- despite defeat to Sudan
June 17, 2015 By Sahr Morris Jr.
President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Madam Isha Johansen, has applauded players and technical staff of the senior national team, Leone Stars for their performance in last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Sudan in Khartoum.
Leone Stars got-off to a disappointing start in their Group I 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after losing to Sudan, thanks to Agab Ramadan’s 77th minute spot kick following a penalty awarded to the hosts after defender Abu Suma was ruled to have handled the ball in the area by the referee.
Despite the result, the SLFA president – who is on an international assignment in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada – took time off her schedule to express her profound satisfaction with the level of commitment the players showed despite all odds regarding preparation and the non-financial support from the government.
“I am proud of you and SLFA is proud of you,” reads a message from Madam Johansen, which was published on the SLFA official website. “For a team predominantly comprised of home-based players to face national team players on the global stage, you (Leone Stars) are showing the world what real commitment and patriotism means. You are more than a team; you are the pride of our nation. Good luck with the rest of the journey.”