by FSL News | 23 Aug, 2016 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The Leone Stars made the short flight late on Monday and will be expected to take part in a light workout on their first day in Ghana at the luxury hotel and sports complex in Accra owned by former France international (Ghanaian-born) Marcel Desailly.
The Marcel Desailly’s complex will host Leone Stars squad as they are expected to engage in a series of matches against top Ghanaian premier clubs.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has said veterans Tony Baffuor and Abedi Pele will also be part of the arrangements.
Sellas Tetteh named 15 foreign based are expected to join 15 home based players and four technical staff to intensify preparations for next month’s African Cup of Nations decider.
The African champions will host Leone Stars, on September 3 at the historic Stadium Stade Bouaké now Stadium of Peace.
According to the FA’s media, Head Coach Sellas Tetteh has said one of the reasons for the team to prepares in Ghana is to reduce pressure.
“We are taking the team to Accra to reduce the pressure and tension from the fans at home who would like to see the team succeed in the historical match and in the process create a conducive atmosphere for the boys to concentrate on the task ahead.
“This is a very important match for the country and for the team of young players who have never played in the AFCON finals. We are going to do our best and come out of the match with our heads raised up,” Coach Sellas Tetteh was quoted as saying.
Home based called up
Donald Wellington, Mohamed L. Bangura, Prince Barrie, Kwamie Quee, Ibrahim A. Kamara, Ibrahim Kabba, Christiania Moses, Abu Kanu, Kemson Fofanah, Mohamed Kamanoh, Yeami Dunia, Abu Suma, Abu Bakarr Mansaray, Ibrahim Sorie Barrie, Unisa Koroma
Foreign Based Called up
Solomon Zombo Morris (France), Alhaji Dauda Conteh (Guinea), Umaru Bangura (FC Zurich Switzerland), David Simbo (Krumkachy Minsk Belarus), Hassan Sesay (FC Lahti Finland), Gibril Sankoh (China), Mohamed Kamara (HJK Helsinki Finland), Khalifa Jabbie (FC Sheriff Maldova), Alfred Sankoh (Turkey), John Kamara (FC Riga Latvia), George Davies (Germany), Mohamed Bangura (China), Abdu Sesay (OPS Finland), Julius Woobay (Olimpija Slovenia), Sheka Fofanah (Vejle Boldklub Denmark)
@football_sierra – @bittar32
by FSL News | 20 Aug, 2016 | Players Abroad News
In-form Sierra Leone midfielder Abdul ‘Buduski’ Sesay today registered 12 goals in 15 matches for his Finnish club OPS.
The 24-year-old Sierra Leone international was on target against VIFK Vaasa away from home scoring OPS’s second goal in his side 2-0 win on Saturday.
“I’m delighted for the team. We are improving in all aspects and we are looking for promotion.
“The team played a great game and thanks to my teammates for helping me scoring goals this season, I’m happy, very happy,” Sesay told footballsierraleone.net
The victory is their sixth straight as they maintained their lead at the top of the Kekkonen group C table with 38 points from sixteen matches.
He is expected to be part of the Sierra Leone side to face Ivory Coast in their quest to reach the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final in Gabon.
Buduski scored his first goal for Sierra Leone against Chad in the 2018 World Cup preliminary match played in Nigeria at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium (Port Harcourt) in October 2015.
He was an unused substitute in the 1-0 victory over Sudan June 4, 2016, at the National Stadium in Freetown.
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by FSL News | 20 Aug, 2016 | Players Abroad News
- Partick Thistle defender Dumbuya (Pictured) rules himself out of Sierra Leone’s AFCON decider
The right back will not be in action when Sierra Leone visits Les Elephants in next month’s crucial Group I qualifier for the 2017 African Cup of Nations.
The African champions will host Leone Stars, on September 3 at the historic Stadium Stade Bouaké now Stadium of Peace.
The Sierra Leone international today confirmed that he will not be available for selection.
“Still injured and I won’t be available for the upcoming game against Ivory Coast,” Dumbuya told footballsierraleone.net.
When asked about his return date, he said: “Not yet, I’ll find out when I meet with my doctor in a month or so.”
The former Portsmouth defender ruptured an Achilles’ tendon and successfully underwent operation June 15, 2016.
However, the severity of the injury means the 29-year-old defender already missing important matches in the 2016/2017 Scottish Premiership seasons.
Dumbuya last played for Sierra Leone against Chad in the 2018 World Cup preliminary double header.
Meanwhile, the Leone Stars must defeat Les Elephants if they are to reach the continental big stage next year.
Gabon, the 2012 co-hosts will host the 2017 tournament from 14 January – 5 February.
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by FSL News | 19 Aug, 2016 | African News
Former Sierra Leone coach Johnny McKinstry was disappointed to be let go by Rwanda.
Johnny McKinstry was let go by the Rwanda’s football federation (FERWAFA) on Thursday after 15 months in charge of Amavubi.
His sacking was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports and Culture Lt Col Patrice Rugambwa.
McKinstry, 31, has expressed his shock after he was sacked as head coach of Rwanda’s national team.
“I am in shock because I have not been told why the Federation has taken this decision,” McKinstry said.
“This period has been one of the best in terms of performance for Rwanda,” he added.
“However, it has been an honour to be Head Coach of the Rwanda National Team for the past year and a half.”
McKinstry was appointed as Rwanda’s head coach in March 2015.
He managed to register 11 wins, two draws and a dozen defeats in the 25 games he was in charge of Rwanda.
Rwanda ranked 121 in the global ranking and they are already out of the road to Gabon 2017.
Mckinstry guided Sierra Leone to their highest ever FIFA World and African rankings – 7th in Africa and 50th in the World in his 16 months in charge.
@football_sierra
by FSL News | 18 Aug, 2016 | African News
Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho has signed a new two-year deal tying him to the club until 2021.
The 19-year-old Nigerian scored 14 goals in his breakthrough campaign at the Etihad Stadium last season, and now looks set for a pivotal role under new boss Pep Guardiola.
Iheanacho told City’s official website, “I can’t express how I’m feeling now, I’m excited.”
“I just need to keep working hard and express my feelings on the pitch and work really well and do great things for the team.
“I’m happy and I appreciate everything the club has done for me so far at this point so I really need to help and work for them as well.”
The youngster was a late substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland.
“Kelechi is a natural goal-scorer,” said Guardiola.
“I knew about him before, but I’ve been really impressed with him since I arrived.
“I like his personality, his attitude, his ability: we hope to help him reach the highest level and to realise his full potential.”
@football_sierra
Sierra Leone | Highlights -