David Sesay may not be a name that immediately springs to mind when it comes to trailblazers in English football, but the Wealdstone defender has achieved a particularly notable feat in 2022.
The latest staging of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon has seen some of the finest talents on the planet come together in pursuit of continental glory. There have been thrills and spills aplenty, with an ever-expanding audience captivated by the exploits of a select few.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Achraf Hakimi and Nicolas Pepe are among those to have been strutting their stuff, with an ultimate prize still up for grabs. Today's football betting at Paddy Power has a star-studded Senegal side as 6/4 favourites to go all the way and leave disappointed rivals empty handed.
They certainly boast the pedigree required to secure major silverware, but theirs may not be the tale that lives longest in the memory once collective bags have been packed and returns to respective club employers made.
For many, it is the exploits of underdogs that have defined Afcon endeavours at the turn of another calendar year. Debutants, such as Comoros and The Gambia, have exceeded expectations and proved that notable scalps can be claimed with the right blend of ability and application.
Sierra Leone qualify to their first #TotalAFCON of the century! 🇸🇱
The Leone Stars return for the firt time since 1996! 👏#TotalAFCONQ2021 pic.twitter.com/5fYDfSDjxi
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) June 15, 2021
Sierra Leone also left with their heads held high despite being unable to make it out of the group stage. They may have taken just two points from three games, but one of those was collected against Algeria and contributed to the reigning champions being dumped out in dramatic fashion.
Reality check
Sesay formed part of the squad that held the title holders to a famous goalless draw in the first round of fixtures and will have headed back to Grosvenor Vale, savouring memories that will last a lifetime.
No competitive game time was seen on Cameroonian soil, but a notable flag was flown, regardless. The former Crawley and Barnet man was the only representative from the non-league ranks in England to earn selection for Afcon duty.
Nobody can take that away from him and the plan will be to add to a collection of two senior caps in the months and years to come. For now, though, he is being brought back down to earth with a bump.
Super proud of this team, the history we made together for our country I'll never forget. For the fans worldwide, we love and appreciate you! This is just the start🙏🏾🇸🇱🦁 #afcon2021 #leonestars pic.twitter.com/cHZnpvWsuV
— Sesay Jr. (@davidsesay10) January 23, 2022
After scaling the heights of international competition in west Africa, the pressure and stresses of a basement battle await Sesay back in northwest London. Wealdstone could do with finding a healthy dose of inspiration from somewhere as they sweat on National League status.
Time remains on their side for now, but that clock is ticking and positive momentum must be established soon to avoid slipping through a relegation trapdoor.
Sesay, as a player more concerned with keeping opponents out rather than carving them open, cannot be expected to lead a late push for survival, but he could have an important role to play.
Having flown a non-league flag proudly a long way from home in the English capital, the challenge now is to put those experiences to good use and prove to everyone around him at club level that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
