Sierra Leone vs Ethiopia Prediction & Betting Tips (9 September)

Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are set to clash in a pivotal Group A fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, with both nations teetering on the edge of contention. Sierra Leone, currently third in the group with eight points, enters the match under the guidance of national icon Mohamed Kallon. The Leone Stars have shown flashes of brilliance, notably in their 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau, but a recent 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture has left them needing a strong finish. With only four matches remaining, every point is precious, and the upcoming duel with Ethiopia could be the springboard they need to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Ethiopia, meanwhile, sits just behind Sierra Leone with six points, level with Guinea-Bissau. Head coach Mesay Teferi has opted for a locally based squad, with only one foreign-based player—attacking midfielder Kenean Markneh—joining the ranks. The Waliyas recently fell 2-0 to Egypt, with both goals conceded via penalties, but their performance showed glimpses of resilience. Teferi’s decision to omit veterans like Abubaker Nasir and Gatouch Panom signals a shift toward youth and domestic talent, with players like Kitika Jimma and Dawa Hotessa expected to lead the charge. The team’s preparation in Adama has been intense, and they’ll be eager to prove their mettle against a Sierra Leone side that has struggled with consistency.

The tactical battle promises intrigue. Sierra Leone’s strength lies in their transitional play, often sparked by the experienced Kei Kamara and the industrious Sallieu Tarawallie. Ethiopia, on the other hand, will rely on their compact midfield and quick counters, hoping to exploit gaps left by Sierra Leone’s aggressive wing play. The match will be held in Monrovia, a neutral venue that adds another layer of unpredictability. With Egypt virtually qualified and Burkina Faso still within reach, both teams know that a win here could dramatically alter the group dynamics.

Expect a tightly contested affair, but Sierra Leone’s experience and attacking edge may just tip the balance. Ethiopia’s youthful squad will likely find the net, but the Leone Stars’ urgency and homegrown leadership should see them through. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of Sierra Leone feels plausible—Kamara to strike early, Hotessa to equalize, and a late winner from Tarawallie to keep the dream alive. This fixture isn’t just about qualification; it’s about legacy, belief, and the relentless pursuit of a first-ever World Cup appearance.

• Summary: Sierra Leone is going head to head with Ethiopia starting on 9 Sept 2025 at 13:00 UTC at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex stadium, Monrovia city, Liberia. The match is a part of the FIFA World Cup, Qualification CAF, Group A .