East End Lions FC Ends Season Start Struggle with Impressive Win
In a thrilling mid-week clash hosted at the Trade Center Field in Freetown, East End Lions FC marked a significant turnaround in their 2023/24 Leone Rock Premier League season. The team secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Kholifa Stars FC, breaking their earlier season start drought.
Coach Charlie Wright, eager for his first league victory, strategically implemented three changes to the starting lineup following the previous 1-1 draw against Bhantal FC. Winger Kandeh Turay and Abu Bakarr Fornah made their debut starts in the campaign, adding a fresh dynamic to the team.
The attacking duo of Sulaiman S. Kargbo and Ibrahim S. Conteh, operating in a 3-2-3-2 formation, showcased their prowess by opening the scoring in the 28th minute. However, the balance shifted just before halftime when Ibrahim Bangura leveled the scores to 1-1 from the penalty spot.
The turning point came in the 73rd minute when seventeen-year-old substitute Alie Conteh swiftly reinstated East End Lions' lead at 2-1, marking his debut goal in the premier league. This impactful moment, facilitated by midfielder Alimamy J. Kamara, who also entered the game from the bench, turned the tide in favor of the Lions.
Winger Kandeh Turay sealed the victory, extending the lead to 3-1 in the 77th minute, securing the host their first win of the season. Notably, midfielder Samuel Kwaku Bekoe received the Man of the Match award for his stellar performance.
Despite the initial sluggish start, East End Lions FC now stands as one of the seven undefeated clubs in the new campaign. Positioned 7th on the table, they've accumulated 7 points from five matches, indicating a positive trajectory in their season's journey.
This victory not only brings joy to the fans but also highlights the resilience and potential of East End Lions FC in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League season. As the team continues to evolve and demonstrate its capabilities, fans can anticipate an exciting and competitive season ahead.