By:Tejan Frederickson Fatorma
Old Edwardians secured a goalless draw against Wusum Stars on Saturday, December 2nd at Wusum Stadium in Makeni. The match was among several matches postponed due to security concerns about a week ago.
The visitors earned an important away point in a challenging contest against the Makeni outfit who went into the match sitting second on the table.
Coach Mohamed Lamin’s team fell short of expectations especially in the first half as both sides employed similar tactics displaying caution which resulted in limited chances created.
However, the May Park Boys signaled a potential breakthrough early in the first half when Kwame Quee’s precise pass set up Samuel Gandi for a right-footed shot that narrowly missed the target thereby hitting the woodwork. Gandi’s attempt was among the few real opportunities throughout the match although his team displayed formidable strength from the midfield that stifled their opponents’ attempt to control the match.
Despite boasting of powerful wingers in Alimamy Buya Kamara and Abdul Bangura the hosts who finished third in the 2021/2022 edition of the Leone Rock Premier League struggled to make an impact against Edwardians’ solid defense. Yeami Dunya, the experienced captain led the backline with incredible support from Musa Kamara.
In the 38th minute, Alusine Dumbuya’s well-delivered strike for Northern Rock could have given them the advantage but the ball hit the woodwork maintaining the deadlock.
Head Coach John Dominic Konneh’s team featuring former Leone Stars midfielder, Quee and former Bo Rangers midfielder Mohamed Fogbawa lacked clinical finishing in front of the goal. Both teams struggled to create meaningful chances and the defense on both sides showcased exceptional skills.
The School Boys’ shot-stopper, Mohamed Kamara had to leave the match due to a strenuous save and was replaced by Ibrahim Sorie Mansaray, the former Diamond Stars FC goalkeeper.
In a surprising turn of events, the Edwardians will play their next match without Quee, who received a red card after being substituted due to poor sportsmanship behavior. The midfielder received a caution earlier in the match before receiving a red following an altercation with match officials after his substitution.
Leone Stars’ most capped home-based defender, Dunia was outstanding for his side and was awarded the Man of the Match.
LRPL Media