We are set to make history – Sierra Leone coach Keister

Sierra Leone eyeing Afcon history

JOHANNESBURG, March 23 (ANA) – Sierra Leone coach John Keister on Wednesday said he is optimistic his charges can qualify for their first Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) this century.

Sierra Leone last qualified for the tournament in 1996 which was won by hosts South Africa.

Sierra Leone lies third in Group L with four points, behind Benin and leaders Nigeria on seven and eight points respectively, while Lesotho remain at the bottom of the group with two points.

Keister said: “I trust this squad. It’s a blend of overseas based and local players, young and experienced.

“This is no mistake owing to some of the travel laws on overseas players, but we are set to make history for our country.”

Keister, however, will have his work cut out as his side take on Lesotho and Benin over the next week. First up, will be the away fixture against hosts Lesotho at the Setsoto Stadium on Saturday before welcoming Benin to Sieka Stevens Stadium in Freetown on March 30.

Leone Stars skipper Umaru Bangura who plays for Xamax FC in Switzerland has been recalled after missing out the team’s last match in Freetown against Nigeria due to injury.

Bangura, 33, will lead the Sierra Leone defence together with David Simbo, who is currently unattached but returns to the squad with huge experience, and George Davis who plays for SKN Polten in Austria.

Randers FC forward Alhaji Kamara who scored a brace against Nigeria in Sierra Leone’s historic 4-4 comeback last year, and Swedish-based twin brother Alhassan and Alusine Koroma who plays for Real Balompedica are all in the squad.

Notable absentees include experienced defenders Alie Sesay (Zira FK), Mustapha Dumbuya (Tampa Bay Rowdies) and Osman Kakay (QPR) as well as Anderlecht forward Mustapha Bundu. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman