Afcon 2021: Coach Keister says Sierra Leone 'overachieved'

John Keister led Sierra Leone to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance since 1996

Sierra Leone boss John Keister said "people didn't appreciate" his hard work in leading his side to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

In Cameroon, the Leone Stars were a missed penalty away from reaching the knock-out stages for the first time in their history.

"I think as a country, with the group that I have, we overachieved in a short space of time," a tearful Keister told BBC Africa.

"I worked so hard, but I found myself in an environment where I don't think people appreciate that."

The former Walsall defender took Sierra Leone to their first Nations Cup appearance in 26 years, qualifying from a group involving Nigeria, Benin and Lesotho.

After impressive group-stage draws in host nation Cameroon with holders Algeria and two-time winners Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, ranked 108th in the world, needed just a point against Equatorial Guinea to reach the last 16.

But Keister's side fell short, losing 1-0 with veteran striker Kei Kamara seeing an 84th-minute penalty saved by Jesus Owono.

"It wasn't meant to be," added the 51-year-old.

"Expectations became very high. We achieved too early, but it's a good problem that we have to deal with."

Keister had originally been targeting a Nations Cup qualification by 2023 but managed to reach the finals even earlier.

'We want to qualify again'

When he was reappointed as head coach of the national team, Keister's goal was to rebuild the national team, introducing younger players into the side with several players in the squad nearing the end of their careers.

"We have to look at home and develop the league system, in terms of the clubs, how we develop these players in different positions, roles and responsibilities," said Keister.

"That would help the national team, because when you have a pool of players, then it becomes competitive."

Looking ahead to the Nations Cup next year, which is being held in Ivory Coast, Keister added: "Our focus has to be grassroots, our focus has to be development.

"If we don't get it right down there, we are not getting it into the national team.

"We want to qualify again. I think it's important that we develop and we prepare right."