The match is set to be played on Monday, June 14, at the Stade Général Lansana Conté de Nongo.

Initially, the tie was set to take place in Sierra Leone on March 30 but was postponed by the Confederation of African Football due to the Covid-19 controversy.

Benin accused their hosts of deception and foul play. However, after the CAF intervention, the June date was announced.

“The committee made this decision after reviewing official accounts of the incidents that stopped the match from taking place at the scheduled time,” CAF said in a statement.

The SLFA appeal against the CAF decision to rescheduled but failed in their protest. Benin, on the other hand, took their case to CAS again the decision was upheld. 

Last month, Caf ordered a full inspection of Sierra Leone main international venue, the Siaka Stevens Stadium, before deciding whether it is fit to host the rescheduled match against Benin. 

Report coming from the Sierra Leone Football Association has indicated that the match has been moved to neighbouring Guinea due to the poor state of the Freetown stadium. 

Coach Keister must now rally his troops to win regardless of the venue to reach the tournament for the first time in 25 years. Benin needed only a draw. Only one team will join the already 23 qualified nations to compete in next year’s finals in Cameroon.

Expected foreign-based players for Benin.

Defenders

(Osman Kakay QPR England), (Umaru Bangura Neuchâtel Xamax doubtful)

Midfielders

(Mohamed Medo Kamara unattached), (John Kamara Keshla FC), (Kwame Quee Víkingur Reykjavík) and (Alusine Koroma Real Balompédica Linense Spain)

Attackers

(Kei Kamara unattached), (Alhassan Koroma Real Balompédica Linense Spain), (Alhaji Kamara Randers FC, Danmark), (Augustus Kargbo A.C. Reggiana 1919 on loan from Crotone Italy), (Augustine Williams LA Galaxy MSL), (Mustapha Bundu Anderlecth Belgium) and (Sullay Kaikai unattached)

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