Sierra Leone edge Tanzania to continue impressive U-20 AFCON debut
- Omna Taddele
- May 3
- 1 min read
The Sierra Leone U-20 national team continued their fine debut at the ongoing 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium. The debutants are flying high after matchday three in Group A as they are nearing a quarterfinal berth on their first attempt.
The Shooting Stars came into the tie on a high after humbling hosts Egypt a few days ago, but it was the Ngorongoro Boys who started the game brightly. In the 17th minute, Bakari Msimu missed an absolute sitter from two meters out. Sierra Leone broke the deadlock when center forward Samuel Gandi scored from close range on a rebound.
Tanzania were the better side in the second half, but Sierra Leone employed a strong defensive approach to keep the East Africans at bay. After the hour mark, Tanzania came very close to restoring parity through a header by Jammy Seleman that sailed inches wide.
Ahmed Pipino also saw his brilliant free-kick hit the side netting. Sierra Leone could have doubled their lead but team captain Momh Kamara’s volley was saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Ismail Mpank.
Sierra Leone tops Group A with seven points, while Tanzania suffered their second loss of the campaign. Tanzania continue their campaign against Zambia on Tuesday while Sierra Leone conclude their Group A fixtures against South Africa on the same day.
