Sierra Leone vs Niger a must win game
Sierra Leone who lost to the Mena’s of Niger 3-1 in March is looking to turn around that shocking defeat that left them struggling to pick a qualifying spot. (Photo: Coach Mattsson, and Mustapha Bangura who is out of the running due to injuries received in a traffic accident whilst in Sierra Leone)
A win for Sierra Leone this Saturday and a defeat for group leader South Africa in Egypt will keep them within touching distance and the group will go wide open again.
However, Sierra Leone’s preparations in recent weeks have been covered by controversy over who will be the Manager in charge of this all important encounter.
Swede, Mattsson, had the support from the country’s sport’s ministry while the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) wanted Cole as the coach.
Both coaches selected their various players list ahead of this match and that led to the SLFA threatening to withdraw from the qualifiers.
Though it is clear that the Minister of Youth, Employment and Sport, Paul Kamara has told press men that the impasse between his ministry and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has resolved, it is yet to be seen on the pitch.
Mattsson lost his first game in charge against Niger 3-1, while Cole secured the two points holding Egypt and South Africa to a 1-1 and 0-0 draw respectively.
Soccer pundits have reiterated that it is a must win game for Sierra Leone any other result means Sierra Leone will loset another chance to play in the continent’s biggest tournament , the African Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, five players named in Sierra Leone’s final 17 are foreign-based players listed for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home against Niger slated for 4th of June. It is anticipated the five will arrive in Freetown tomorrow.
AIK’s duo Ibrahim Tetteh Bangura and Mohamed Bangura will be joined by Vastera’s keeper Christian Caulker, Trelleborg defender Ibrahim Marcel Koroma, and David Simbo from Motala AIF FK, they will leave Stockholm Bromma city airport for Brussels and then travel onto Freetown.
Jonkoping Sodra converted defender Sheriff Suma will travel separately on Tuesday via Air France to Freetown; AC Milan Rodney Strasser is already in Freetown in preparation for the crunch of a must win game.
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