SLFA reaffirms coach John Keister’s position

Head coach John Keister will take charge of Leone Stars’ final Group A AFCON qualifier against Guinea Bissau next month.

The SLFA say since coach Keister and his technical team’s contracts expire a week before the Guinea-Bissua tie, they have requested their service for the final Afcon qualifier.

The Manchester-born was appointed in August 2020 on a three-year deal until August 2023. He guided Sierra Leone to the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2021 after almost three decades of absence.

Sierra Leone, who will not be part of Ivory Coast 2023 AFCON, will be playing for pride in the final match to wrap up the qualifiers.

However, This news will temporarily put an end to rumours of coach Keister’s exit until further notice.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone 3-2 in the Liberian Capital in match day five of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, to book a place in Cote d’Ivoire.

Osimhen’s brace was pivotal for the Super Eagles -Mustapha Bundu and Augustus Kargbo restored hope for the Leone Stars.

In the end, it was Kelechi Iheanacho who seized the moment, securing Nigeria’s qualification with a crucial goal. This result also guarantees qualification for Guinea-Bissau.

The Leone Stars will not be part of the 34th edition of AFCON 2023, which is set to hold from January 13, 2024, to Feb. 11, 2024, in six cities across Cote d’Ivoire.

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