Sierra Leone defeat Seychelles 2-0 in the 1st leg of their 3rd round AFCON Qualifier (19 July 2014)

In a game where the Leone Stars dominated, the Seychelles began with a very defensive approach.  In the first half, the seychelles keeper performed well, making a number of saves from both direct shots and crosses.

In the second half the Leone Stars increased the pressure and Khalifa Jabbie opened the scoring (see main picture) early in the second half with a close range strike to record his first goal for the Leone Stars.

The Leone Stars continued their attack and it was not long before Sheriff Suma was pulled down in the box (see picture) as he sought to drive towards the goal. Captain Umaru 'Zingalay' Bangura took the penalty (see picture) and scored his second goal for the Leone Stars.

Kei Kamara was unfortunate not to score with a header which had beaten the keeper and defence but bounced up over the crossbar. Moments later he was unlucky again when his overhead kick was narrowly saved.

Coach McKinstry continued to showcase new talent, giving 3 further debuts - Mohamed Kamanor [UMEA, Sweden]; Abdul Rahman Bangura [Atlanta Silverbacks, USA]; and Kwame Quee [FC Johansen, Sierra Leone].

The game finished 2-0 to the Leone Stars, who now face the Seychelles in the away tie in 2 weeks (2 August)

 

Interview with Coach McKinstry

Asked about his overall view of the game, the Coach said

"A 2-nil score line at the end of the game is what we wanted... coming into the game - keeping a clean sheet and putting a two or three goals margin between us and our opponents.   Overall the game was largely pleasing... the players showed a lot of patience against a very stubborn opponent in the Seychelles who did sit very deep in the game.. and eventually the goals came - we knew that would happen.   We changed one or two things at half time.

Overall, I am very pleased with the performance and the result."

Asked about what contributed to the victory, Coach McKinstry reflected on the range of talent now available to draw upon:

"Part of what made the result very pleasing was that once again we were able to bring in a few new additions to the team in Mohamed Kamanor, Abdul Rahman Bangura, and Kwame Quee - all making their debuts this afternoon as part of the 2-0 victory.  Across the three of them we have once again seen players who can help take the Leone Stars forward in a wider sense with the group that we now have and continue to develop. They fit into our style very well..

I'm very pleased with them, very pleased with the players that have been around for a few games now, as well as the more senior professionals... Overall, an excellent performance across the board."

On next steps and the upcoming return leg (away) Coach McKinstry said:

"In two weeks time we travel to Seychelles for the second leg. Obviously a 2-nil score line today is a big step in the right direction but we know that any opponent can be dangerous. We travel there, going to play in their home stadium in front of their home fans and we know that will be difficult.

However we believe that the scoreline today has put us in a strong position and we go there looking to win that game and to seal the tie that will take us into the group stages"

On what the victory meant to him personally, he said:

"Since coming is as Head Coach of Sierra Leone around 15 months ago, I have tried to implement a number of changes - including a change in philosophy.

We are really starting to see that take hold... winning becomes habit and in our last 3 games we have put together 3 victories and a draw. That gives the players confidence, it gives the staff confidence and gives the whole nation a lift.

We look to continue taking forward our philosophy and our game plan and we home and know that will take us onto greater heights."

 

See the Video Interview:

[Video interview will follow soon.]

 

 

Match Squad

Team

• Solomon Zombo Morris (US Quevily, France);
• Umaru Bangura (Dynamo Minsk, Belarus);
• David Simbo (Al Hilal, Sudan);
• Abdul Rahman Bangura (Atlanta Silverbacks, USA);
• Sheriff Suma (Syrianska, Sweden)
• Mohamed Kamanor (UMEA, Sweden);
• Khalifa Jabbie (Balikesirspor, Turkey);
• Alfred Sankoh (Khazar Lankaran FK, Azerbaijan);
• Abdulai Baggie (Tranmere Rovers, England);
• Kei Kamara (Middlesbrough, England);
• Ibrahim Teteh Bangura (AIK, Sweden);

 

Substitutes

• Ibrahim Kallay (Lulea, Sweden);
• Abdulai Bah (Mighty Blackpool, Sierra Leone)
• Ibrahim 'Soja' Kamara (FC Johansen, Sierra Leone);
• Kwame Quee (FC Johansen, Sierra Leone);
• Khomson Kamara (Bahrain)
• Paul Kabba Tucker (Anti-Drug Strikers, Sierra Leone)
• Sulaiman Fullah Sesay (ETAR 1924, Bulgaria).

 

 

NEXT round of AFCON 2015 Qualifiers

The Leone Stars will play the Seychelles in the away leg on Saturday 2 August 2014.

 

 

 

Match Highlights 

You can click any of the pictures below to see a full screen version of the picture.  You can then also choose to click the play arrow to watch a slide show of all images.

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More News?

For more news and pictures of Leone Stars games and training camps - visit www.johnnymckinstry.com/leonestars

 

 

 

Notes to Editors

1. The game is the first game (home leg) in the third round qualifier against Seychelles on 19 July 2014 as part of AFCON 2015.  
2. You can read more about the AFCON 2015 tournament and the Leone Stars fixtures.
3. Johnny McKinstry was appointed Head Coach of the Sierra Leone National Men's Football team on 11th April 2013.  You can read more about his time in charge of the Leone Stars
4. See www.johnnymckinstry.com for a range of information - biography, press releases and photographs for press use.
5. To arrange an email or telephone interview, please contact 

 

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