Football star search fever hits Southern Sierra Leone
After a successful tournament in the north of Sierra Leone, the Airtel Rising Star tournament moved southwards to the nation’s second city of Bo. The excitements that followed the tournament in Makeni continued at the Coronation Grounds, Bo, where hundreds turned out to witness the youth tournament backed by English Premier League champions, Manchester United football club.
Large crowds turn out to watch matches which are free of charge
Lazio FC and Eagles FC kicked off a lively opener that saw both sides missing various chances in a lively encounter; Lazio FC Lamin Koroma however opened scoring after a quick combination with team mate, Alphajor Bah in the fourth minute to give his team the lead.
In a match marked by torrential downpour, Eagles FC were caught on the break as they pushed for an equaliser, Lazio FC had a counter attack and Salieu Bah was brought down in the box the striker himself rose and place the spot kick inside the far left of the net displacing the goalie.
Eagles FC midfielder Joel Bah gave his team some hope by snatching a goal from a lob outside the box to make to reduce the deficit by 2-1.
Star of the match performer, Lamin Koroma of Lazio FC talking to SLBC's Ibrahim Bah
Star of the match performer, Lamin Koroma of Lazio FC was set clear with a through pass, he beats Eagles FC goalkeeper cleverly and slot behind net to make it 3-1 late on and end any hopes of revival for Eagles FC. Lamin said afterwards that they were made to work harder and the rain made it difficult for them to control the ball. “I wish we have a better weather next game, I believe that will help us control the game more,” he said.
Game two saw TTS FC edging Atlanta FC to a 2-1 defeat, the match started slowly and often monotonous but as the match progress – TTS FC Lansana Rogers injected much needed spirit in the encounter by drilling a ground shot from left angle after Senesie Conteh set him free with a stylish move. Atlanta FC Idrissou Jalloh replied with a solo effort 28 minutes later by quickly outsmarting rushing centre back, Donald Simbo and poking from a the right angle. TTS FC right back, Joseph B Monya made Atlanta FC celebrations short-lived with a 40 yards stunner that flew past the keeper making 2-1. TTS FC Ibrahim Barrie was chosen as the star performer of the match as he dominated the midfield and ensured his team control of most part of the match.
Welding FC versus Sea side Rangers started as a frenzied contest, as if both sides have some scores to settle in the pitch – there were some muscle display, but with the referee issuing two cautions in four minutes to both teams – tempered flared down and Welding FC Abdul Sesay in a rebound effort that ricochet off Sea side Rangers defender Joseph Mbayo in the 21st minute. Sheku Koroma made it 2-0 for Welding FC eight minutes later before Seaside Rangers Edward Abib scored late on to make 2-1.
The opening day final match saw Young Professional Academicals defeating Surian FC by a lone goal scored in the 22nd minutes by Albert Kabia who opted for an attempt on goal by a long range indirect kick that flew past the right angle of the net. Star performer of the match, Young Professional Academicals captain Amos Luseni came close and was denied by the side bar, moments after he set up Francis Domboi with a fine overhead chip but the latter squandered by blasting above the bar.
Match ended 1-0 in favour of Young Professional Academicals.
Sierra Leone Premier League board President Rodney Michael lauded Airtel for ARS tourney
Earlier on, Airtel Sierra Leone, Creative and Brand Executive, Martha Johnson distributed kits of football vest and items to the participating teams, she called on the players to make use of the tournament and said Airtel is very happy to undertake such a venture. Sierra Leone Premier League board president Rodney Michael lauded Airtel for undertaking such an ‘amazing enterprise’. He said Airtel stands to gain nothing from this football initiative, “Sierra Leone football needs this kind of boost so desperately and I believe that in the long run we will all see the benefit of this brave project.
It will be recalled that Airtel Africa recently launched initiative ARS that seeks to motivate young people to follow their enthusiasm for football, by taking part in the contest. The tournament, which is presently underway across 15 Airtel markets in Africa, supports talent at grassroots level and provides young people with a podium to improve their football skills.
Muctaru Wurie
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