Sierra Leone was impressive against Algeria as both nations played to a goalless draw in their Africa Cup of Nations Group E opener at the Japoma Stadium on Tuesday.

Thanks to Local-based keeper Mohamed Kamara, who was named the Man of the Match for his composed display.

It’s was a show of two equals over 90-minute despite bookmakers picking Algeria to win the opener. China-based striker Mohamed Buta Turay was a handful for the Algeria right-back Bensebaini.

The North Africans and their counterparts missed a couple of good chances in the first forty-five minutes. Turay also tested Rais M’Bolhi in the first half. After the break, Alhaji Kamara, who plays for Danish side Randers, came close with an early snapshot for Sierra Leone.

Kamara then had an effort disallowed for offside after the break before Brahimi’s gilt-edged miss at the other end.

This refused goal served as a reminder to the Desert Foxes, who began to come out showing their brilliance. However, the Leone Stars show no respect as they continue with a counter-attacking of the holders.

Yacine Brahimi tried to light the first match in the 50th minute but fell short on the Sierra Leonean goalkeeper. In the 65th minute, Sofiane Bendebka was blocked by Steven Caulker as the ball hit the net.

With six minutes remaining, Benrhama misses the mark on his own in the penalty area. The match remains goalless as the Desert Foxes laid siege to the Sierra Leone side but informed goalkeeper Mohamed N Kamara was on his best as he made up for his defence twice.

Sierra Leone face the Ivory Coast on the 16 at the same venue, a match that will surely put coach John Keister men on their way to the round of sixteen if they can avoid defeat.

Algeria, who defeated Senegal in the 2019 final, face Equatorial Guinea in their next game on Sunday.

In the same group on Wednesday, Ivory Coast will take on Equatorial.

Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer @bittar32 in Douala Contact bi****@*********************ne.net

The first goalkeeper in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 to earn the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award! 🧤

Give it up for #TeamSierraLeone's Mohamed Kamara! 💪#AFCON2021 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/eXiqA1FwJv

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2022

FULL TIME #TeamAlgeria 0-0 #TeamSierraLeone

With a goalless draw, the points are shared 🤝#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #ALGSLE pic.twitter.com/KdO3uzPKYq

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2022

Former East End Tigers keeper Ibrahim Sesay said it was an “indescribable emotion” after being named the youngest to be part of his country Africa Cup of Nations squad in Cameroon.

The youngster is in contention to make his Afcon debut with the West Africa Nation against Algeria on January 11 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

Sierra Leone’s Sesay is the second youngest at this year’s continental tournament set to kick off on Sunday in Yaounde. The youngest at this Afcon is Mauritanian Beyatt Lekweiry. The young AS Douanes midfielder Beyatt Lekweiry was a surprise call-up by Mourabitounes coach Didier Gomes da Rosa, who took charge in November. He was part of last year’s Under-20 Arab Cup aged 15.

“Indescribable emotion after I learnt that I will be representing my country at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon,” the 17-year-old told FSL Sport.

He made his International debut against the Gambia in an international friendly, helping the Leone Stars to a 2- 1 at the El Jadida stadium in Morocco back in November.

Sesay, who started his career with Yopanda Rovers, has been impressive with the Submarines in the ongoing Sierra Leone Premier League that warranted his inclusion into the National team.

The 17-year-old stopper was praised for his display against the Gambian and was in goal again for his second appearance in the 2-1 defeat to Morocco home-based side as Leone Stars wrapped up their training camp at the Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia, during Sierra Leone training camp in November.

“A big blessing for me, and of course, this came with hard work. Not many 17-years get this opportunity to represent their country in one of the biggest stages of Africa and world football,” Sesay told FSL Sports.

“I want to thank God for giving me the talent my prayers has always been playing for Sierra Leone. My wish was to get a good and impressive season in the Sierra Leone Premier League, which has helped me impress the Bo Rangers management.

In November, after Sierra Leone International friendlies, Sesay told FSL News that he was over the moon to make my International debut against the Gambia, and most importantly, we won. I am grateful for this opportunity. It takes a lot of sacrifices and hard work to get this far.

“I was part of the team in Guinea in the 1-0 over Benin at the General Lansana Conté Stadium in June African Cup of Nation qualifier.”

In their last friendly, the Moroccan local-based defeated Sierra Leone 2-1 after a late-gasp controversial penalty.

Legend and former Inter Milan striker was the youngest from Sierra Leone when he hit a last-minute goal for Sierra Leone a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein in South Africa, their first-ever continental victory (African Nations Cup).

• List of the four youngest at the Tournament in Cameroon.

Beyatt Lekweiry – Mauritania( 16 Year’s 8 months )

Ibrahim Sesay – Sierra Leone (17 Years, Two Months)

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku- Ghana (17 Years, 10 Months)

Hannibal Mejbri – Tunisia ( 18 Years, 11 Months)

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