Bo Rangers, E.E. Lions off to flying start
February 2, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jr.
Bo Rangers and East End Lions FC started their campaign in the controversial football stakeholders’ ‘National Premier League’ with victories over Old Edwardians and FC Kallon respectively.
Goals from Emmanuel Lamin and Patrick Binda gave Bo Rangers a 2-0 win over Old Edwardians on Sunday at the Bo Stadium in the Southern Region.
Lamin’s header gave the Rangers a deserving lead in the 18th minute of play before their victory was sealed in the 87th minute by former Old Edwardians striker, Patrick Binda. However, both sides ended the match with 10 men following dismissal of one player from both sides by the referee.
Just like action in Bo, the league’s opener also provided an entertaining atmosphere at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown as Donald Wellington’s beautiful solo effort earned East End Lions all three points against FC Kallon.
Wellington’s strike came few minutes before half-time after beating three FC Kallon defenders and was left with only goalkeeper Isaac Caulker to beat. He comfortably slotted home what ended up to be the winner for the Killers.
The commencement of the controversial league saw the return of topflight football in the country after an 18-month hiatus mainly due to the Ebola scourge that bedeviled the country.
A total of 11 out of the 14 Premier League clubs are participating in the league, which does not have the approval of the Isha Johansen led Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) administration.
The participating teams are: East End Lions, Mighty Blackpool, Ports Authority, Old Edwardians, FC Kallon, Gem Stars, Freetown City Council FC, Anti-Drugs Strikers, Bo Rangers, Diamond Stars and Central Parade.
However, Kamboi Eagles of Kenema, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF FC) and FC Johansen (owned by the SLFA president) are the three clubs not taking part in the league.