Leone Stars uphill task
Leone Stars have had two eye-catching performances in Cairo against the African Champions and at home taking on 2010 World Cup host, South Africa respectively. Well done to Leone Stars for at least not losing from both matches, two points from two matches so far in a tight group and with Leone Stars next encounter in the Niger capital Niamey where the African champions faced a shock defeat, victory is all that matters while defeat is not accepted.
However, the fact that South Africa’s leading the group will be taking on giants Egypt back to back next year is a big boost for Leone Stars to take advantage by winning their own back to back matches in Niamey and Freetown against Niger.
Until that happens there is a major uphill task for Leone Stars if at all they can make the 2012 final, eight points from four matches will put them in a smooth position to make Gabon and Equatorial Guinea (Afcon). Because, South Africa and Egypt will beyond doubt drop points from their own matches and the African Champions will not want to loss in South Africa.
Especially after their defeat to lowly rated Niger, any more defeat for the team that is ranked top in Africa, based on the fact they will not be able to defend their title if they lose more points and I reckon the group is going to be thrown wide open after the next two matches next year .
Leone Stars on the other hand need to take a plus from the situation and if they fail to do so, taking on Egypt in Freetown and South Africa away from home will surely be difficult encounters, yes! Sierra Leone held the Egyptians at home in September this year and in 2008 did the same to South Africa, but I for one this time think it is going to be a different experience bearing in mind how stretched the group will be by them.
This is no time for excuses and Sierra Leone Government and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) must try this time to get their modalities in place beforehand, Sierra Leone last played in the tournament 1994 and 1996, South Africa was the winner of the 1996 tournament.
We have the players now, so we need to make the most of it, getting things done before time is a priority we all know the President and his government will be very pleased with victory away from home as it means his government will be leading the Sierra Leone National team, Leone Stars closer to being in the biggest tournament in the continent for the third time after failing to make the tournament in recent years under the previous government SLPP.
That means logistics and getting the right air ticket for players are of prime concern, that is if they cannot charter a flight to Niamey it is vital without any doubt that Leone Stars must prepare for a tough away fixture in Niamey next year, Niger are second in the group now they will fancy their chances – a win for them unquestionably will bring to an end Sierra Leone’s chances for the finals 2012.
Truly speaking, it is not going to be an easy encounter but Leone Stars technical team headed by the veteran Coach Christian Cole must stay focused away from home, even a point will still keep them in the race, they will have to be patient and use little bit of experience and maturity up front to get a goal as they did in Cairo.
The entire team effort will be needed collectively in a game like this; it will be intense, better ball possession and control, passing the ball well, creating chances, not giving them space to play their game, possibly will see Leone Stars just nick the maximum points.
The 62- year old tactician whose charges impressed the crowded National Stadium against South Africa this time needs to register a win if he still fancies his team’s chances of reaching the finals of the 2012 African Cup of Nations.
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