World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Burkina Faso Triumphs Over Sierra Leone With a 1-0 Victory

In a tense World Cup 2026 qualifier, Burkina Faso secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone on October 8, 2025. The match took place at the Samuel Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, during the ninth round of the African qualifiers.

Match Summary

The encounter was challenging, with Burkina Faso’s “Etalons” facing significant pressure from Sierra Leone’s “Leone Stars” during the first half. Despite the intensity, Burkina Faso managed to stem the tide and maintain focus.

Key Moments

• 42nd Minute: Mohamed Zoungrana scored the only goal of the match with a well-placed header from a corner.
• 37th Minute: Kylian Nikiéma, Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, made an impressive save from Augustus Kargbo’s shot.
• 39th Minute: Nikiéma denied another attempt from Ibrahim Kamara, showcasing his defensive skills.
• 58th Minute: Issoufou Dayo received a yellow card for a challenge on Kargbo.

Burkina Faso’s victory marked the first time Sierra Leone had been defeated in this qualifying campaign, underscoring the significance of the match. Dango Ouattara and Bertrand Traoré were instrumental in constructing the attacks from the wings, helping to alleviate some of the pressure from Sierra Leone’s attacking trio, which included Kargbo, Kamara, and captain Ansu Keita Kamara.

Current Standings

With this win, Burkina Faso remains in second place in Group A of the qualifiers. They currently have 18 points, trailing leader Egypt, who recently defeated Djibouti 3-0.

Upcoming Challenges

Burkina Faso needs to perform well in their final match against Ethiopia on October 12, 2025. This home game at the 4-Août Stadium is crucial for their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup playoffs. The top four second-placed teams will advance, making this a decisive moment in their campaign.