By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar in Morocco (October 12^th 2021)

Preparations

Thomas Brima has succeeded Isha Johansen as President of Sierra Leone’s Football Association, ending a tumultuous process, which initially had Johansen slated to contest the election that was overdue. She withdrew after winning a seat on the FIFA Council.

Brima is an ambitious man. His plan is not to rest on the laurels of qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He is not satisfied with getting out of the group – a tough one that consists of defending champions Algeria, currently on Africa’s longest unbeaten run, double AFCON champions la Côte d’Ivoire (1992 and 2015) strangely both on penalties at the expense of Ghana and Equatorial Guinea. He aims to win the tournament.

That is why the Leone Stars are in Morocco – that and to see the impressive facilities here in Morocco such as Salé’s Mohammed VI Football Complex (see Built to Win). It is far from the only thing in Morocco that Brima was interested in. Juventus have an academy in Morocco. The facilities in Morocco are among the best in Africa – there’s no doubt about that.

Qualifiers

With Africa’s World Cup Qualifiers entering the business end, some countries had other priorities – next January’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Sierra Leone, fresh from the controversial qualifier against Bénin and a change at the top of the Sierra Leone Football Association, had three matches in Morocco – South Sudan, the Gambia and Morocco’s B team, latter two being the most difficult.

This was part of their preparations for AFCON. It started early and showed how seriously they were taking the tournament.

Preparations

The Leone Stars sought to extend their unbeaten run from 5. A 1-1 draw on October 6^th against South Sudan was followed by a 2-1 win against the Gambia. Strangely, the Gambia was their jinx team. Their last win over the Gambia was over 15 years ago, although there was only one match between then and now. Their previous win was 20 years earlier.

But history doesn’t win matches. And nor does intimidation. The Gambia’s Belgian coach, Tom Saintfiet barked orders from the touchline. Pity was some was aimed at the officials, led by Moroccan referee, Bouchra Karboubi. She had a good game and wasn’t taking any nonsense. Nor were her assistants which included Fatiha Jermoumi. Saintfiet was fortunate not to be cautioned or worse.

Assan Cessay gave the Gambia the lead from the penalty spot after Alhassan Kei Kamara had squandered an earlier opportunity to put the Leone Stars ahead from the spot. But Gambia’s lead only lasted a couple of minutes. Kamara equalised and Saidu Fofana scored the winner just before half time. Kamara owed his team as not only did he fail to score the penalty but conceded one too.

Sierra Leone did not have any World Cup qualification matches, but the visit to Morocco important. Brima had plans. What were his realistic plans for the Africa Cup of Nations? “To win it,” he answered. Brima does not intend to witness his team making up the numbers. He has big plans. Watch out for the Leone Stars at AFCON next year.