matches,” Caulker told FSL News.

He reiterated, “I don’t need to tell them much because every player here knows how significant these two matches are. The coach gave us his message before the training, and the match will not be easy. We have to be mentally and physically ready for these matches.” 

This will be the fifth meeting between the two nations. Their last meeting was a goalless draw in Africa Cup of Nations 1st round 2nd leg Freetown 16 June 2012. Sao Tome e Principe won the first leg 2-1 at home on 29 February 2012.

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Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker has urged focus from his national teammates ahead of crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches this week.

Caulker, 31, acknowledged that every player must focus and be ready for challenging encounters against their Central African opponent. Any fumble displayed in São Tomé ties will hurt Sierra Leone AFCON’s back-to-back qualification chances.

45,000 seater Grand Stade Adrar Agadir in Morocco will host both critical 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches on the 22 and 26 of March, respectively.

The Wigan Athletic centerback has called on his colleagues to be mentally ready ahead of Wednesday and Sunday crunch ties against the ‘Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers at the Grand Stade Agadir, Morocco.

“It’s a must-win game for us. Because if we must qualify, we should win these games. “These are two important games against São Tomé and Príncipe, and today (Monday) is our first training session. We all know the importance of these matches,” Caulker told FSL News.

He reiterated, “I don’t need to tell them much because every player here knows how significant these two matches are. The coach gave us his message before the training, and the match will not be easy. We have to be mentally and physically ready for these matches.” 

• On injuries to Osman Kakay and Rodney Michael 

“Unfortunately, we have suffered two big losses (Osman Kakay and Rodney Michael), but that’s football. 

“Both injuries are a big blow, but the boys who’ve come in have shown today their quality and are more than able to replace these guys. We’re expecting Sao Tome to put up a strong fight and go at us defiantly. 

“We have to be ready because I am sure we will see a different Sao Tome to the side that played against Nigeria”. He, however, called on Sierra Leoneans to be patient and pray for success ahead.”

Sitting third in Group A, Sierra Leone will resume action in the race to Ivory Coast 2023 against São Tomé and Príncipe on Wednesday 22nd, 2023, before the second leg on 26 in Morocco.

This will be the sixth meeting between the two nations. Their last meeting was a goalless draw in Africa Cup of Nations 1st round 2nd leg Freetown 16 June 2012. Sao Tome e Principe won the first leg 2-1 at home on 29 February 2012.

By Martin Wusha Conteh in Agadir, Morocco. 

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