Sierra Leone and Zambia lock horns in neutral Liberia on Tuesday for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. It’s essentially a dead rubber with Sierra Leone already out of the race for progression and Zambia going through.
Ranked 121st in the world, the Leone Stars saw their ambition of a fourth AFCON qualification go up in smoke following an underwhelming campaign. In five matches so far, they’ve won just once: a slender 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast courtesy of a late goal from Amadou Bakayoko.
Last week, in the penultimate qualifier fixture, Amidu Karim’s side drew 1-1 with Chad, which proved to be the last straw in terms of qualification for them. But on the other hand, Zambia overcame Ivory Coast on Friday to confirm their qualification.
Kennedy Musonda struck the only goal of the game in the 43rd minute and helped his team seal all three points. With 10 in total from five games, the Chipolopolo are currently sitting atop Group G, one point ahead of Ivory Coast, and will look to win the group with another three points this week.
Sierra Leone vs Zambia Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been three clashes between the sides before, with Sierra Leone winning none and losing twice, including a 3-2 defeat in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers back in September
- The Leone Stars are winless in their last three official games, and have won just once from their last five
- With eight goals conceded, Amidu Karim’s side have the worst defensive record of any side in the group; Zambia have shipped in exactly four
- The Copper Bullets have scored in three of their five AFCON qualifiers, and Kennedy Musonda has been on target in each of them: vs Sierra Leone, Chad and Ivory Coast
- Avram Grant’s side are ranked 94th in the world; their rivals are 27 places adrift
Sierra Leone vs Zambia Prediction
The Leone Stars have nothing at stake here as their qualification hopes are over. With the Chipolopolo also through, this could end up being a drag without much goalmouth action at either end.
Prediction: Sierra Leone 1-1 Zambia
Sierra Leone vs Zambia Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Draw
Tip 2 – Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Edited by Nived Zenith