By Alpha Barrie

The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, is apologising to Sierra Leoneans home and abroad for the 4-1 loss Leone Stars suffered in the hands of African Nations Cup defending champions Ivory Coast in San Pedro on Friday.

According to reports, Dr. Saffa Abdulai stated that all is not lost and appealed to home fans to rekindle the flames of hope and fortitude as the National Senior Men’s side stares at its remaining three matches in the Afcon Qualifier.

“The Team fought hard. We felt that most of the decisions went against us. We understand the dynamics, team strength, and home advantage in play. We are determined to go past this,” said NSA Boss.

He appealed to Sierra Leoneans not to give up in the face of this prying challenge but to come strong behind the team. “Football is our nation’s first love and the very gem that unites us as a country. We understand the feelings. Nobody wants to lose a match. We fought hard,” he added.

The Leone Stars delegation has landed safely in Monrovia Liberia tomorrow to ready for the return leg on Tuesday, 15 October, 2024, at the SKD Stadium.