By Fajah Barrie BBC Sport Online, Freetown

Sierra Leone national coach Sam Obi Metzger has said Belgium-based striker Paul Kpaka has a central role to play in their quest for Nations Cup qualification.

"Kpaka is another prolific striker Sierra Leone have now got," Metzger said.

"He contributed greatly to our win over Gabon and is one of the players I rely upon to get the Leone Stars to the next African Cup of Nations in Tunisia."

Kpaka scored a goal in his Nations Cup debut against Gabon but was given a red card for elbowing an opponent.

He will miss the next Nations Cup qualifier as a result.

"I am disappointed about that because he will miss our game with Morocco," said Metzger.

"It has put me under pressure to find a perfect replacement.

"But in subsequent games, I am looking forward to pairing Paul with Mohammed Kallon. This combination will destroy any defence."

Kpaka, who was selected as the best African player in Belgian football last season, has grown in popularity with Sierra Leonean fans.