Sierra Leone head coach John Keister guided his side to their first victory in Group A of the 2023 qualifying campaign in the race to Ivory Coast next year.

Goals from Abubakarr Samura and Alhassan Koroma were enough after their much-improved tactic in the 2-0 win over Sao Tome on Sunday at the Agadir Stadium in Morocco.

As a result, the Leone Stars are one point behind Nigeria, and two behind Guinea Bissau, who will host the Super Eagles in the other group match on Monday in Bissau.

“I was pleased, but we now have to remain focused ahead of our remaining games against Nigeria and Guinea-Bissua,” he told FSL News.

Today’s performance from every player was much better than the first leg. We knew we had to change a few things to secure maximum results.

The Manchester-born added, “There is plenty of work to be done ahead of the two remaining games. Difficult games, but we have to fight to compete in the AFCON next year.”

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Sierra Leone registered its first victory in the African Cup of Nations Qualifying Group A campaign defeating Sao Tome 2-0 to move two points behind leaders Guinea Bissau.

Both sides played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday, but on matchday four, Sierra Leone looked more determined to keep their qualification campaign alive.

Defender Abubakarr Samura scored the opener in the 7th minute from a corner the Sao Tome defence failed to clear.

Sierra Leone was a much better side from the first leg, with much ball composure and discipline all over the pitch.

After controlling much of the first 20 minutes, RB Linense midfielder Alhassan Koroma scored a decent long-range to double Sierra Leone’s lead in the 28 minutes.

The first 45-minute ended 2-0 in the visitors’ favour at the Grand Satde D’ Agadir on Sunday.

After the restart, Sao Tome increased the tempo of the match, but they were contained by a more robust Sierra Leone side, who knows only a win can give them any chance to reach Ivory Coast. 

Meanwhile, Group A leaders Guinea-Bissau look set to keep their unbeaten record in the qualifying race when they host Nigeria on Monday at home.

After a super-away 1-0 win at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Guinea-Bissua comfortably topped the group with seven points ahead of hosting Nigeria with six points.

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By Martin Wusha Conteh in Agadir Morocco

Sierra Leone will be desperate for victory when they battle Sao Tome and Principe in matchday four of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade d’Agadir this afternoon.

A match that cannot be oversized that only a win will keep coach John Keister’s side alive in the race to Ivory Coast next year.

After a 2-2 draw against their Central African counterpart on Wednesday, the Leone Stars now with another chance to rectify and get their Afcon campaign on track.

Two changes are expected from the squad that played to a 2-all draw on Wednesday as midfielder John Kamara suspended Bo Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara could be dropped to the bench.

Leone Stars skipper Steven Caulker has apologised for the draw and promised they’ll get it right today. Today’s contest will be the sixth meeting between the two nations.

“I was above the night drinking and recapping on the small areas which we can improve defensively and attacking wise. We have some few chances, yes, it was painful,” the Wigan Athletic defender noted. 

He continued: “We know what we need to do. We’re prepared to go to war on Sunday because we need the three points. We know the situation we are in.”

A win for Sao Tome and Principe will see them move above Sierra Leone. 

Meanwhile, Group A leaders Guinea-Bissau look set to keep their unbeaten record in the qualifying race when they host Nigeria on Monday at home.

After a super-away 1-0 win at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Guinea-Bissua comfortably topped the group ahead of hosting Nigeria.

Guinea-Bissau’s Baciro Cande warns Super Eagles.

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