20100906
africanews

West African nation Sierra Leone is in a festive mood after the Leone Stars held the Pharaohs of Egypt in a 1-1 draw at the qualifying series of the African Cup of Nation in Cairo, Egypt.

The African champions were stunned with a 56th minutes goal scored by Turkey-based midfielder Alhassan Bangura but Sierra Leone celebration was short leaved after Mahmoud Fathallah equalized four minutes later.

Sierra Leone is ranked 36 by football world governing body FIFA. The Leone Stars qualified for AFCON in the 90’s twice but failed to progress beyond the group stages.

On Sunday night after the match, cars were blaring horns, group discussions were seen across every streets and corner while most Sierra Leoneans expressed their joy through radio phone in programs across Freetown for the performance put up by their darlings Leone Star.

President of Sierra Leone FA Nahim Khadi revealed on SLBC TV earlier on Monday that his side performance surprised many people including Fifa President Sepp Blatter who rang him and enquired: “How did you do it?

Khadi expressed optimism that his side will qualify for the AFCON despite the many challenges that faced them. He assured all that they have planned a warm welcome ceremony for the team on their arrival Tuesday at the Lungi International Airport.