Sierra Leone’s hopes of reaching the 2023 African Cup of Nations were dented by visiting São Tomé, who twice took the lead in the 2-2 draw at the Adrar Stadium in Wednesday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier.

As a result, the Central African nation claimed their first point in Group A (though they remain bottom of the standings), while the Leone Stars are just one point ahead in third place.

Bo Rangers striker Abu Komeh, who was making his Sierra Leone debut, got the perfect introduction. Komeh draws parity for Sierra Leone through Alhaji Kamara’s assist.

After a few half chances wasted in the opening minutes from the home team, São Tomé broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Luis Leal Dos Anjos, who collected a fine past of the left for a tap-in.

It could have been worst when the visitors were awarded a free kick late in the first half that deflected on the wall for a corner.

Abubakarr Samura’s header in the last minute of additional first-half extra time was calmly collected by the Sao Tome keeper as it ended 1-0 in the visitors’ favour.

After the recess, Sierra Leone got themselves back into the game with a leveller from Mustapha Bundu, who was in the area at the right time after Sao Tome’s keeper and defender failed to clear their lines.

The Leone Stars were top of the game after their equaliser missed a couple of chances. 55th-minute Sullay Kaikai could have put Sierra Leone ahead but missed his shot.

Bundu missed another brilliant chance shooting just wide that could have been his second of the day in the 56-minute.

Against the run of play, São Tomé took the lead for the second time as Luis Leal Dos Anjos completed his brace in the 59 minutes before Abu Komeh’s 78th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for the host.

The 45,000 seater Grand Stade Adrar Agadir in Morocco will host the second leg match day four of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification on 26 March.

Group A leaders Nigeria on six points, battle second place Guinea-Bissauon four points will meet in Abuja on Friday.

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