August 24, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jr.
Sierra Leone national team Leone Stars on Tuesday started their work-out and light training session on their first day camping at the luxury hotel and sports complex in Accra, Ghana, owned by former France international (Ghanaian-born) Marcel Desailly.
The team departed Freetown late on Monday night for camping in Accra ahead of their final Group I 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Ivory Coast, as the reigning African champions will host their West African opponent at the Stade Bouaké, now Stadium of Peace, on 3 September.
Already, the 3 September match has been described as a crucial final Group I clash for Coach Silas Teteh and his boys who need all three points to secure qualification to next year’s tournament showpiece in Gabon.
The Ghanaian tactician, who traveled with a 15-man home-based squad and three other officials to Accra, said the decision to setup camping in Accra would help not only lessen the pressure and tension from the Sierra Leonean fans but also give the players a helpful atmosphere to concentrate.
He said: “We are taking the team to Accra to reduce the pressure and tension from the fans at home who would like to see the team succeed in the historical match and in the process create conducive atmosphere for the boys to concentrate on the task ahead. This is a very important match for the country and for the team of young players who have never played in the AFCON finals. We are going to do our best and come out of the match with our heads raised up.”
According to the FA’s media officer, the foreign based players are expected to join the rest of the squad in Accra before departing to Ivory Coast on Wednesday August 31.
The home-based called up are: Donald Wellington, Mohamed L. Bangura, Prince Barrie, Kwamie Quee, Ibrahim A. Kamara, Ibrahim Kabba, Christian Moses, Abu Kanu, Kemson Fofanah, Mohamed Kamanoh, Yeami Dunia, Abu Suma, Abu Bakarr Mansaray, Ibrahim Sorie Barrie, Unisa Koroma.