In the final Group A match in the ongoing AFCON U-20 WAFU A qualifiers at the SKD Annex Field in Monrovia, Shooting Stars defender Nathaniel Jalloh’s 45th-minute goal secured Sierra Leone U-20 a spot in the semifinals. The match ended in a 1-0 victory against a struggling 10-man Guinea Bissau team.
The Young Djourtous of Guinea Bissau already out of contention after losing their first two matches played for pride in today’s encounter. Their situation worsened when they were reduced to 10 men following a red card in the second half.
Sierra Leone topped Group A with 7 points followed by Guinea with 5 points. As the Shooting Stars prepare for the semifinals a victory will ensure their participation in the next African Cup of Nations U-20 category.
The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. In a post-match conference, Sierra Leone U-20 Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara expressed his confidence and trust in his team. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming semifinal match describing it as an important crossroads for their AFCON U-20 aspirations.
“We are now focusing on our preparations for the semifinals,” Coach Kamara stated. “Our semifinal encounter is one of the most important matches for us, as it determines our hope to qualify for the AFCON U-20.”
Shooting Stars are now gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal match in their journey.
By: Tejan Frederickson Fatorma
Media Officer, Sierra Leone U-20