AFCON 2023 qualifiers - Sierra Leone: John Keister believes an upset is possible

In Group A of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone have picked up just one point after two matchdays. They sit third behind Nigeria (1st, 6 pts) and Guinea Bissau (2nd, 4 pts). As a result, nobody believes the Leone Stars can qualify, apart from... their coach, John Keister. He remains convinced he can guide his players to Ivory Coast. The 52-year-old had already pulled off the feat of getting his team to the last AFCON in Cameroon, after 25 years away.

"It's a challenge, but I like challenges. I want to keep working and I hope to get the right group of players. I'm enjoying it. I'm trying to do the best I can. The aim is to qualify for the next AFCON, but I have hopes and goals as a manager", Keister told BBC Sport Africa. For matchdays three and four of these qualifiers, Sierra Leone play São Tomé and Príncipe twice, on 22 and 26 March. It is a golden chance to get back on track against a side that has conceded 15 goals in two games, 10 of them against Nigeria.

A new wave arrives

To stay on course, John Keister and Sierra Leone can count on a refreshed squad. Some veterans such as Kei Kamara are out, and new faces such as Kallum Cesay (20, Tottenham) and Kamil Conteh (20, on loan from Middlesbrough at Gateshead) have joined the ranks.

"We have a lot of young players abroad, but with African football, it is all about results. We will try to use what we have. We will make the best of it and, hopefully, get the results we need. If we do, it will help us recruit players to represent Sierra Leone in the future", John Keister admits. Time will tell whether the strategy pays off.

Read also: AFCON 2023 - Sierra Leone: Kallum Cesay and Kamil Conteh, two dual nationals determined to qualify