East End Tigers keeper Ibrahim Sesay has hit the ground running at the International level, earning admiration from soccer fans.

The Tigers keeper says he was pleased after making his full Sierra Leone debut on Saturday, helping the Leone Stars to a 2- 1 win over the Gambia in an international friendly match at the El Jadida stadium in Morocco.

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 Gambians 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, on Tuesday.

“I was very impressed with Ibrahim Sesay. He was composed and had no hesitation on his decision making against the Gambians,” Samuel Turay commented on Sesay’s debut.

“He really looks good between the post. He’s agile, has the right height for a goalkeeper and is not afraid. Looking very comfortable,” James Fornah gives his views on the young Sierra Leone keeper.

Sesay told FSL News: “I was pleased 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.

Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, writer John Bangura.

FC Kallon midfielder Saidu Fofanah scored his first goal for Sierra Leone in Leone Stars 2-1 over the Gambia in an international friendly match at the El Jadida stadium in Morocco on Saturday.

As a result, the Leone Stars stretched their unbeaten run to seven games after their latest triumph over the Gambia at the El Jadida stadium in Morocco on Saturday.

John Keister’s men won their first game after the 1-1 draw with South Sudan. Gambia led early thanks to FC Zürich striker Assan Ceesay spot-kick in the 22nd minute, only for Kei Kamara to level matters with his header two minutes later.

After the opening seven minutes, Kei Kamara could have scored for the Leone Stars when he was presented with an early chance from the penalty spot after Sullay Kaikai was brought down, but he failed to convert.

In the 22nd minute, FC Zürich striker Assan Ceesay converted for the Gambians from the penalty spot after the referee awarded the Gambia a penalty for a handball by Kei Kamara.

However, the HIFK striker made things up with a header from Sullay Kaikia’s corner kick in the 24th to restore parity at the El Jadida stadium in Morocco.

In the second half, there were no more goals as Leone Stars held on to win. Sierra Leone will take on Morocco on Tuesday in their final friendly preparation.

Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, writer John Bangura.

Sierra Leone will play the Gambia at the Stade El Abdi in Morocco as part of their preparation ahead of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations next year in Cameroon.

Looking to build on their 1-1 draw against South Sudan, Sierra Leone will face another steam test in their build-up to next years AFCON on Saturday.

Wycombe Wanderers attacker scored his first international goal for Sierra Leone before Loki Emmanuel header restored parity in the draw against South Sudan.

The Gambians suffered heavy defeat 7-2 in the hand of Morocco local based side in their opener at the Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia stadium on Tuesday.

Nonetheless, the Gambia, despite the awful performance against the North Africans, will want to get it right when they face Sierra Leone.

Their Belgian head coach Tom Saintfiet guided the Gambia to reach the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in history, unlike Sierra Leone, who will be competing in their third after 25-years since 1996 in South Africa.

They are ranked 149 in the global standings, 41 places below John Keister’s men and have lost three times in their last five games in all competition.

Sierra Leone, on the other hand, has managed one win in their last five games. The two nations meeting for the first time since December 2007 when the Gambia defeat Sierra Leone 2-1 in an International Friendly. 

Overall, Sierra Leone has won eight of the nineteen matches between the two side draw six and lost five since 1979, according to 11v11 statistics.

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