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Leone Stars concerned for the future
- Updated: October 4, 2016
Mohamed Bangura (left) in action against Ivory Coast
Sierra Leone’s narrow failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations means their wait to play at the finals again will extend to at least 23 years.
The Leone Stars, who last qualified in 1996, needed an away win against Ivory Coast in their last match of the qualifiers in September but could manage only a 1-1 draw.
It was another case of so near yet so far, following valiant attempts to reach the Nations Cup in 2004, 2012 and 2013.
And with the Sierra Leone Football Association in crisis, elimination from 2018 World Cup qualifying and a long wait until their next competitive fixture, the team faces a difficult future.
Striker Kei Kamara, who scored against Ivory Coast, is concerned that the team is not receiving al the support it needs to be successful.
If we qualify for the Nations Cup or World Cup then everything will change for football in Sierra Leone
Kei Kamara
“To really be at your best you got to prepare well,” Kamara told BBC Sport. …