Sierra Leone out of CHAN 2014 By Martin Wusha Conteh

The home-based national side, Leone Stars have been knocked out of the preliminary round 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) West Zone A. Leone Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by their Guinean counterpart Freetown. Keita Nabilaye put the visitors ahead nine minutes into the second half before the East End Lions striker, Seray Jah who came from the bench equalized. The head coach of the Sierra Leone side, John Keister insists that they are not embarrassed by their exit. He refused to criticize his players saying instead that the lucky side progressed. “ He said “I take responsibility for failing to qualify and supporters should stop blaming the boys”. He continued: “We played well…we missed a penalty which could have given us added advantage but that is football”. Asked about his overall game plan, Keister replied: “Our game was to win that’s why we played with three strikers. The Guineans were physically and mentally prepared and they didn`t allow us penetrate their defense”. The first leg ended goalless in Conakry. Guinea go through on the away goals rule.