Defender Osman Kakay has given his verdict after Sierra Leone goalless draw with holders Algeria in their Afcon Group E opener on Tuesday in Douala, Cameroon.

Speaking to the media after his African Cup of Nations debut, Queens Park Ranger defender Osman Kakay admitted that he was pleased with his contribution and delighted with the result.

The Leone Stars played a good game against holders Algeria and Kakay was quick to acknowledge that Sierra Leone can cause an upset with the right mentality.

“First of all, it is a great honour to represent my nation at a major tournament feels even better knowing we are back after 26 years. We all know the teams are good, but in tournament football, you cannot fear anyone,” Kakay told FSL News in Douala.

“The group is tough, no doubt about that, but I believe if we show the right mentality and application stick to the game plan, we can cause an upset. This game is an example that nothing is impossible in African football.”

When asked about Sierra Leone reaching the round of 16 for the first time in its history, he was self-assured.

“I think that’s a good target for us, and if it happens, it will be a great achievement which shows how far we have come.”

The Queens Park Randers full-back was pivotal to Sierra Leone’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations – the 23-year-old is now focused on helping the Leone Stars to a successful Afcon campaign.

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Former England defender Steven Caulker has arrived in Freetown on Sunday to join the rest of the Sierra Leone Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham defender, who was named in the country’s 28-man final squad, is set for first training in Freetown.

The 30-year-old, who won one cap for England nine years ago, is expected to make his Afcon debut with the West Africa Nations against Algeria on January 11 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

Caulker is one of six foreign-based players born in England in the squad, which is coached by Manchester-born John Keister, a former Sierra Leone international.

They are Sullay Kaikai (Wycombe Wanderers), Idris Kanu (Peterborough United, Steven Caulker (Gaziantep), Kevin Wright (Orebro), David Sesay (Wealdstone) and Osman Kakay (Queens Park Rangers).

Meanwhile, the SLFA announced on Sunday Joris De Vos will be Leone Stars Sport Care Therapist in Cameroon during the African Cup of Nations.

“Joris is a qualified Belgian Sport Care Therapist with a wealth of experience, having worked with top-class players in Belgium, France, England and Spain,” the FA noted.

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English Championship side Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson says it’s a fantastic opportunity for Idris Kanu after being named in the final Sierra Leone squad.

Kanu, 22, is part of the final Sierra Leone 28-man squad named on Thursday ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next month.

The Posh player made his international debut last month in a 2-0 defeat to Comoros as a second-half substitute in Turkey.

Speaking ahead of the squad announcement, Posh boss Darren Ferguson said: “We expect Idris to get into the final squad, and so does he.

“And the club wishes him all the best. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him to play in a fantastic competition.”

While he’s away with Sierra Leone, Kanu is to miss four Posh Championship matches and the third round FA Cup tie at home to Bristol Rovers of League Two on Saturday, January 8.

Sierra Leone will open their Afcon campaign in Group E against holders Algeria on January 11 at the Japoma Stadium before taking on Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea on 16th and 20th, respectively.

Connect With Us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, writer Lamin Turay in Freetown.

Wealdstone have confirmed defender David Sesay will fly out tomorrow to meet up with the rest of his Sierra Leone national teammates.

Sesay, 23, was named in coach John Keister 40-man provisional squad ahead of the tournament in Cameroon next month.

“Due to injury and recent postponements, David has yet to make his Stones debut, but nonetheless, we wish him and his Sierra Leone teammates all the best as they bid to make history and as he represents the club on a global stage,” the Stones said in a statement.

Sierra Leone’s first game is against holders Algeria at the Japoma Stadium in the Cameroonian capital of Douala on 11th January.

Seasy is expected to make the Sierra Leone final 28-man squad that will compete against holders Algeria, Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea,

David will hopefully be competing up against the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Wilfried Zaha.

Connect With Us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, writer Lamin Turay in Freetown.

Jonathan Morsay is a doubt to represent Sierra Leone for the first time in the African Cup of Nations next month in Cameroon.

Morsay, 24, confirmed the unpleasant news that he injured his hamstring in Panaitolikos 1-0 to Asteras Tripolis on Tuesday and was forced off in the 42nd minute of the tie.

“The club’s physio told me it will take a month to recover, but I am going to Sweden to see a specialist,” the winger to FSL News.

His latest injury has raised doubt on whether the Sweden-born will be fit enough to be part of the Sierra Leone final squad. In August, the winger signed a two-year contract.

The Leone Stars first continental task after 25-years is against holders Algeria’s Desert Foxes on January 11 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

Sierra Leone in Group E set to compete against the Elephant of Ivory Coast on the 16th before their final group tie with Equatorial Guinea at the Lime be Stadium.

Meanwhile, a host of foreign-based has started arriving in Freetown, where the team is presently training. 

Randers striker Alhaji Kamara, AGF Aarhus winger Mustapha Bundu on loan from Anderlecth, Geroge Davies from SKN St. Polten in Austria, Kei Kamara, Mohamed Medo Kamara, Mustapha Dumbuya are all in town.

Group E teams – Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire.

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