John Keister: Leone Stars now under pressure

Sierra Leone head coach John Keister has told www.aclsports.com that his Leone Stars side are now under pressure as they face Nigeria for the second time in five days, on Tuesday.

The Leone Stars pulled off a miraculous 4-4 draw against the Super Eagles in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Friday, despite trailing 0-4 within the opening thirty minutes of the encounter.

Head coach Keister, who played for Sierra Leone in their famous 1-0 win over Nigeria in Freetown in 2001 says they must now prove that Friday’s result was not a one-off.

“We are looking forward to it,” began Keister to www.aclsports.com

“We are now under pressure because of the result we achieved in Nigeria and the onus is on us to prove it is not a fluke.

“I think we gave them a lot of respect at the start, that’s why we conceded four goals, when we came out bolder, we scored ours. Now we have to come out and play on our home turf,” added the 50-year old.

Keister must however play on Tuesday without the team captain Umaru Bangura who will miss the clash due to suspension having incurred two bookings during the group stage of the competition.

Tuesday’s game will kickoff at 5pm Nigerian time at the National Stadium in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Nigeria can qualify for the 2022 AFCON, to be hosted by neighbours Cameroon with a win against the Leone Stars in Freetown.

Nigeria currently lead Group L with seven points, one ahead of neighbours Benin Republic.