Sierra Leone kick-off Internship with a defeat

Sierra Leone kick-off Internship with a defeat

Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars kick-off their 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifying preparation with a 3-0 defeat to their Togolese counterpart on Thursday evening in Turkey. 

At the Mardan Sports Complex in Aksu Antalya, Turkey, John Keistrer’s new looks side were better in the opening exchanges.  Bolton’s striker Amadou Bakayoko came close twice with his half chances. The two teams started brilliantly with energy in an entertaining opening 15-minutes.

Togo had a chance to go ahead through their striker Kevin Denkey, but Mohamed Kamara in goal for Sierra Leone was attentive. 

Both sides played to a goalless first half as the Leone Stars new-look young and energetic impress in the opening 45-minutes. However, the second half exploded with three goals for the Togolese. 

Paulo Duarte’s side took control of the tie after they scored a direct free-kick through Euloge Placca in the 48-minute. He completed his double from outside the area after his strike fine the back of the net in the 51st minute to further dampen the Leone Stars spirit. 

Sierra Leone pushed forward to get a goal of their own, but debutant Winston Ceesay made a costly error. Guillaume Yenoussi capitalised on Ceesay’s lost ball to score their third. 

A total of seven new players were part of the Leone Stars’ first test match. East End Lions’ in-form striker Alie Conteh replaced Alusine Koroma to make his Sierra Leone debut. 

In his post-match interview, John Keister says his side conceded easy goals from individual mistakes. 

Changes made – Alie Conteh in for Alusine Koroma, Augustus kargbo in for Issa Kallon, Emmanuel Samadia in for Jonathan Morsay in the 70th-minute before Winston Ceesay replaced Ibrahim Sillah. 

Sierra Leone will face Liberia on Sunday and Congo Brazaville on Tuesday in their remaining two friendly International. 

FSL News – African Football News – Follow us on Twitter @football_sierra On Facebook & Instagram: Football Sierra Leone.

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Sierra Leone head coach John Keister has handed five debutants a chance to prove themselves in Leone Stars’ first International friendly test match at the Mardan Sports Complex in Aksu Antalya, Turkey. – Kickoff 16 hrs Sierra Leone Time.

Boltons’ striker Amadou Bakayoko, Panetolikos winger Jonathan Morsay, Kamil Conteh from Watford, German-based holding midfielder Ibrahim Sillah and left-back Alex back have all set for their debut.

Sierra Leone national team starting their internship against Togo at the Mardan multi-purpose stadium in Aksu, AntalyaTurkey

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Michael, 22, joins Indy Eleven after impressing while on trial during the team’s preseason. “It means a lot to join such an amazing club in a very competitive league. Moving to a higher level will definitely help my development as a footballer. I’m ready to face any challenges that may come my way. Extremely excited to get started with Indy Eleven,” he told FSL News.

Rodney began his professional career last year with Tormenta FC, where he originally played for the club’s USL League Two side to retain his final season of collegiate eligibility before eventually being offered a professional contract to Tormenta FC’s League One squad. Michael made 16 appearances for Tormenta FC and recorded one goal, two assists and 13 key passes for the side.

Michael spent his college career with UC Santa Barbara, wherein three seasons with the Gauchos he started all but one of his 59 appearances, netted 23 goals, and tallied 15 assists. 

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Both nations wrapped up their training sessions on Wednesday ahead of test cracker as they will be hoping to get their Fifa friendly window on track with a win.

Speaking to the SLFA Media, the newly appointed squad skipper Steven Caulker is optimistic that the “team has great potentials and we are positive that the team can do great things.” Adding that the team is full of young and passionate players that are enthusiastic to play football.”

Both the West African neighbours have played seven times in all competitions, with the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the disadvantage with only a win, five defeats and a draw.

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Kamil Conteh, 19, who opened his account for Braintree Town in the National League South against Hungerford Town on February 19th, says he has been great around experienced around the National team.

The Watford Under-23s midfielder joined the Iron last month on loan, weeks after making his first-team debut against Leicester City in the FA Cup, and he has made a bright start to life in Essex.

Speaking after Leone Stars’ final training at the Sueno Sports Centre on Wednesday, he said, “I’m delighted to be here for the first time as i have enjoyed every moment around the boys.”

The 19-year old says playing for Sierra Leone is something he will always relish. “I’m here to play and show everyone what I am about trying to help the team as much as possible. I am relishing the chance to be a great player for Sierra Leone.”

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Sillah was drafted into the new looks John keister side ahead of matches against Togo, Liberia and Congo Brazzaville.

“When I got the news that I was selected to play for my country, Sierra Leone, I was very excited and happy,” Ibrahim Sillah, 26,” explained. It is a great honour for me to represent my country. I am a passionate soccer player that lives for soccer and dreams of soccer.

I started playing soccer in Sierra Leone as a little boy. My parents and I are all born in Sierra Leone. I joined Kickers Emden on 1 July 2020. The team is playing well this season. Before the winter stop, we were in the second position. As a result, we are now playing the promotional league. So far, I have scored five goals, mainly out of corners and long-range.” 

BSV Kickers Emden – Name: Ibrahim Sillah – DOB: 4th April 1995 

Position: Defensive midfield 

With BSV since July 2020 

Previous clubs – Almere City Sporting, Oranges Nassau, ACV Assen and Germania Leer.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and Players Abroad. The writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*********************ne.net.

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