SAN FRANCISCO, November 11, (THEWILL) – Sierra Leone’s coach John Kiester assured confidence in his side as he unveiled a list of 23 players, including 14 foreign-based stars, for the Leone Stars double-header against their Nigerian Super Eagles counterparts ahead of the Cameroon 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The 50-year old admitted he will be facing a tough side in the Nigerians but expressed confidence and determination to secure maximum points against the Super Eagles.
“I want the nation to be positive about the outcome from the first leg. The team’s rebuilding process starts now, and I’ve put together some of the best players to upset the Nigerians,” he added.
The major highlight from the Sierra Leone squad is the inclusion of the joint-top scorer of the USL Championship (the professional men’s soccer league in the United States) Augustus Williams who will be eyeing his international debut beside Anderlecht striker Mustapha Bundu.
Returning to the Leone Stars squad are former AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser who now plays for Turun Palloseura, Randers FC forward Alhaji Kamara and 32-year-old Mohamed “Medo” Kamara. Forward Kei Kamara (36) made a U-turn on his retirement from international football as was announced last November.
Also included in the star-studded lineup are FC Kallon’s goal machine Hassan Milla Sesay and teammate Emmanuel Samadia who will play alongside China-based striker Mohamed Buya Turay, US-based Mustapha Dumbuya and Orebro SK left back Kevin Wright. Included in the team as well are regular suspects Skipper Umara Bangura and Iceland-based winger Kwame Quee.
Of the four countries in Group L of the AFCON qualifying series, Sierra Leone stand 3rd with a lone point following a 1-1 home draw with Lesotho and 1-0 away defeat to Benin. Lesotho also has one point but are below Sierra Leone on goal difference. Benin is second (three points) and Nigeria tops the group with six points.
The first leg Friday, November 13 encounter will mark the fifteenth meeting between the two West African nations in competitive and friendly internationals. Sierra Leone has won two, lost nine and drawn three of these 13 games against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Full team sheet for the Leone Stars
Goalkeepers: Mohamed N. Kamara (East End Lions), Unisa Conteh (FC Johansen), Issac Caulker (FC Kallon)
Defenders: Umaro Bangura (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Alie Sesay (Zira FK, Azerbaijan), Yeami Dunia (East End Lions), Kevin Wright (Orebro SK, Sweden), Osman Kakay (Queens Park Rangers, England), Mustapha Dumbuya (Tampa Bay Rowdies, USA), Abubakar Samura (Unattached),
Midfielders: Hassan M. Koroma (FC Kallon), Mohamed Medo Kamara (FC Haka, Finland), John Kamara (Kesla, Azerbaijan), Rodney Strasser (Turun Palloseura, Finland), Prince Barrie (Bo Rangers)
Forwards: Emmanuel Samadia (FC Kallon), Kei Kamara (Minnesota United, USA), Kwame Quee (Vikingur Reykjavik, Iceland), Mohamed Buya Turay (Hebei Fortune, China), Alhaji Kamara (Randers, Denmark), Mustapha Bundu (Anderlecht, Belgium), Augustus Williams (Los Angeles Galaxy, USA), Alhassan Koroma (Real Balompedica, Spain)
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
