Sierra Leone put paid to Swaziland’s hope in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they inflicted a bitter 1-0 win in Freetown on Saturday Afternoon. Umaru Bangura’s late second half penalty in the 79th minute was enough to give the Leone Stars a 2-1 on aggregate win after both sides settled to a 1-1 draw a fortnight ago at the at Somhlolo Stadium in Swaziland .
The goal was Bangura’s first ever for the national team lifting coach Jonathan Mckinstry men and setting up a second round clash with Seychelles who got a bye after Gambia were banned. Despite the setback Swaziland put up a brave fight as the expectation was that Sierra Leone would have an easy ride but it was not the case as the Sihlangu men fought tooth and nail holding on for 78 minutes until the crumbled gifting Leone Stars with the late penalty.
With all the possession Sierra Leone only managed to make one major threat with Kei Kamara failing to score from an easy open chance.
The game which was a must win for both sides especially with Sierra Leone ranked 71st in the latest Fifa rankings facing lowly placed Swaziland at 178th it was a nervy game with Swaziland hitting the woodwork .
In the first leg Swaziland came from behind to force a 1-1 draw at home as the Sihlangu Semnikati men proved they were no push overs.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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