Don’t write us off in Abidjan – Sierra Stars coach
Despite playing a 2-2 draw against the Cadet Elephants of Ivory Coast in the 1st leg, final round match in the African Cup of Nations U-17 qualifiers in Freetown past Saturday, Sierra Leone U-17 Coach, Lamin Bangura, says his Sierra Stars side have what it takes to qualify in Abidjan for the Rwanda 2011 finals.
Lamin Bangura told journalist shortly after the match at the National Stadium in Freetown that his side should not be counted out of the race yet until after the final whistle in Abidjan in the returned leg scheduled in a fortnight time.
“We could have won this match today by a wide margin had we translate the many scoring opportunities we had during the match. The Ivorians played a tactical game in Freetown and scored two goals against us and I believe we can still do the same in Abidjan”, he said.
Sierra Stars who got off to a promising start in the match had to wait for extra time goal to level terms with the visiting Ivorians who seem composed throughout.
Sierra Stars breathed a sigh of relief three minutes into extra time, after Kamara’s header had struck the visitors advantage much to the delight of Coach Lamin Bangura. “This is a good result for us.” My boys played well, our only problem today is that we squandered several scoring opportunities during the match. I still believe the battle has not been won yet by anyone; we can still go to Abidjan and qualify. My task now is to prepare ourselves well for the returned leg in a fortnight time. I’m still hopeful that we can qualify in Abidjan” he said.
Meanwhile, the Cadet Elephant Coach, Alain Gouamene refused to talk to the press when contacted for the post match interviews. The former Ivorian international further insisted that no member of his technical staff and players should talk to the media.
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