2023 AFCONQ: Sierra Leone’s key players suspended for Nigeria clash 

By Wale Mustapha

Sierra Leone have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their next 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria due to suspensions to two of their key players – Alhassan Koromah and Gardy Williams.

The all West African encounter match billed for Freetown in June will see the Leone Stars take on the Super Eagles without the duo.

Koromah had scored the second goal for Sierra Leone in a 2-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday in Agadir but got his second booking in the 21st minute after the first he got against Nigeria in June last year.

Ron Gardy Williams will also miss the clash against Nigeria following his accumulated yellow cards. Williams, who play for Mighty Blackpool in the Sierra Leone topflight was cautioned in the 72nd minutes of Sunday’s game.

The striker had earlier received yellow card in the reverse fixture which ended 2-2 against Sao Tome and Principe.

The AFCON rules state that “a player who receives two cautions shall be automatically suspended from playing the following match”.

The absence of Koromah and Williams will be an added advantage for Jose Peseiro’s side as they aim to secure their AFCON ticket with a win in Freetown.