Concord Times (Freetown)
9 October 2008
Sahr Morris Jr. — Watford midfielder Alhassan Bangura would replace injured Samuel Barlay in Leone Stars midfield ahead of Saturday's match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja.
This will make Bangura's first debut for Leone Stars and his first match since the team started its 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Leone Stars Coach Ahmed Kanu told Concord Sports from Abuja that Bangura was the first player to have arrived in Abuja.
Coach Kanu said he hope the midfielder would create an impact against the Nigerians.
"I'm glad to have him in the team and I hope he will bring more life to the team. I've seen him playing for Watford and he is a player I like. He has told me that he's ready to give his best for his country," Kanu said
He said Bangura's importance would be felt in the team as the player is set to replace Finland-based midfielder, Samuel Barley who was ruled out after suffering an injury while playing for his club.
Bangura's international debut had been delayed due to lengthy efforts to establish legal residency in England after he faced deportation last year but he won an appeal to stay in Britain and was granted a work permit
However, if Leone Stars qualify to the next stage, he would not be able to play the team's home matches in Freetown as he has said he fears his life would be in danger in the country he was forced to flee.
Leone Stars are second in Group 4 behind Nigeria with seven points and need to avoid defeat to stand a chance of qualifying for the next stage of the qualifiers as one of the best eight second-placed teams.
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