Sierra Leone’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are dwindling following a 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in Kinshasa on Thursday, November 12, 2026. This loss leaves the Leone Stars at the bottom of Group E, yet to secure a point from three matches, intensifying the scrutiny on newly appointed head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa.
DR Congo quickly established dominance at the Stade des Martyrs, with Yoane Wissa scoring in the fourth minute, followed by Samuel Moutoussamy doubling the lead in the 35th minute. Edo Kayembe made it 3-0 after 58 minutes. Although Sierra Leone’s Samuel Bekoe netted a consolation goal in the 83rd minute, it could not salvage what has been a disappointing campaign. Earlier, Sierra Leone had lost 3-2 to Zimbabwe after squandering a two-goal advantage and faced a narrow defeat against Equatorial Guinea.
Da Rosa, who began his tenure in June 2026, is under increased pressure after suffering three consecutive qualifying defeats. Critics are questioning his tactical choices and overall capability to restore the team’s competitiveness, drawing unfavourable comparisons to former coach Mohamed Kallon, who had a more successful stint in the previous World Cup qualifying campaign.
The recent results have sparked debate among football officials. Some argue that constant changes in coaching could destabilise the team’s progress, while others believe that the current management’s decisions call for a reassessment. Notably, administrators Rodney Michael and Sirajin Munirr Rollings Kamara have urged patience with Da Rosa, emphasising the importance of continuity.
Mathematically, Sierra Leone can still qualify, but the situation is perilous. With DR Congo leading Group E on nine points, and both Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea with four, Sierra Leone remains fourth without any points. They can accumulate a maximum of nine points from their remaining three matches, making it essential for them to start winning while relying on favourable results in other fixtures.
Next, Sierra Leone will face DR Congo again on Tuesday, November 17, in Morocco, as their national stadium is currently unavailable for international matches. Their final two qualifiers are against Zimbabwe on March 25, 2027, and Equatorial Guinea on March 30, 2027. With mounting pressure from supporters, Da Rosa’s immediate goal is to halt the losing streak and clear a way forward towards qualification.
