The Sierra Leone U-17 cricket team will face their Malian counterpart today in the ongoing sub-regional cricket championship going on in Abuja, Nigeria.

Five other nations namely Cameroon, Ghana, Gambia, Mali and host, Nigeria, are also contesting for title in the championship organized by the International Cricket Association.

Before departing Freetown last Friday with his thirteen players, coach Beresford Bounce Coker said he believes the boys would perform well in the competition and even claim the title because they have been preparing extensively well ahead of the week-long tournament.

Lead bowler, Emmanuel Pessima, too shared in the coach's optimism. "We are determined and well prepared for the competition. I believe we can win the trophy because we have the squad for it," he'd said

Sierra Leone would be playing their second match on Wednesday. The competition will end on November 7.

The Salone squad includes: Ibrahim Kabia, Julius Quee, Ibrahim Mansaray, Mohamed Alie Bangura, Emmanuel Pessima, Issa James, Onisimus Bull, Bami Williams, Adolphius Massaquoi, Brima Ansumana, Baluwa Mansaray, Edward Marah and Edward Senesie. Beresford Bounce Coker and Alie John Kamara are the two officials that traveled with the team.