By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
It was an entertaining moment in the newly constructed Southern Arena Stadium in Bo on May 26th May 2023, where hundreds of people came out to support the Starlets representing Sierra Leone against Guinea Bissau.
The Pitch was full of actions and talent exhibition as the Cubs came out from the mountains to represent Sierra Leone with their sweat and blood to ensure they clinch the three points and not settle for a draw or loss.
The first half was a tense affair, Shooting Starlets midfielders Memunatu Kamara, Fatmata Turay, and Kadiatu Musa Kamara were steadfast in their quest to make sure that they frustrate the chances of Guinea Bissau stopping them from penetrating their defensive area.
Defenders Kumba Abu, Juliet Brima, Marie Kamara, and Isata Mansaray were tactically disciplined. The quartet played fiercely and were well-composed to defend the team with specific objectives, “Not to allow the ball to enter the 18-yard box!”
Shooting Starlets goal-poaching duo Yakonie Bangura and Sally Turay played like wounded cubs roaring around in search of prey while making frantic attempts to get the opening goal.
After a very intensive 45 minutes plus three minutes of additional time without a goal, the referee Rokia Ibrahima Fofana, Mali, sounded her whistle for recess.
On resumption of play, Shooting Starlets started playing with a high pressing force that resulted in a goal in the 68th minute through, goal-poacher Sally Turay, sporting the #10 Jersey, who dribbled the ball from the left wing and volleyed the ball straight into the net.
The Starlets increased the high pressing force to increase the goal tally, which paid off well. Defender Juliet Brima, playing from the left wing, scored the second goal in the 87th minute, giving the Starlets edge over their opponents Guinea Bissau.
In stoppage time, 92:34 secs, a free kick was awarded to Guinea Bissau because of foul play by their Sierra Leonean counterpart, which ensued in a late goal scored by Jessica Domingos Dacosta
The Head Coach of Shooting Starlets Hassan Mansary expressed delight in securing the needed results.
“I am impressed by the team’s performance, and I am pretty sure that if my team continues with this kind of performance they exhibited tonight, we will defeat Senegal in our next encounter”.
Senegal is presently leading with six points, having defeated both Guinea Bissau 4-0 and Guinea 3-1; followed by Sierra Leone with four points, having drawn 1-1 with Guinea and defeated Guinea Bissau 2-1.
The two sides will meet on Monday in another crunch tie to decide who is going to lift the Trophy of the U-20 WAFU Tournament.
