Is the noose tightening around Sierra Leone? Only the conclusions of the CAF investigation may be able to provide answers. In the meantime, the results of the Benin Squirrels test give a small indication.

The controversy surrounding the Sierra Leone – Benin match in the CAN 2021 qualifiers is far from over. And this is not the last twist that will help. Because after their  negative tests on their return to the country  , the five players declared positive for Covid-19 in Freetown underwent others on their return to the club. And the results are unequivocal: all are negative. Nothing surprising, in the eyes of many.

These new results thus support the thesis of cheating on the part of the Sierra Leonean Football Federation (SLFA). The instance had aroused the anger of the Squirrels by presenting positive tests a few hours before the decisive match for qualifying for CAN 2021, on March 30.  What the Beninese refuted. Anger then translated by the refusal of partners Stéphane Sessegnon to play.

A  “rough maneuver”

But CAF tried to cut the pear in two by deciding to reprogram this Sierra Leone – Benin next June. A decision far from unanimous. Some observers, who see this case as a rude maneuver by Sierra Leoneans, are calling for sanctions. The SLFA, on the other hand, intends to challenge the solution of the CAF. For their part, the Beninese still did not take offense at the attitude of their adversaries. Total confusion.

In a recent  interview on France 24  , the coach of the Squirrels also spoke of a  “rude maneuver”  . Michel Dussuyer therefore expects sanctions if the cheating is proven. “The feeling that emerges is that Sierra Leone tried to cheat. Now, I hope that there will be an investigation by FIFA and CAF to establish the responsibility of each other and take measures and sanctions, ”  said the French technician.

The ball in CAF’s court

All eyes are now on CAF. But can the umbrella body of continental football be satisfied with the latest test results to pronounce sanctions against Sierra Leone? Difficult to say even if all the elements presented by the Beninese seem to corroborate the suspicions of cheating. But this is only speculation so far. The reunion between Leone Stars and Squirrels promises. Unless CAF takes out the stick in the meantime.

  –   new