Zimbabwe vs Sierra Leone: Warriors complete dramatic AFCON comeback

Zimbabwe produced a remarkable second-half comeback to beat Sierra Leone 3-2 in their opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier in Morocco.

The Warriors trailed 2-0 at half-time after goals from Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie, but three goals in the final 18 minutes turned the match around.

Marshall Munetsi scored twice, including the winning goal in the 88th minute, while Tawanda Chirewa also found the net as Zimbabwe took all three points in Group E.

The match was played at Stade Ben M’Hamed El Abdi in El Jadida on Thursday, 24 September.

Zimbabwe’s start was difficult as Sierra Leone took the lead after only seven minutes.

Alie Conteh headed home from a cross to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.

Sierra Leone doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Sallieu Tarawallie scored, leaving Zimbabwe facing a two-goal deficit at the break.

The statistics at full-time showed that Sierra Leone had 44% possession compared with Zimbabwe’s 56%. Zimbabwe also registered 16 shots to Sierra Leone’s nine.

Munetsi leads Zimbabwe comeback

Zimbabwe’s response came after the interval.

The introduction of Bill Antonio at half-time added attacking impetus, and the Warriors began to put Sierra Leone under greater pressure.

Munetsi reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute before Chirewa equalised four minutes later.

With the match level at 2-2, Zimbabwe continued to push for a winner.

Munetsi completed the comeback in the 88th minute, scoring his second goal of the night to give Zimbabwe a 3-2 victory.

The midfielder’s late strike completed one of Zimbabwe’s most dramatic comebacks in recent international football.

Zimbabwe’s next match: DR Congo

Zimbabwe will now return home to face DR Congo in their second Group E qualifier.

The match is scheduled for Monday, 28 September, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, with kick-off at 18:00 CAT.

It will be a significant occasion for the Warriors, who are returning to the National Sports Stadium for an international fixture after the venue was unavailable for international football for several years.

The stadium was cleared to host the match following renovations and preparations to meet international requirements.

DR Congo will arrive in Harare having beaten Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in their opening qualifier.

The top two teams in the group will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

What is at stake?

The 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign consists of six group matches for each team.

Zimbabwe’s victory in Morocco gives new coach Ramón Catalá a winning start and puts the Warriors in a strong position after the opening round, although there is a long way to go in the qualification campaign.

The immediate challenge is DR Congo, who will provide a test of Zimbabwe’s ability to build on their comeback victory.

For Zimbabwe, the return to the National Sports Stadium will also give supporters an opportunity to see the Warriors in a competitive international match on home soil.