Iraq defeat Sierra Leone
The Iraq national team defeated their Sierra Leonean opponents 1-0 on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey.
The only goal of the day came in the fifth minute of play courtesy of Nashit Akram 24 yards striker following an error from the Sierra Leonean defense.
However, Leone Stars came close of grabbing an equalizer just a minute before halftime after striker, Alhaji Kamara failed to beat the Iraq goalkeeper, Mohammed Kassid in a one on one situation, and it was Sierra Leone’s closest chance in the first half.
The West African boys who were missing the majority of their key players started the second segment on a good-footing gaining a lot of possession of the ball with several chances created but only had the cross bar to bless when Kerrerg Muhhammed’s header in the 60th minute hit the post and bounced away.
Leone Stars’ Goalkeeper, Christian Caulker was quick to make amends for his part in the Akram’s goal by making three possible saves to deny the Iraqi’s in extending their lead but in the 85th minute he was lucky to escape with only a yellow card after a hard challenge out of his box on incomer, Hammadi Ahmed.
Sierra Leone’s best ever-chance to tie the game came just two minutes of normal time after debutant and Cyprus based midfielder, Issa Zuma Kamara could not get his shot direct to the goal following a tussle in the Iraqi box.
However, Leone Stars’ Coach John Keister said he was impressed with his boys performance despite the result. He said: “It was a difficult game but the result does not matter, what was important was the performance in such a stage of football.”
Sahr Morris Jr., on location in Turkey
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