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The Miracle of the Leone Stars

2022-01-18 · story · John · 3:58 · watch on YouTube

Topic: Sports (also: Global development) · mode: News analysis · tags: timely hook, fundraising ask

Wanting people to see Sierra Leone for more than war or Ebola, John tells the joyful underdog story of the Leone Stars: qualifying for the African Cup of Nations after 26 years and drawing with Algeria and Cote d'Ivoire, celebrations that honour a country growing together.

What is said

The parts of the video and what is said in each (★ — how much it matters to the video).

00:00:00 — Mustafa Bundu's wish that Sierra Leone be known for more than war or Ebola; a joyful story instead of injustice

  • ★★ Mustafa Bundu (quoted): Sierra Leonean footballer Mustafa Bundu told a reporter the team wants people to see the positives in Sierra Leone, in football and beyond, not just war or Ebola. — 00:00:00 · Sierra Leone
  • ★★ After years of focusing on the injustices behind Sierra Leone's impoverishment while supporting its health system, John wants today to tell a joyful soccer story. — 00:00:00 · Sierra Leone

00:00:29 — Background: the African Cup of Nations and Kei Kamara's penalty against Benin that qualified Sierra Leone

  • ★★ John says Africa's best men's national teams meet every four years in the African Cup of Nations; Sierra Leone had not qualified in 26 years, and the Leone Stars rank 108th in FIFA's rankings. — 00:00:29 · Sierra Leone
    • check: every four years — doubtful
  • ★★ Kei Kamara began playing in Freetown, came to the US as a refugee at 16, played college soccer and had a long MLS career; aged 36 at the Benin game, it was his last chance. — 00:00:58 · United States
  • ★★★ Needing one win against Benin, the Leone Stars won a somewhat controversial penalty that Kei Kamara scored, and celebrations erupted across the country as Sierra Leone qualified. — 00:00:58 · Sierra Leone

00:01:27 — The tournament: tears at the anthem, Mohamed Kamara's shutout of Algeria, Alhaji Kamara's late equaliser against Cote d'Ivoire

  • ★★ Nobody gave Sierra Leone a chance: experts ranked it 23rd or 24th of 24, and its group held Algeria and Cote d'Ivoire, each with 11 players in Europe's top leagues to Sierra Leone's none. — 00:01:27 · Sierra Leone
  • ★ Before the first game, Kei Kamara and several teammates had tears in their eyes as the national anthem played. — 00:01:27
  • ★★★ Goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara, 22, who plays for Freetown's East End Lions, stopped every shot, including Riyad Mahrez's, in a 0-0 draw with Algeria, then wept on receiving player of the match. — 00:01:56
  • ★ John says never has a tie felt so much like a win. (playful) — 00:02:26
  • ★★★ Against Cote d'Ivoire Mohamed Kamara saved a penalty by standing behind the goal line; down 2-1 in the last minute, Alhaji Kamara scored after a keeper error for a second miraculous draw. — 00:02:26
  • ★ John admits he was already writing this video about a proud defeat when the equaliser came. (playful) — 00:02:55

00:03:24 — Celebrating heart and belief, a country growing together; the Equatorial Guinea game ahead; sign-off and a closing clip

  • ★★★ John says the celebrations honoured not just the result but the players' heart, tenacity and belief, in a country that is growing and growing together. — 00:03:24 · Sierra Leone
  • ★★ On Thursday the Leone Stars play Equatorial Guinea; a win would reach the knockout stages, and the world will be watching and hopefully celebrating. (hedged) — 00:03:24

In the description and comments

  • ★★ In a channel comment John wishes the Leone Stars luck on Thursday and invites viewers to join the thousands who donate monthly to strengthen Sierra Leone's health system at pih.org/hankandjohn. — creator comment · Partners In Health, Sierra Leone

Threads in this video

Mentioned

Central: Africa Cup of Nations · Sierra Leone · Sierra Leone national football team

Also: People: Alhaji Kamara · Kei Kamara · Mohamed Kamara · Mustafa Bundu · Riyad Mahrez

Organizations: East End Lions F.C. · FIFA · Major League Soccer · Manchester City F.C. · Premier League

Places: Algeria · Benin · Equatorial Guinea · Freetown · Ivory Coast · United States

Only in the description or credits: Partners In Health

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