By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
SLIFA FC took a major step in their fight against relegation on Saturday, sealing a vital 2-0 victory over Abacha City at the SLFA Academy to open a crucial four-point gap on their relegation rivals.
The stakes were clear from kickoff, and Abacha City started on the front foot. They controlled possession and carved out several clear chances in the opening 45 minutes, but SLIFA FC goalkeeper Mohamed T. Koroma was in inspired form. He pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep the visitors at bay and ensure the scores stayed level.
Despite being under pressure for long spells, SLIFA FC struck in first-half stoppage time. A misjudgment from the Abacha City goalkeeper gifted Bainous Bangura an opening, and the forward made no mistake, slotting into an empty net in the 45th minute to give SLIFA FC a 1-0 lead against the run of play.
Abacha City resumed control after the break, pushing hard for an equalizer. But their final ball continued to let them down, and SLIFA’s defense, marshaled by the outstanding Koroma, held firm.
The result was put beyond doubt in the 78th minute when Alimamy Y. S. Kamara picked up the ball outside the box and curled a superb effort into the top corner to make it 2-0. Abacha City kept pressing until the final whistle, but Koroma capped a Man of the Match display with two more key saves to preserve his clean sheet.
The win gives SLIFA breathing room in the relegation battle, moving them four points clear of Abacha City. Koroma’s heroics and clinical finishing proved the difference in a game Abacha City will feel they should have taken something from.
SLIFA FC face a tough test away to Diamond Stars next Wednesday as they look to build momentum. Abacha City will aim to bounce back when they host Diamond Stars at home on May 10, 2026.
In other matches across the country, Michael J. Kargbo’s late strike rescues point for Mighty Blackpool against Wusum Stars
Mighty Blackpool showed their trademark resilience on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as Michael J. Kargbo struck in the 95th minute to snatch a 1-1 draw against Wusum Stars at the Wusum Field in Makeni.
Wusum Stars, backed by a vocal home crowd, dominated much of the first half and got their reward in the 36th minute. Mohamed Sesay slid a clever ball through the Tis Tas defense, and striker Abdul Rahman Barrie made no mistake with a composed finish to give the Northern Rock a 1-0 lead.
The hosts kept their shape well after the break, defending resolutely and looking set to close out a narrow but deserved home win. The contest grew increasingly physical, with the referee reaching for his book on several occasions as both sides battled for control in midfield.
With time running out, the visitors, Mighty Blackpool threw men forward in search of a lifeline. Their pressure finally told deep into stoppage time. Foday Commeh worked space on the flank and delivered a teasing ball into the box, where Michael J. Kargbo kept his cool to steer home the equalizer in the 95th minute.
The late goal stunned the Wusum Field and sparked wild celebrations from the Blackpool bench, as the Tis Tas Boys claimed a point that had looked unlikely for long periods.
Kargbo’s decisive intervention earned him Man of the Match honors. His stoppage-time strike not only denied Wusum Stars all three points but underlined Mighty Blackpool’s fighting spirit and refusal to give in until the final whistle.
Kamboi Eagles break Luawa FC hearts with 1-0 win
Football fans at the Approved School Ground in Freetown were served a dramatic encounter on Saturday, April 24, 2026, as Kamboi Eagles snatched a crucial 1-0 win over Luawa FC with the last kick of the game in the Leone Rock Premier League.
From the first whistle, both sides showed clear intent. Luawa FC, backed by their home supporters, looked assured in possession, moving the ball with confidence and controlling spells of play. Kamboi Eagles responded with tactical discipline, sitting deep and threatening on quick transitions.
The opening 45 minutes delivered an even contest full of quality. Sharp passing, clever movement, and organized defending defined the half, but clear chances were limited. Despite promising build-up play from both teams, neither could apply the finishing touch, and the sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
The tempo rose after the restart as Luawa FC pushed higher, probing for a breakthrough, while Kamboi Eagles stayed dangerous on the counter. Challenges grew sharper and the game opened up, but both goalkeepers stood firm when called upon.
As the clock ticked toward 90 minutes, a draw looked like the likely outcome. The fourth official signaled four minutes of added time, and many in the stands had already accepted a stalemate.
Football had one final twist. In the 94th minute, Kamboi Eagles broke forward one last time. Koami Bamidele Cole, wearing number 23, delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the box. Striker Abu Bakarr Sidibay, in the number 9 shirt, met it with a clinical first-time finish to send the net rippling.
The away end erupted. Kamboi Eagles players and staff raced to celebrate a dramatic winner, while Luawa FC were left stunned on the turf after coming within seconds of a hard-earned point.
The result gives Kamboi Eagles a crucial three points on the road and extends their strong run of form. For Luawa FC, it was a harsh lesson in game management after a disciplined display that deserved more.