By: Tejan Frederickson Fatorma
In a riveting clash at Wusum stadium on Wednesday 6th November, Wusum Stars faced a setback on their home turf, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against debutant Bhantal FC. Despite a promising start by Wusum Stars, Bhantal’s disciplined midfield proved formidable, compelling the home team to navigate the ball into their half.
Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara’s tactical strategy failed to thwart Bhantal’s advances leading to a disappointing home defeat, despite both teams missing clear-cut chances. The visitor’s midfield composition proved pivotal in securing a significant three points.
Notably, the man of the match winner Adebayor Black, broke the deadlock in the 78th minute with a solo effort showcasing Bhantal’s qualities in seizing opportunities. The host midfield maestro Alusine Dumbuya struggled to outshine the 2023 National First Division champions in midfield.
The match unveiled Wusum’s attacking challenges, emphasizing the absence of their marksman, Issa A. Tarawallie, due to injury. Tarawallie’s pivotal role contributing nearly half of the team’s goals in the 2022/2023 season, underscored the need for the Bombali team to address their offensive strategy.
Despite Coach MLK introducing Alimamy Buya Turay to inject fresh energy and in a bid to increase the attacking strength, the substitute failed to make a significant impact. The lack of composure and attacking prowess from key players Saymah Kamara, Sulaiman, Ibrahim Kamara, and Abdul Bangura further compounded the team’s struggles.
The defeat has seen Wusum Stars positioned 5th in the league table, highlighting the urgency for improvement. As they gear up for their next match against SLIFA, addressing their attacking vulnerabilities becomes imperative to regain their footing in the league. Meanwhile, Bhantal’s victory propels them to the 2nd spot with 9 points from five matches, establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the league.
LRPL Media