By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Sierra Leone National team coach. Sellas Tetteh has said he believes Leone Stars have a bright future. Tetteh made the remarks at the post match press conference, shortly after the national team botched the chance to be drawn in the main qualifying phase for the 2022 World Cup.
On Sunday Sierra Leone defeated Liberia 1-0 but failed to progress to the second phase of the qualifying round having finished 3-2 on aggregate.
Tetteh said despite the failure to progress but he was pleased by what he saw.
“Yes we need more improvement but what I saw today is a clear indication that the future will be bright. We failed to qualify but our effort was quite good,” he said.
The double header between the two countries was the first international encounter Sierra Leone has played since September last year when the country was banned. In solidarity with Tetteh, his Liberian counterpart Peter Butler praised Leone Stars performance.
“You don’t win games like these in one leg, you win it and lose it over two legs. I think they were astute; they knew their strength. Sierra Leone has a good side, I understand they are building a new team and it’s not easy for them,” Butler said.
Sunday’s game was characterized by a high pressing game by Leone Stars, having lost the first leg 3-1 in Liberia last Wednesday. Leone Stars needed to win by at least two goals or better to qualify. A goal in the 55th minute by United States based striker, Kei Kamara sent the Sierra Leonean fans into rapture.
With 35 minutes to go, Sierra Leone only needed to keep a clean sheet and score one more to level the tie and qualify on away goal rule. A 94th minute penalty won by Mohamed Buya Turay sent the stadium wild, until Leone Stars captain Umaru Zaingalay Bangura easily kicked the ball and was saved by the Liberian goalkeeper, Ashley Williams.
Sierra Leone’s elimination means the country will have to wait until 2024 to play another World Cup qualifier. By then the country will be playing for a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
However, Leone Stars international chances are not over. In November this year, the country will start its qualifying campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Sierra Leone has been drawn to face Lesotho, Benin Republic and Nigeria.
© 2019 Politico Online
