Portsmouth’s Mustapha Dumbuya may makes his international debut against Tunisia
England based defender Mustapha Dumbuya may make his international debut for Sierra Leone against Tunisia in a 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match on Saturday in Monastir because skipper Ibrahim ‘Obrey’ Kargbo has backed down from playing the right back position. The 25-year old right back who was born in Sierra Leone but left for the United Kingdom at the age of five was on the bench in Leone Stars’ last two home games against Soa Tome & Principe and Tunisia respectively. (Photo: Mustapha Dumbuya posed for the camera after a Leone Stars training session in Tunis (Photo Credit: Mohamed Fajah Barrie))
Dumbuya said he’s looking forward to playing on Saturday if given the chance by Leone Stars Coach Lars Olof Mattsson.
“It’s a blessing to play for your country, I can’t wait to make my international debut but it’s left with the manager to decide whether or not I’m going to play,” Dumbuya told Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL).
He added: “I wasn’t disappointed that I was on the bench in the last two matches, I was happy to be among the 18-man squad.”
Skipper Ibrahim ‘Obrey’ Kargbo who has been playing in the right back position all this while says he can no longer play that role and prefers the Portsmouth player to be used in that position.
“I have told Coach Mattsson that I’m not comfortable playing right back position because I’m a midfielder and I can no longer play in that position,” Kargbo told SWASAL.
“I think Dumbuya can play better in that position as that is the role he’s playing for his club. I was just sacrificing to play in that position,” he added:
However Dumbuya says his focus is how to win the match in Monastir and be part of history.
He said: “The match against Tunisia is very important for us and my focus is on how to win and qualify for the Nations Cup finals in South Africa.
I want to be part of history and I’m sure we’ll get the needed result in Monastir because our team are good. The pressure will be on Tunisia because we are playing away from home.”
“I know we’ll be smiling at the end of the match on Saturday.
After they were held to a 2-2 draw at home in the final round first leg game in Freetown last month, Leone Stars now need to win or at least get a 2-2 draw at full time if they are to have any chance of making it to 2013 finals.
By Mohamed Fajah Barrie in Tunis (Credit: SWASAL Sponsors: Mercury International)
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2012, https:. All rights reserved.
