The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai has told Leone Stars that value for government and taxpayers’ investment is hinged squarely on winning games.

He made this statement during Friday’s post-match briefing after Leone Stars’ goalless draw with Chad.

“The government can no longer afford to pay bonuses for any draw, especially for home matches.

“This result was not what Sierra Leoneans expected. The government is spending a huge amount of money on this team. The only favour you can do the people of Sierra Leone is to win matches, especially against opponents we are better than.

“This result does not reflect the team’s recent performance in the World Cup qualifiers. If we are to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, we should start winning our home matches.

“It is now becoming a pattern for Leone Stars to start its AFCON and FIFA qualifying campaigns on a slow pace and struggle for qualifications in the end,” he told the players.

Standing in Group G

Ivory Coast – 3 points (first)
Sierra Leone- 1 point (second)
Chad- 1 point (third)
Zambia – 0 point (fourth)

The National Sports Authority is an agency of Government established by an Act of Parliament with the mandate to promote, encourage, develop, and supervise all sports and sporting activities in Sierra Leone and to provide for other related matters.