The Sierra Football Association (SLFA) have confirmed reaching an agreement with the Guinean FA for the Stade General Lansana Conte in Conakry, Guinea, to host Leone Stars’ upcoming TotalEnergies 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
Sierra Leone pitted in Group A in the race to the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations against three-time African champions Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Sao Tome or Mauritius for a place in Ivory Coast 2023.
The qualification matches are set to begin May 30, 2022, ahead of the tournament proper in Cote d’Ivoire.
A 19-min spot-kick converted by former Sierra Leone striker Kei Kamara was enough as the Leone Stars won the final spot defeating Benin 1-0 to reach the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations at the same venue in June 2021.
Sierra Leone will open their Group A campaign against Nigeria before hosting Guinea Bissau in the Guinean capital a few days after.
“To rehabilitate the Siaka Steven Stadium, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority, has recently handed over the facility to the Chinese Aid for a thorough refurbishment and upgrading.
The renovation exercise is said to last for at least two years. Consequently, Leone Stars will now have to play all their AFCON 2023 Qualifying home matches away from home,” the SLFA noted in a statement.
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