AFCON 2019: Sierra Leone captain makes quick injury return to face Ghana

FC Zurich defender Umaru Bangura has made a quick injury return and will be available to lead the Leone Stars against Ghana for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double header this month.

Bangura, 30, who scored one of the goals against Kenya in the qualifier opener in Freetown, missed Leone Stars defeat in Ethiopia due to injury.

He has played three times this season for the Zurich-based club since his recovery from injury including their Europa league 1-0 win over AÉK Lárnaka in Greece.

Another notable inclusion in coach John Keister’s squad to face the Black Stars is Denmark-based forward Mustapha Bundu.

The graduate from Craig Bellamy’s academy is a potential debutant for Sierra Leone in Kumasi.

FC Riga midfielder George Davies also named in the 21-man squad after been snubbed for the tie against Ethiopia.

Ghana host Sierra Leone on 11 October at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in the third round of the group stage qualifiers before travelling to Freetown to for the second leg contest opponents four days later.

Coach Keister also handed a second call-up to Bristol City young goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay and Queens Park Rangers right-back Osman Kakay.

Sierra Leone began the qualifiers with victory over the Harambee Stars of Kenya before suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ethiopia last month.

The Black Stars defeat to Kenya means that all four teams in Group F have three points from two matches.

John Keister’s 21-man Squad

Goalkeepers:

Solomon Zombo Morris, Alhaji Sesay, Mohammed Nabile Kamara.

Defenders:

Yeami Dunia, Umaru Bangura, (C) Osman Kakay, David Simbo, Alie Sesay, Kemson Fofanah.

Midfielders:

Mohamed Medo Kamara, Alfred Sankon, John Kamara, Julius Wobay, George Davies.

Forwards:

Kei Ansu Kamara, Alhassan Kamara, Mohamed Buya Turay, Kwame Quee, Sheka Fofanah, Christian Moses, Mustapha Bundu.