The Sierra Leone National Home Team’s head coach, Alhaji Foray, has conceded his team’s inexperience after a humbling 5-1 defeat to former African champions Ivory Coast.

Speaking after the match, Foray acknowledged the gulf in class but vowed that his team would learn from their mistakes. “We were outplayed by a superior team,” he admitted. “Inexperience cost us today, but we have learned a valuable lesson.”

He promised that the team would not make the same mistakes again. “This will never happen again,” he declared. “We will come back stronger and better prepared.”

Foray also took the opportunity to wish Ivory Coast, nicknamed the Elephants, the best of luck in their upcoming hosting of the Nations Cup. “We wish them all the best in the tournament,” he said.

Rodney Michael Jr., who captained the Home Team, echoed Foray’s sentiments about the need for improvement. “Silly mistakes cost us today,” he said. “We weren’t organized in the first half, but the second half was much better.”

Michael Jr. also called for more experienced players to be brought into the team in the future. “We need more experience if we are to compete at this level,” he said.

The heavy defeat against Ivory Coast serves as a wake-up call for the National Home Team. While Foray’s vow to learn and improve is encouraging, the team will need to address their shortcomings quickly if they are to challenge for success in the future.