Sierra Leone’s veteran striker Kei Kamara failed to convert a late penalty to scupper their chances of reaching the next round of the Africa Cup of Nations as they lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea on Thursday.

Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast are both through after final Group E Matches. Sierra Leone was awarded a last-minute penalty, but Equatorial Guinea’s 20-year-old goalkeeper Jesus Owono saved Kamara poorly taken effort.

Pablo Ganet’s 38th-minute strike ensured Equatorial Guinea finished second in Group E and progressed, but Sierra Leone might have gone through as one of the best third-placed finishers if they had forced a draw.

Winger Kwame Quee saw red after a second yellow to add salt to injury for John Keister’s side late on in the game.

The result also means the Comoros Islands are through as one of the best third-placed finishers after their surprise 3-2 win over Ghana on Tuesday.

Equatorial Guinea finished the first round with a second successive win and six points, one behind group winners Ivory Coast. Sierra Leone was third on two points with defending champions Algeria bottom of the standings.

 African Football News – Follow us on Twitter @football_sierra On Facebook & Instagram: Football Sierra Leone in Douala, Cameroon.