Reports On Matches Played on Saturday, 16th February 2019
Table toppers East End Lions pile more misery on struggling Bo Rangers, Central Parade dumped and Mighty Blackpool takes first three points
The twists and turns of the Sierra Leone Premier League is making the league quite interesting with every other match a suspect to anxiety and anticipation from the league’s passionate fans.
Saturday’s eye-catching matches were just proof to how far Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans have come in embracing the beautiful game.
East End Lions have gone to the top of the standings of the Sierra Leone Premier League for at least twenty four hours after defeating Bo Rangers by a goal to nil at the Siaka Stevens Stadium on Saturday night. The big money spending Killers had to wait until the seventy forth minute to have the match’s winner against bottom side, Bo Rangers, who put on a scintillating performance against their host.
The nerves and panic could be figured out from Lions fans whenever Rangers skipper, Morie Alieu sends a throw in the opposing penalty area.
Fans of Lions thought they did score in the twenty third minute as Musa Kamara (Tombo) blasted the ball right on goalkeeper Noah’s face after being let loose by the defenders of Bo Rangers. Another chance to take the lead from the twelve yards by Gibrilla Woobay after Alhassan Koroma have been fouled in the box, was thwarted away by goalkeeper Noah, who was Rangers sole saviour in a match of so many squandered chances.
After a goalless first half, the start of the second saw Bo Rangers being the better side in the first quarter of the half creating chances which panicked home fans in a less full arena.
Just two minutes inside the pitch of play, Solomon Toby’s second touch of the game could produce the match’s deciding moment, slotting home after a beautiful exchange play in the seventy forth minute.
The victory takes East End Lions to ten points after four matches played and a position at the top of the log for the next twenty four hours wishing a negative result for Ports Authority on Sunday evening against Anti Drugs could cement their lead at the top after the weekend.
After a victory away from home against Bo Rangers last Saturday, Central Parade felt the bitterness of loosing at home after being defeated by Kamboi Eagles by three goals to two on Saturday evening at the Parade Grounds in a match filled with fireworks and excitement. Kamboi Eagles scored in the fourth minute of the first half by Ron Gandi Williams, a goal cancelled a minute later by Alpha Conteh(Bedor) in the fifth minute.
Poor and naive defending could have cost either side conceding mid way through the match but the defenders blushes were countlessly salvaged by either side goalkeepers.
Two goals in nine minutes by the Eagles from Ibrahim Turay and Abu Bakarr Kanu in the twenty seventh and thirty sixth minutes ensured all three points for the visitors despite the host scoring a penalty late on in the second half of an intriguing all end affiars.
The win takes Kamboi Eagles to fifth position level on points with Central Parade who sit forth with a greater goal difference.
At the Lungi Central Stadium, East End Tigers suffered yet another home defeat to Mighty Blackpool gifting the guests their first goal and first three points after four games of searching.
Mohamed Paul Kai’s goal in the ninetieth minute handed care taker coach, Serry Turay and Mighty Blackpool an elusive victory taking them to four points after four matches.
On Sunday, Ports Authority play Anti Drugs football club in an Eastern derby, while Diamond Stars look set to entertain FC Kallon at the Koidu Town Mini Stadium in Kono.
©I Rep Salone
