Skip to main content

Sierra Leone’s AFCON 2023 Hope Dashed

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson
Sierra Leone, one of Africa’s Football loving nations whose supporters dearly anticipated making it to the finals of the 2023-TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations tournament proper in Cote D’Ivoire qualification hopes ended on Sunday evening at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia. Despite putting out what is believed to be a good show against their Group-A opponents (Super Eagles of Nigeria) whose in-form forward Victor Osimhen took advantage of John Keister’s disorganized back-four twice to have a brace to his name before the first quarter hour mark. In the last five minutes to the end of the first half Sierra Leone’s forward Mustapha Bundu renewed hopes for this side as he pulled once back to make it 2-1 in favour of the visitors from Nigeria.
Returning from their dressing rooms, Sierra Leone’s coach John Edward Keister introduced some fresh legs when he substituted Mustapha Bundu for Musa Noah “Tombo” Kamara and Saidu Fofanah for skipper Steven Caulker, a move the bought some renewed spirit for his side which wasted no further minutes to earn a spectacular comeback courtesy of forward Augustus Kargbo. At 2-2 in regulation time, the host nation gambled their chances when their coach substituted youngster defender Alpha Turay for forward Abu Komeh in the 3rd minute of the added five minutes whose last introduction saw fans taunting their coach after Kelechi Iheanacho netted late to clinch a 3-2 away win for his nation.
Sunday’s result means, end of the road for the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone and their other Group-A opponent Sao Tome and Principe as Nigeria overtakes Guinea Bissau(10) as group leaders with 12 points earned from 5 games, despite Sierra Leone will still face off Guinea Bissau in September while Sao Tome battles Nigeria in their last group games for the 2023-TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be hosted in Cote D’Ivoire.
(C): Awoko Newspaper - alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspaper.sl
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IMC Boss Engages Bo District Council Chairman

By: Paul Kamara The Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, conducted a familiarization visit on Friday, 12th July 2024, to the Bo District Council Chairman, Victor Korseh Hindowa, at his Administrative Office in Falaba Section, Bo. Accompanying Chairman Kapuwa was his Executive Secretary, Mr. Khalil Kallon, along with Commissioners and staff from the Southern Region. During the visit, Mr. Khalil Kallon discussed the purpose of their visit, which was to formally introduce the IMC Chairman to the District Council Chairman, create familiarity, and provide an opportunity for Chairman Kapuwa to share his vision and aspirations for the commission. In his address to the Bo District Council Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq emphasized his commitment to meeting with various stakeholders across the country to build relationships. He also highlighted the commission's activities and its role in registering and regulating media institutions. Chairman Ka...
Post a Comment
Read more

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...
Post a Comment
Read more