by FSL News | 31 Aug, 2016 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Footballsierraleone.net can confirm that almost all the foreign components of the national team, Leone Stars, have arrived in Abidjan on Tuesday at the team’s hotel Nouvelle Pergola.
The latest arrivals in the Leone Stars team are Mohamed Bangura Dalian Yifang, China, Latvian-based midfielder John Kamara, George Davies Greuther Fürth, Germany, FC Zurich centre back skipper Umaru Bangura, FC Lahti’s attacking midfielder Hassan Milla Sesay, FC Sheriff’s defensive enforcer Khalifa Jabbie, Mohamed Medo Kamara and OPS top goal scorer Abdul Buduski Sesay.
The final group I match is expected to be played in Ivorian city of Bouake on September 3 and it’s a must-win game for Sierra Leone – if they are to compete in the continental big stage for the first time in 20 years.
Keeper Solomon Zombo Morris (Quevilly, France) and Sheka Fofanah (Vejle BK, Denmark) were the first foreign-based players to arrive at the Accra, Ghana camp last week.
Turkey-based Denizlispor midfielder Alfred Sankoh and newly signed Amasyaspor defender David Simbo joined the Leone Stars Ghana camp on Monday.
Meanwhile, Sellas Tetteh’s side defeated Ghana league two outfit Sun City on Monday 3-1 in Accra in their second test friendly.
Danish-based striker Sheka Fofanah, Christian Moses and Mohamed Lamin Bangura accounted for Leone Stars goals.
The Leone Stars are expected to leave the shores of Ghana this morning for Ivory Coast to face the African Champions in the final Group I match of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
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by FSL News | 28 Aug, 2016 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Although some of the foreign-based players are already in Ghana. However, the majority named in Coach Sellas Tetteh’s 30-man provisional squad will start arriving in their Accra based on Monday.
The Sierra Leone men’s soccer team are in a week-long training camp in Accra, Ghana in preparation for their 2017 African Cup of Nations cracker against Ivory Coast.
The final group I match is expected to be played in Ivorian city of Bouake on September 3 and it’s a must-win game for Sierra Leone – if they are to compete in the continental big stage for the first time in 20 years.
Turkey-based Denizlispor midfielder Alfred Sankoh and newly signed Amasyaspor defender David Simbo have confirmed that they will report to Leone Stars Ghana camp on Monday.
Speaking with footballsierraleone.net Sankoh, 27, who made his debut for Denizlispor in their 3-1 first league win over Bandırmaspor last Friday said he is ‘looking forward to helping the national team.’
“I will be in Ghana on Monday and I’m looking forward to the task ahead. Obviously, a very difficult contest playing away against the African Champions.”
Simbo reiterated: “Hopefully, Monday for sure I will join up with the national team in Ghana.” He added, “It’s a decisive and tough task for both nations, on paper, we second best, but this is football 90 min of action, we are highly determined.”
FC Riga defensive midfielder John Kamara who has been consistent and played in every game for his side in this Virsliga campaign will also team up with the National side on Monday.
However, some players will only able to join the team in Ivory Coast, the likes of Slovenia-based attacking winger Julius Wobay (Olimpija, Ljubljana) and OPS top soccer Abdul Buduski Sesay will join the team in Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
China-based defender Gibril Sankoh will also return to the Sierra Leone squad after a four-year absence.
Meanwhile, Leone Stars were held to a goalless draw in their first friendly match against Liberty professional in Accra.
Sierra Leone 30 man provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Solomon Zombo Morris (Quevilly, France), Alhaji Dauda Conteh (Diamond Stars FC), Unisa Koroma (East End Lions).
Defenders: Umaru Bangura (FC Zurich, Switzerland), David Simbo (Amasyaspor Turkey ), Gibril Sankoh (Meizhou Kejia, China), Yeami Dunia (FC Johansen), Ibrahim A. Kamara (Mighty Blackpool), Abu Kanu (FC Johansen), Abu Suma (FC Johansen), Kemson Fofanah (East End Lions) Mohamed L. Bangura (Ports Authority FC), Mohamed Kamanor (Unattached).
Midfielders: Alfred Sankoh (Denizlispor, Turkey), John Bankole Kamara (Riga Latvia), Julius Woobay (Olimpija, Ljubljana, Slovenia),Ibrahim Kabba (FC Kallon), Hassan Sesay (FC Lahti, Finland), Mohamed Kamara (Kuwait FC, Kuwait), Prince Barrie (Kallon FC), Kwamie Quee (FC Johansen), Khalifa Jabbie (FC Sheriff, Maldova).
Forwards: George Davies (Greuther Fürth, Germany), Donald Wellington (East End Lions), Mohamed Bangura (Dalian Yifang, China), Abdul Sesay (OPS, Finland), Sheka Fofanah (Vejle BK, Denmark), Christian Moses (Lion Pride FC), Abu Bakarr Mansaray (Old Edwardians), Ibrahim Sorie Barrie (FC Johansen)
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by FSL News | 27 Aug, 2016 | African News
Ivory Coast coach, Michel Dussuyer has left out Manchester City duo, Yaya Toure & Wilfried Bony from the Elephant squad ahead of their 3 September decisive 2017 AFCON final qualifying match against Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.
The two nations will clash at the Stade Bouaké now Stadium of Peace in what is describe as the Group I decider for a place in Gabon but the home side will have to make do without the Manchester City pair.
Coach Dussuyer final 23-man squad was made know last Thursday in a press conference at the headquarters of the Ivorian Football Federation (IFF).
The French boss, when asked about Toure’s absent, said: “A meeting is planned with Yaya Toure. After which everyone will be updated.”
Another player that will miss the September 3 encounter is Stuttgart midfielder Serey Die who is recovering from a leg injury he suffered on April 5 while playing for Stuttgart in their 2-2 draw with Darmstadt.
However, there is some good news for the former Guinea national team coach as PSG defender Serge Aurier and newly acquired Manchester United central-back Eric Bailly are available for selection.
Aurier had not been involved with the Elephants since March 29 in Khartoum against Sudan during the fourth round matches.
Meanwhile, the former French international also recalled Deli Simon of Sparta Prague, Ousmane Viera, Wilfried Kanon and Kone Lamine Traore.
In midfield, Franck Kessie, now a pivot in Atlanta Bergamo in Italy and Serge N’Guessan the new resident of the French league was again recalled by Dussuyer.
With the absent of Toure and Bony, Dussuyer recalled Max Gradel, Yao Kouassi Gervais, Kodja Jonathan and Giovanni Sio Thomas of Girondins de Bordeaux.
While goalkeeper Gbohouo Sylvain will be assisted by Sayouba Mande and Sangare Badra.
Ivory Coast are currently leading group I with 5 points and only need to avoid defeat to secure qualification while Sierra Leone who are with 4 points can progress to Gabon 2017 with only a victory.
Full Squad:
Keepers: GBOHOUO Sylvain (TP Mazembe – DR Congo), SANGARE BADRA Ali (AS Tanda – Côte d’Ivoire)
And Sayouba Mande ( Stabaek – Norway ).
Defenders: AURIER Serge (Paris SG – France), BAILLY Eric (Manchester United – England), DELI Simon ( Slavia Prague – Republic Czech ), DIARRASSOUBA Ousmane Viera ( Adanaspor – Turkey ), GOUA Mahan Marc ( Asec Mimosas – Cote d’Ivoire ), KANON Wilfred (ADO The Hague – Netherlands), KONE Lamine (Sunderland AFC – England ) And TRAORE Adama (FC Basel – Switzerland).
Midfielders: Angban Victorian (Granada CF – Spain ), DIOMANDE Ishmael (SM Caen – France), DOUKOURE Sheik (FC Metz – France), KESSIE Franck (Atlanta Bergamo – Italy ), N’Guessan Yao Serge (AS Nancy Lorraine – France) and SERI John Michael ( OGC Nice – France).
Strikers: Gradel Max-Alain (AFC Bournemouth – England), Kouassi Yao Gervais (Hebei Fortune FC – China), KALOU Solomon ( Hertha Berlin – Germany ), Kodjia Jonathan (Bristol City FC – England ), SIO Giovanni ( Stade Rennais – France) and TOURE Thomas ( Girondins de Bordeaux – France).
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by FSL News | 26 Aug, 2016 | Players Abroad News
Turkish third tier side Yeni Amasyaspor have signed Sierra Leone international David Simbo from Belarus top flight side Krumkachy Minsk for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old who has been very frustrated in Belarus have penned a one-year deal with the newly promoted side.
The former mighty Blackpool defender pictured was unveiled today at the club’s stadium in Amasya city.
Simbo joined Krumkachy Minsk in March but fallen down the pecking order and only made six appearances in nineteen matches including two cup ties.
The former Narjan SC defender a few weeks ago confirmed that he is ready to play anywhere as long as he is a regular playing week in week out.
“I have already told the club about my intention and will see in the next coming days, maybe in Belarus or out of Belarus.
“For me, it doesn’t matter where I go as long as am happy and playing regular football that is ok, Simbo told footballsierraleone.net a few weeks ago.
Simbo is now expected to join Leone Stars camp in Ghana for the all-important African Cup of Nations decider in Bouake Ivory Coast next month.
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by FSL News | 23 Aug, 2016 | Players Abroad News
New FC Zurich signing Umaru Bangura made his debut on Monday night on match day five of the Swiss Challenge League, as they beat Neuchâtel Xamax 1-0.
Bangura, 28, came off the bench to replace Albanian attacker Armando Sadiku in the 84th minute at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zürich.
Roberto Rodriguez struck the winner in the 60th minutes for second-tier Swiss outfit.
The Former Honefoss defender was delighted after making his first appearance for his new side following six weeks out with a knee injury.
“Was great to be back playing football after a long time out injured,” Bangura told footballsierraleone.net.
The victory takes his side to the top of the table with 13 points from five matches, winning four and a draw.
He signed for the Swiss side on August 4, 2016, on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
He is expected to lead the Sierra Leone squad out to face Les Elephants of Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations decider on September 3 at the Stade Bouaké Stadium.
@football_sierra – @bittar32
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