By Morlai Kargbo

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have ended their first training session ahead of Monday’s meeting with Guinea Bissau. The training was held at the Stade du Septembre 28 in Conakry.

The Stars seem to have shaken off from their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday. There seemed to be no injury worries as the boys exuberantly trained in front of a pocketed set of Sierra Leonean fans who had eagerly gone to watch and motivate the boys ahead of Monday’s much-needed encounter, technical team members headed by Coach John Keister, members of SLFA, Government officials, and the Press.

Sierra Leone participated in the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, and is looking for its second qualification to the African Cup of Nations in succession, is placed in Group A alongside Nigeria, Guinea Bissau and Sao Tome Principe.

Guinea Bissau, who have never tasted victory against the Leone Stars in twelve attempts, ran riot against group minors Sao Tome by 5-1 on Thursday. Monday’s match could prove pivotal in Sierra Leone’s quest for qualification to the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). A win should be on the cards for Coach John Keister’s boys against the group’s current leaders if they’re ready to stake a claim for another qualification.

Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau have met on twelve occasions, with seven wins for Leone Stars and five draws. Sierra Leone may hope to continue their fine form against their West African opponents when they take on each other at the Lassana Conte Stadium on Monday evening.