Sierra Leone seeks first AFCON qualifier points against DR Congo
The Leone Stars, still without a point in Group E, face DR Congo in Kinshasa in their third 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, November 12.
Sierra Leone's Leone Stars play the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, in Matchday 3 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Kick-off is at 4:00 PM Sierra Leone time. Sierra Leone is bottom of Group E after losing its opening two matches.
The Leone Stars lost 3-2 to Zimbabwe on September 24, after leading 2-0 through Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie, and then lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea four days later. DR Congo has won both of its opening fixtures, beating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 and Zimbabwe 2-1, and leads the group with six points. The Confederation of African Football has authorised up to 18,000 spectators at the venue.
Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has named a 25-man squad that includes captain Osman Kakay and defender Abdulai Juma Bah. The two teams meet again on Tuesday, November 17, in Morocco, where Sierra Leone will play its designated home fixture because its national stadium is not approved to host international matches.
Why it mattersThe Leone Stars must win points in these two November matches to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive, having lost their opening two Group E games.