Sierra Leone to Host DR Congo AFCON 2027 Qualifier in Morocco

Sierra Leone will play their next home fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Morocco after efforts to secure a venue closer to home proved unsuccessful.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has confirmed that Morocco will host the Leone Stars’ Matchday Three encounter against DR Congo on 17 November 2026, with the country’s national stadium still unavailable for international matches.

The SLFA had explored the possibility of staging the match in neighbouring Guinea or Liberia in a bid to make it easier for Sierra Leonean supporters to attend. However, scheduling conflicts in both countries ruled out those options.

The association also approached the Confederation of African Football (CAF) with a request to move the fixture forward by one day to 16 November. DR Congo reportedly rejected the proposal, insisting that the match remain on the original date.

With both alternatives falling through, Morocco was selected as the venue for the crucial qualifier.

National Stadium Ban Forces Sierra Leone Abroad

Sierra Leone’s continued absence from home soil comes after CAF ruled that the country’s National Stadium does not meet the required standards for hosting international matches.

The SLFA has expressed regret that the match cannot be played closer to home, apologising to supporters for the inconvenience and thanking them for their patience and continued support of the national team.

The situation presents another challenge for the Leone Stars, who will once again have to play away from their traditional home environment in a fixture officially designated as their home match.

Leone Stars Seek Qualifying Revival

Head coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa and his players face an important test against DR Congo after losing their opening two matches of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

The Leone Stars will be looking to secure their first points and revive their hopes of reaching the continental finals, although the difficult start leaves them with little room for further setbacks.

The November 17 encounter offers Sierra Leone an opportunity to respond, but they will need a stronger performance against a DR Congo side also chasing qualification.

Despite the early disappointments, the SLFA has reiterated its commitment to supporting the team as the Leone Stars attempt to get their campaign back on track.

With Morocco confirmed as the venue, attention now turns to whether Sierra Leone can turn a challenging qualifying start into a fight for a place at AFCON 2027.