Sierra Leone will be eyeing nothing but a win over Benin in their final 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Stade Général Lansana Conté in Guinea capital, Conakry on Monday.
The Leone Stars need a victory of Benin in order to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in 25 years.
They are currently placed third with four points on Group L standing with four points and are behind second placed Benin with three points.
John Keister’s side will secure second spot in Group L if they defeat Benin 1-0 or by two clear goals to go level on the standings and then leapfrog their opponents on head-to-head results.
“There is no pressure. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, and there is no discomfort within our squad,” Keister told Caf website.
“This squad is a blend of both young and experienced players; I’ve rationally selected 11 local and 15 foreign-based players.
“Thankfully, despite the numerous challenges, we succeeded to arrange a camp and let our players train together in Freetown since last Monday.
“What I need now is support from our fans at home and abroad. Already there is a huge willingness among the players and the whole nation wants us to qualify.
“So, I’m on to guide the team to get the best result against Benin and proceed to Cameroon next year.”
Benin’s Squirrels only needs to draw the match to be sure of qualification for the Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon in 2022.
Michel Dussuyer’s side hold an advantage against Leone Stars, having beaten the opponent 1-0 when the teams met in Porto-Novo in November 2019.
Jodel Dossou’s first-half goal helped Benin beat Sierra Leone1-0 in the two teams’ first group meeting in Cotonou.
Tunisian referee Haythem Guirat will take charge of the crucial decider, and he will be aided by Faouzi Jridi (Assistant I), Youssef Jemmi (Assistant 2), and Mehrez Melki (Fourth Official).
