By Karim Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s under-17 women’s team secured a place in the next round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a late 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Friday.
The hosts took the lead in the 33rd minute, putting Sierra Leone on the back foot for much of the match. However, the visitors rallied in the closing stages, with Musu Sengeh equalising in the 83rd minute.
Mariana Magdalene Turay then scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 95th minute to seal the victory and progression, following a goalless first leg.
The result sends Sierra Leone through on aggregate, marking a significant achievement for the young side in the qualification campaign.
They will face Benin in the next preliminary round, scheduled for May 2026.
