By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sierra Leone have secured their spot in the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Cameroon next year, for the first time in history.
23 out of the 24 teams had already secured their spots in the AFCON finals in the previous international break back in March.
However, Sierra Leone and Benin, who were competing for a second place finish behind Nigeria in Group L, had their game postponed due to Covid-19 complications in Sierra Leone.
The game was therefore pushed to June 15. Sierra Leone had drawn four of their five games so far and lost one before the encounter. Meanwhile, Benin drew three and lost two.
This meant that either side needed a win in order to advance for the finals, a victory would also mean that Leone Stars would secure their spot in the AFCON for the first time in their history.
MLS journeyman and now free agent, Kei Kamara sealed the deal for Sierra Leone just 19 minutes in, gifting his club the victory.
Unfortunately for them, they won’t discover their group anytime soon as the draw that was initially scheduled for 25 June, was pushed by Confederation of African Football due to Covid-19 related reasons, to an undisclosed date.
The 2021 AFCON is scheduled to start on January 9, 2022 until February 6, 2022.