By: Perry B. Zordyu
Paynesville — Sierra Leone’s U-17 girls secured their place in the next round of the WAFU-A U-17 Girls Tournament with a commanding 3–0 win over hosts Liberia on Friday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
The Young Leone Stars set the tone early. Kadijatu Deen opened the scoring within minutes, and striker Ruth M. Bawoth doubled the lead before halftime, giving Sierra Leone a comfortable 2–0 advantage.
After the break, the visitors maintained pressure, and midfield dynamo Marian Sankoh added a clinical finish to seal the victory.
Sankoh’s goal was her second in two matches, earning her Woman of the Match honors for a second consecutive game and highlighting her as one of the tournament’s standout players.
Head coach Fatmata Turay praised her team’s composure and reaffirmed her ambitions for the trophy. “I told you yesterday that I am here to carry the trophy home,” Turay said confidently.
“They were lucky we didn’t give them 5–0—my strikers were a bit playful. I call on all Sierra Leone fans to support this team in grand style because we are bringing the trophy to Sierra Leone.”
With two straight wins and a star midfielder in top form, Sierra Leone have sent a clear message to their regional rivals: they are serious contenders for the championship.
