March 29 – Following Sierra Leone’s recent symbolic friendly with Malawi, the first on home soil since the west African country was officially declared free of Ebola, regional competition returned on Monday with a 1-0 win over Gabon in the capital Freetown.
The match, the return fixture from the 2-1 away defeat on Friday, was part of the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule but didn’t count towards qualification since Gabon are hosting the finals in January.
Nevertheless, victory was greeted rapturously by a packed house and not only because Gabon are ranked 32 places higher than Sierra Leone, bottom of their group.
“This is the proudest moment for me since being elected,” said Sierra Leone FA president Isha Johansen. “Sierra Leoneans needed this and so did football. This win means huge national pride and one that signifies a turning point towards positive change.”
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