By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Abacha City Football Club secured arguably their most important result of the season on Tuesday, grinding out a tense 1-0 victory over Wusum Stars at the Approved School Field in Matchweek 24 of the Leone Rock Premier League. The win lifts them out of the relegation zone and breathes new life into their survival bid, with Kerifa Koroma’s second-half penalty proving the difference on a nervy afternoon.
With both clubs hovering around the bottom end of the table, the stakes were clear from kick-off. Abacha City began with real urgency, pressing high and forcing Wusum Stars into early mistakes. Their front line looked lively, creating half-chances in the opening 15 minutes but lacking the final touch to break the deadlock.
Wusum Stars, known as the Northern Rock of Makeni, grew into the contest and showed why they remain dangerous opponents. Using their pace on the counter, they stretched Abacha’s backline twice before the break. On both occasions, however, last-ditch defending and sharp goalkeeping kept the scores level. The first half ended 0-0, but the tension inside the Approved School Field was palpable everyone knew one moment would decide it.
That moment came in the 70th minute. After sustained pressure down the right flank, Abacha City won a corner that caused chaos in the Wusum box. As the ball pinballed around, a rash challenge from a visiting defender brought down an Abacha attacker, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
All eyes turned to Kerifa Koroma. The midfielder, wearing the number 21 jersey, had the weight of a club’s survival hopes on his shoulders. He showed no signs of nerves. With a short, stuttered run-up, Koroma coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and sparking bedlam in the stands.
It was a goal worth more than just three points it was a release of weeks of frustration for Abacha City players and fans alike.
Leading for the first time, Abacha City immediately shifted focus. Coach Mohamed Shyllon instructions from the touchline were clear: stay compact, waste time smartly, and protect the lead at all costs. The team responded with a disciplined, backs-to-the-wall display for the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time.
Wusum Stars committed bodies forward, whipping crosses into the box and forcing a series of corners, but Abacha’s centre-backs won every aerial duel. Abacha City goalkeeper Abubakarr Kamara commanded his area, claiming high balls and smothering shots to preserve the clean sheet.
The result is a massive boost for Abacha City. The three points move them out of the immediate relegation zone for the first time in weeks, shifting the pressure onto their rivals at the bottom. More importantly, the performance showed character, resilience, and belief qualities they will need in the run-in.
For Wusum Stars, it is a bitter pill. They were solid defensively for long spells but lacked cutting edge in the final third.