Coach Amidu Karim
By Desmond Tunde Coker
Despite brilliant results in the last two friendlies against Benin and Somalia Leone Stars go again against Ethiopia in the African World Cup preliminary qualifiers away to Ethiopia in Morocco today November 15, 2023.
Speaking to Premier News, head coach of Leone Stars Abdul Karim expressed optimism about great results in cognizance of the level of preparation they have put together going into the match today. We know it will not be an easy match but we believe in ourselves and we are well-ready and determined to change the narrative of not winning away matches.
“We’re aware that Ethiopia are a good side – we have studied their weaknesses and strengths. They are not a pushover but a strong side. However, we have put modalities in place to get a positive result. All selected players are now in Morocco responding to training. The players are well geared up, focused ahead of Wednesday. Playing Ethiopia, we want to be in a positive frame of mind. The lads are ready to give their 100 percent.”
Ethiopia hosts Sierra Leone on Nov 15 in El Abdi Stadium – four days later, Leone Stars host the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium. Starting the campaign well will be the utmost task of Coach Karim and his technical team. However, Sierra Leone has yet to defeat the Walias of Ethiopia
in their last two meetings.
In the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawassa International Stadium, but the result was null and void following the country’s disqualification.
Sierra Leone went into that qualifying series but was disqualified due to a suspension by CAF. In the last World Cup qualifier against Liberia, the Lone Star won the first leg in Liberia 3-1 before losing the return match in Freetown through a Kei Kamara’s goal. Both matches were played on the 4th and 8th of September 2019, respectively. The FIFA 23rd edition of the World Cup will be played across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including at Olympic venues.