The Vice President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Harold Nat-Johnson has told Journalists  that Leone Stars is going to Guinea Bissau not as pushovers but to ensure the country improve on its FIFA rankings and to conclude the AFCON Qualifiers on a high note.

He described the match as one that will be treated with utmost seriousness as the outcome will serve as an impetus towards the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

“As an FA, we have the constitutional mandate to ensure football plays in an enabling  environment and to meet with International standards as well.

“That is more the reason why we entered the AFCON and all the other rest of the competitions we are now playing and have played,” the SLFA Vice President said.

He acknowledged that it is no hidden secret that Leone Stars fail to qualify for the 2024 AFCON Tournament in Ivory Coast. He affirmed that they were in Cameroon for the last edition but their absence in next year’s Tournament is a wake up call.

Nat-Johnson confirmed that they invited foreign based players to ensure that the national team is being given fair representation. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Sports, National Sports Authority and the government of Sierra Leone for their direct Support.

Leone Stars of Sierra Leone will clash against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau in their final match in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Monday 11th September 2023.

Although Guinea Bissau have already secured qualification for the 2024 AFCON tournament next year in Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone wants a win to improve on it FIFA Rankings and boost its preparations for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.