By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
(Local Sport)
The 14th edition of the Ernest Bai Koroma Trophy kicked off with a grand opening ceremony held at the Wusum stadium in Makeni. The spotlight of the event was Northern Stars FC, who were unfortunately eliminated from the tournament after a hard-fought match that culminated in a 4-1 post-game penalty shootout victory for Masongbo FC.
The ceremonial kickoff was executed by none other than the distinguished Member of Parliament representing the Bombali district, Honorable Mohamed Papa Bangura. Interestingly, before embarking on his political journey, Mr. Bangura had previously served as the Head of Media and Marketing for the Organizing Committee, adding a unique perspective to the occasion. Notable dignitaries who graced the event included Brimah Jalloh, Chairman of the North-East Region Football Association (NERFA), Sheku Bilo Conteh, the NERFA Secretary General, and Sulaiman Sillah Sesay, Chairman of the BDFA, among many others.
The match itself was a thrilling display of high-intensity football. Both teams exhibited exceptional skill and determination, creating a sense of equilibrium with equal opportunities to secure victory. Despite multiple efforts to secure a win during regular playtime, the match remained inconclusive, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
The second half of the game was characterized by Northern Stars FC’s dominance, as they maintained control of much of the play in their opponent’s half. However, the resilient defense of Masongbo FC, who had reached the semifinals in the 2022 EBK Trophy, managed to repel Northern Stars’ advances.
This contest marked the first-ever competitive meeting between the two teams. It was a disappointing outcome for Northern Stars, who, despite boasting a promising young team, were thwarted by the tournament’s knockout format. The one-leg knockout basis meant they faced an early exit.
Nonetheless, Masongbo’s victory and progression in the tournament provide a significant source of motivation for the Makari-based team as they prepare for their upcoming matches. The standout performance of their captain, Foday Tarawallie, earned him the title of Man of the Match, cementing his importance to the team’s success in this thrilling encounter.
