Alhassan 'Crespo' Kamara, chips the keeper only to have it cleared from the line by a Tunisian defender [Leone Stars vs. Tunisia, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)

Coach McKinstry and the Leone Stars have drawn 2-2 as Tunisia equalised in the final minute.

 

George 'Kweku' Davies makes his international debut against Tunisia, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)Reflecting on a spectacular performance by Sierra Leone which was marred only by an error in the final seconds, Coach McKinsty commented  "Naturally everyone is very disappointed at how the game ended.  To have controlled the match for such long periods of time against a team ranked some 30 places ahead of us, as well as the attacking intent we showed throughout the encounter, was a mark of the work put in during our first week together." 

Reflecting on the changes Coach McKinstry had sought to make during his first week in charge, McKinstry commented "At half time it was clear that the players had really bought into what we were trying to do, and how we wanted to play the game.  Leading 1-0 they were confident, and we went out in the second half to try and finish the game off - so it is very disappointing that after having led twice in the game we were to concede an equaliser in the 90th minute..."

Kei Kamara Celebrates his goal against Tunisia, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)McKinstry is mindful of the work that lies ahead, both in the short and long term - "Our task now is to pick the team up ahead of our game in Cape Verde next week where despite the odds being against us in terms of qualification for the World Cup, the mathematics says we are still in with a shout... but more work is required to ensure we convert any chances, such as those that were possible today when we were leading 2-1"

 

 

 

 

 

Match Highlights

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Notes to Editors

  1. The game is a World Cup 2013 Qualifier against Tunisia on 8 June 2013
  2. The game is the first in charge for Coach McKinstry who was appointed in April 2013.
  3. See www.johnnymckinstry.com for a range of information - biography, press releases and photographs for press use.
  4. To arrange an email or telephone interview, please contact 

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About Coach McKinstry

Coach McKinstry is a UEFA Pro Licensed Football Coach, with a number of successes across his 20+ year career to date.    He is currently Head Coach of Gor Mahia FC in Kenya

As Head Coach of the Uganda National Team, the 'Uganda Cranes' (2019 - 2021) he led Uganda to win CECAFA 2019 and over his tenure delivered a WIN from 2 in every 3 games, going undefeated in over 8 in every 10 games played.  This represented the highest 'win' and 'undefeated' rate achieved by a Uganda National Team Coach in over 15 years.

He was International Manager and Head Coach of the Rwanda National Football Team (2015-16). Within just 17 months he led Rwanda to a number of highs - including their first ever appearance in the knockout stages of a major international tournament (Quarter-finals of CHAN, Jan 2016) and finished runner-up in CECAFA (Dec 2105), being named 'Coach of the Tournament' for his efforts. 

Across 2013-14, he was Head Coach of the Sierra Leone National Men's Football team. Within just over a year, he had led Sierra Leone to their highest ever FIFA World and African rankings - 7th in Africa and 50th in the World (August 2014). 

He has also been Head Coach of Saif Sporting Club, Bangladesh Premier League (2018-19); and FK Kauno Zalgiris, Lithuanian A-Lyga (2017-18).  He is a European (UEFA), American (NSCAA) and university qualified football coach. 

Coach McKinstry is a member of 'Common Goal'. Together members seek to support high-impact organisations that harness the power of football to advance the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Quotes: What the media say

  • It stands testament to his adaptability, hunger and talent ... that McKinstry has tamed the toughest challenges and risen to become one of the best young managers in football today.

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    These Football Times
  • McKinstry led the team to their highest ever placing in the FIFA world rankings. They broke into the top 50, ahead of his native Northern Ireland.

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    Damien Edgar Backpage Football
  • McKinstry has experienced much more than the average coach his age. His career has gone from strength to strength, starting in Northern Ireland and England, then via America to West Africa eventually.

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    Damien Edgar Backpage Football
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