Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau play to draw in World Cup qualifying

Sierra Leone held Guinea-Bissau to a one-all draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash from Group A on Thursday in Bissau. The Leone Stars failed to protect their slender lead as the Djurtus came from behind to force a draw at home.

Mama Baldé | Guinea-Bissau 1-1 Sierra Leone pic.twitter.com/tuqLQRNsz2

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 4, 2025

Both nations came into the tie knowing that maximum points could only keep alive their hopes of reaching the playoff spot. It was an evenly matched game in the opening 20 minutes, but Guinea-Bissau dominated proceedings without creating any meaningful attempts. England-based Beto came close, but Sierra Leone goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay rushed off his line to deny him. Veteran striker Kei Kamara broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime with an audacious header to give the visitors a surprising lead.

Kei Kamara | Guinea-Bissau 0-1 Sierra Leone pic.twitter.com/pSPJdvm2sX

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 4, 2025

Sierra Leone were close to doubling their lead in the 74th minute through a shot from Augustus Kargbo, but a minute later Bissau leveled matters through their captain Mama Baldé, who slotted home after brilliant work from Carlos Mané. The last ten minutes saw many scoring chances at both ends. Emmanuel Samadiya saw his free-kick effort denied by goalkeeper Manuel Baldé, while Kargbo squandered a good opportunity that could have settled the game.

Emiliano Té’s tenure as Bissau coach started off with a draw. They sit fourth with seven points. Sierra Leone are third with nine points and will host Ethiopia in Monrovia next week, while Guinea-Bissau will be at home against Djibouti on matchday eight.

Group A Table

1. Egypt- 16 points (6 games played)
2. Burkina Faso- 11 points (6 games)
3. Sierra Leone- 9 points (7 games)
4. Guinea-Bissau- 7 points (7 games)
5. Ethiopia- 6 points (6 games)
6. Djibouti- 1 point (6 games)

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