Sierra Leone skipper and FC Zurich defender Umaru Bangura (Pictured with Sports Minister Ahmed Khanou) believes Leone Stars have enough quality to reach the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Bangura, 29, is calling on the football authorities to get their act right for upcoming matches in Group F.
Since 1996 in South Africa, Leone Stars have not qualified for the Nations Cup. That was 21 years ago, however, the skipper is upbeat they will bounce back in 2019.
Sierra Leone in Group F together with Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia and sit second behind Ghana who thrashed Ethiopia to go top of the group after the opening qualifying matches.
Bangura, scored one of Sierra Leone’s goals as they overcome Kenya 2-1 in Freetown on June 10 in their most recent qualifier.
“I’m confident that with good preparation we’ll qualify for the AFCON finals,” Bangura told the BBC.
“We don’t want any late preparations.
“We want players to be available at the right time for early training and play friendly matches against top-class African teams.
“I’m calling on the Sierra Leone FA and sports ministry to prepare us well for the remaining fixtures.”
In August 2016, Bangura signed a three years contract with Swiss second-tier side FC Zürich, since then he has been a pivotal figure in the Zurich club automatic promotion back to the Swiss top flight.
Bangura scored his first and only league goal in Zurich 5-0 thumping of Wohlen at the Niedermatten Stadium on Sunday 2 October 2016.
He will be playing in the Swiss top flight next season after helping the Zurich city club to automatic promotion.
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