Minister of Sports Madam Augusta James-Teima has expressed both gratitude and concern following the Leone Stars’ recent performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The national team drew 0-0 against Chad and lost 3-2 to Zambia, leaving their qualification prospects in jeopardy.

In a recent interview, Minister James-Teima thanked Sierra Leoneans for their continued support of the national team, while also addressing the challenges ahead. “I want to thank Sierra Leoneans for their support to the national team. It shows their love for Leone Stars because their aim is for the team to win,” she said.

However, the Minister did not hide her disappointment with the team’s performance against Zambia, saying, “I was devastated because I was expecting something better. At the start, I thought we were going to win.” Despite the defeat, she acknowledged the team’s ability to score, calling it a positive takeaway from the match.

With just one point from the two qualifiers, Sierra Leone faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the AFCON tournament. “We have one point, which is not enough. We have to get wins in the subsequent matches in order to have a chance to qualify,” she stated.

James-Teima also emphasized the need for improvement, calling on the players and coaching staff to learn from their mistakes. She highlighted the importance of home support as the team prepares for future fixtures, expressing relief that the national stadium will soon be ready. “We really need home support to succeed. The stress the team goes through when they travel is having a negative toll on the players,” she noted.

The Minister also raised concerns about player selection, urging the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to adopt stricter policies. “If a player is not attached to a club, he won’t give much to the team. Those players should not be allowed in the national team,” she advised, stressing the importance of integrity and autonomy in the selection process.

In closing, she called for an end to external interference in team selections, stating, “The coach has to be himself and do the right thing. Let no one tell him to select their players.”

With pressure mounting on the Leone Stars, the team’s future in the AFCON qualifiers remains uncertain as they seek critical victories in upcoming matches.