Abu Sankoh saw his side gain their first point (©UEFA)Sierra Leone take point off Portugal
Friday, 11 February 2005
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PrintBy Türker Tozar at Mukan Perinçek stadium
Sierra Leone became the second African side to earn a point for their confederation at the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup after holding Portugal to a goalless draw.
Defensive changes
Portugal coach Carlos Dinis used Pedro Correia as a replacement for suspended Gilberto at the back while his Sierra Leone counterpart Abu Sankoh promoted defenders Issa Kamara and Alfred Sankoh to the starting eleven in a change from the lineup that lost to Turkey.
Early attacks
In the first 15 minutes Portugal pushed strongly, with FC Porto's Bruno Gamma sending in dangerous crosses. Indeed, on four minutes João Pedro went close with a header.
Caulker save
Sierra Leone then responded well with some nice team play and Mohamed Bangura and Hagi looking dangerous up front. On 27 minutes, though, Portugal threatened again through Hernâni whose powerful header was saved by Christian Caulker in the Sierra Leone goal.
Midfield deadlock
The second half began like the first, with Portugal in control. But they could not make the breakthrough and gradually Sierra Leone gained the initiative. Dinis introduced Rui Gomes and Bruno Santos to add attacking thrust, but the game remained deadlocked in midfield.
Gama hits crossbar
Towards the end, Sierra Leone's players showed signs of fatigue after a hectic tournament and ten minutes from time Rui Gomes had a long shot parried by Caulker, but Pinhal put the rebound wide. Four minutes later Gama hit the crossbar from distance, but Portugal, just as against Egypt, were forced to settle for a draw.
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