by FSL News | 2 Sep, 2016 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s National team, the Leone Stars yesterday evening arrived at their camping based for their final Group I encounter with Les Elephant tomorrow afternoon.
Sellas Tetteh and the rest of his side from their week long camping in Ghana checked into Hotel Residence Elephant (Leone Stars camp) and they will be taking a full squad training session today.
The Saturday’s clash that is expected to be played in the Ivorian city of Bouake will determine which team competes in the continental big stage next year in Gabon.
Leone Stars will be going into this tie second behind Ivory Coast, that make this tie a do or die encounter for Sierra Leone away from home.
Leone Stars have never defeated the Ivorians in their last seventh attempts; however, Les Elephants endured a frustrating time against their West African counterparts Sierra Leone as they were held to a 0-0 draw in Port Harcourt Nigeria in their 2017 qualifying Group I match-day 2.
This will be the eight meetings between the two sides. Ivory Coast has an edge over Sierra Leone, having won all five and played to a goalless draw of their previous matches.
Meanwhile, the Elephants head coach, Michel Dussuyer is cautious to face Sierra Leone at the Stadium of Peace Bouaké.
When asked about the strengths of his Ivorian side against Sierra Leone, Dussuyer said: “We must score goals. The Sierra Leone team is well organised.
“They can defend well and they can be very aggressive. We have already had the opportunity to play against this team. They are coming to win.”
Dussuyer added, “The ideal scenario is to score an early goal and this forces them to come out of their base and will leave a little bit of space.
“Although the Sierra Leone is quite playful, they have the quality, and can cause problems in our defence,” Dussuyer remains cautious.
Previous Results:
15 Oct 1972 Sierra Leone v Ivory Coast  W 0-1 FIFA World Cup
29 Oct 1972 Ivory Coast v Sierra Leone  W 2-0 FIFA World Cup
08 Jan 1984 Ivory Coast v Sierra Leone W 1-0 International Friendly
27 Mar 1994 Ivory Coast v Sierra Leone W 4-0 Africa Cup of Nations
06 Sep 2014 Ivory Coast v Sierra Leone W 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations
14 Nov 2014 Sierra Leone v Ivory Coast W 1-5 Africa Cup of Nations
06 Sep 2015 Sierra Leone v Ivory Coast  D 0-0 Africa Cup of Nations
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by FSL News | 1 Sep, 2016 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
With just two days to go before Sierra Leone take on Ivory Coast in the country’s most important match for over two decades at the Bouake stadium this Saturday, the controversy surrounding Sellas Tetteh’s side is ever growing.
According to Osasu Obayiuwana, who is a qualified lawyer but functioning, mostly, as a journalist, broadcaster and blogger for nearly 25 years now, Sierra Leone Ghanaian technician Sellas Tetteh…has had enough. “He is fed up and did not want Kei Kamara in the team that will face the African Champions, he revealed.
Osasu also stated, “Officials of the SLFA say @keikamara been imposed on Coach Sellas Tetteh, who emphatically DOES NOT want him for the match.”
When asked about this development, the Sierra Leone Sports Minister Ahmed Khanou in his response to the news stated, “I am not aware of this and you may be aware of the fact that Kei is en route to Abidjan, arriving this evening.”
The minister did not go any further.
Here are the ten strong points tweeted by producer/programme maker for SuperSport.
1.”There is a big fire raging in the Sierra Leone team, ahead of their qualifier against Cote D’Ivoire.
2.”Officials of the SLFA say @keikamara been imposed on Coach Sellas Tetteh, who emphatically DOES NOT want him for match.”
3.”During a chat with @ishajohansen2, who visited Abuja recently, she told me @keikamara described Tetteh as a “Kindergarten coach.”
4.”The statement @keikamara made was not said to Sellas directly. He made that statement, about Sellas, to me,” said @ishajohansen2.
5. “Sellas Tetteh is the only African coach to win the @FIFAcom WYC. He lifted the trophy in Egypt, with the Black Satellites in 2005.
6. “Sellas Tetteh, who is on loan to Sierra Leone, from @ghanafaofficial, only gets a match allowance from them. The SLFA is “broke.”
7. “Sellas Tetteh was reportedly summoned by Sports Minister when he was reportedly told he must field @keikamara in CIV.
8. “Sellas Tetteh told the S’Leone Sports Minister that “he does not need the player and does not fit into his plans for the AFCON QF.”Since @keikamara made the reported statement, about Tetteh, @ishajohansen2 says he is yet to tender an unreserved apology to the coach.
9. “Since @keikamara made the reported statement, about Tetteh, @ishajohansen2 says he is yet to tender an unreserved apology to the coach.”As it stands, Tetteh has contemplated throwing in the towel and could pack it in, after S’Leone’s final qualifier. He is fed up.”
10. “As it stands, Tetteh has contemplated throwing in the towel and could pack it in, after S’Leone’s final qualifier. He is fed up.”
@football_sierra – @bittar32
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 | 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 | 11 Aug, 2016 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have moved two places up to 88th position from 90th in the latest Fifa world rankings.
This came after the latest release by Fifa today (11th August).
The step is seen as improvement ahead of next month’s 2017 African Cup of Nations decider against the African Champions Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Algeria still maintains their position in Africa as the highest rated nation in today’s Fifa rankings.
Meanwhile, there are several changes in the top ten list of the Africa ranking.
Global Rankings top 10.
Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Chile, Portugal, France, Spain, Brazil and Italy
CAF Top 10: Algeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco Cameroon, Congo DR and Cape Verde.
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Sierra Leone | Highlights -Â