March 23, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jr.
Sierra Leone national team, Leone Stars, had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Flames of Malawi in a warm-up match ahead of their 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
In a rather dull and less action packed encounter at the National Stadium in Freetown, it was the visitors who opened the scoring through striker Joseph Kamwendo 18th minute strike.
Kamwendo over-ran the Sierra Leonean defense and released a left-footed strike at the near post to put his side ahead, but Sierra Leone’s Finland-based striker, Abdul Sesay, leveled things just three minutes before the break with a beautiful ground shot that passed through the crowded Malawi defense.
The home side could have taken the lead in the 84th minute when Mustapha Bangura connected incomer Sorie Barrie, who only had the rushing Malawian goalkeeper Munthali to beat, but the FC Johansen striker’s attempt was easily blocked by the Flames goalkeeper.
Leone Stars coach, Sellas Tetteh, was however satisfied with his players’ performance, which he said was positive for team spirit and the technical team.
“There were so many positives from this match, I was able to see some of the new players in the squad, identify our defensive mistakes and identify areas to improve on,” the Ghanaian tactician said. “This was a game of different level and I am okay with the result.”
Malawi head coach Ernest Mtawali was also pleased with the result and dismissed any injury worries despite the earlier withdrawal of Harry Nyirenda, who was replaced by John Lanjesi in 35 minutes.
Sierra Leone will now travel to Gabon for their no point scoring clash on 25 March before hosting them in Freetown three days later, while the Flames will take on Guinea in Conkary before heading home for the return leg.
The friendly with Malawi was Sierra Leone’s first international game on home soil since the country was officially declared free of Ebola.
Sierra Leone Squad:(1) Zombo Morris GK; 4.Mohamed Kamara (Cpt.); 11.Osman Kamara (out 71 minutes); 18. Aziz Deen Conteh (out 82 minutes); 13. Sulaiman Bangura (out 64 minutes); 15. Yeami Dunia; 8.Abdul Sesay; 7. Kwame Quee; 6. Abu Kanu; 9. Sheka Fofonah; 12.George Davies (out 62 minutes)
Subs: 16. John Trye (GK); 2. Kemson Fofonah; (Out in 71min); 19.Sorie Barrie (in 82 minutes); 3. Abu Suma (in 62 minutes); (5).Ibrahim Kabba; (10). Mustapha Bangura (in 62 minutes)
Malawi Squad: (1). Brightone Munthali (GK); 14. Limbikani Mzava (Cpt.); 7. Harry Nyirenda; 12. Stanely Sanudi; 3. Francis Mulimbika; 17. Micium Mhone; 6. Isaac Kaliyati (Out in 53 min); 10. Joseph Kamwendo; 15. Robert N’gambi (out 69 minutes); 8.Wonder Jenerun (out 73 minutes); 4. Chiukepo Msowoya (out 79 minutes)
Subs: 1. John Soko (GK); 2. Miracle Gabeya (in 73 minutes); 5. John Lanjesi (in 35 minutes); 13. Yamikani Fodya (In 53 min); 11. Gabadinho Mhango (in 69 minutes); 9. Zicco Mkanda (in 79 minutes)