Leone Stars faces major backlash to compete with their next opponents in the ongoing AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Speaking to Liberty Online TV, Sport Journalist Musa S. Kamara confirmed the rumour that the national team, Leone Stars, is facing challenges in getting funds to compete against their next opponents in the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Sierra Leone is set to face Chad on November 13th, 2024, at the Embide Stadium in Abijan, Ivory Coast, and closely after that, the team will also have to take on Zambia on November 19th. In this regard, sufficient funding is vital for the team as it will cover their transportation, lodging, personal welfare, and other logistics. It is also requisite for the funds to be allocated promptly, allowing the team sufficient time to travel and settle in for practice in preparation of the matches.

According to Musa, Leone Stars needs to win their next matches against Chad to enhance their chance of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON. With four points, Sierra Leone is presently ranked third in Group G and still needs additional points to qualify for the top two. Currently leading the group is Ivory Coast, with Zambia coming in second.

In his analysis, if Zambia loses to Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone defeats Zambia, Sierra would qualify for the 2025 AFCON; thus, the Leone Stars are at a critical stage of the tournament and cannot afford any setbacks at this point.

He further urges the ministry of sport, the National Sport Authority, and the Ministry of Finance to collaborate to ensure the required funds are disbursed to the team to face their next opponents in the AFCON qualifiers tournament.­