By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

Sierra Leone’s right-back, Alex Bangura was replaced in the 19th minute in the Middlesbrough Cup first leg semi-final 1-0 victory due to hamstring injury. The Teesside’s were forced to another alteration when Alex Bangura pulled up with a hamstring issue.

Bangura, 24, was making his sixteen appearances since joining the club in September 2023 on a four-year deal at Teesside.

However, they will head into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with a goal advantage thanks to Hayden Hackney’s deft finish.

It was an outstanding, battling performance from the threadbare Teessiders, who emerged from the contest fully deserving of the lead having also been forced into two first-half substitutions.

Bangura will have to undergo further checks to see how long he will be out ahead of the second leg on Tuesday, 23rd January, 2024.