By Alpha Abu
National football side Leone Stars failed to capitalise on 10 man Guinea Bissau side to draw 2-2 in Conakry where Sierra Leone is hosting its matches for the 2023 AfCON qualifying group stage, as the stadium in Freetown undergoes an extensive renovation and some reconstruction.
The first half ended goal less after both sides missed a number of chances. But at the resumption of play in the second half, two quick goals in the 47th and 52nd minute from the Guinea Bissau team silenced the travelling Sierra Leone party. However in the 55th minute it looked as though things might change in favour of Stars after Zidane for Bissau was sent off for a foul on Amadou Bakayo as he raced towards the edge of the box. The ensuing free kick was quite uneventful though.
Coach John Keister’s introduction of Augustus Kargbo for Buya Turay seemed to have paid off , as he went down in the box under a challenge in the 72nd minute. However inform striker Musa Noah Kamara alias Tombo missed the penalty. The lively Karbgo rekindled hopes for Leone stars by netting for the hosts in the 77th minute following a beautiful run. Two minutes to the end of normal time, Tombo to atone for his penalty miss, finished with a beautiful strike to level score.
Earlier in the other Group match Nigeria thrashed their hosts Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 with striker Victor Osimhen scoring four. Sierra Leone now have to beat Sao Tome and Principe both away and home, and also beat Guinea Bissau away to stand any chance of qualifying. And that could be assured should they also beat Nigeria at home, and hope Nigeria dismisses Guinea Bissau both home and away.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (15/06/22)
