The Leone Stars secured 2021 AFCON berth last night after defeating the Squirrels of Benin 1-0 at the General Lassana Conte Stadium in Conakry, Guinea.

Sierra Leone became the 24th and last team to qualify to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Cameroon.

The Leone Stars made a  return to the continent’s flagship competition for the first time since their second participation in South Africa 1996.

Sierra Leone finished second with seven points behind leaders Nigeria (14 points) in Group L.

Benin had the same number of points (seven) and both sides had the same head-to-head results (each winning 1-0 at home).

However, Leone Stars qualified on better goal difference.

Ansu Kamara scored the game’s lone goal from the spot after 18 minutes to give Sierra Leone a vital lead that they kept till the final whistle.

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations  is scheduled to be hosted by Cameroon, and will take place from 9 January to 6 February 2022 with twenty-four nations.