By Hassan Osman Kargbo
One of Sierra Leone’s most historic football clubs, Freetown City FC, has been relegated from the Leone Rock Premier League after suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to league leaders Bo Rangers on Sunday.
The defeat, played at the Southern Arena in Bo, sealed the fate of the capital-based team as Mohamed Kabba’s decisive strike in the second half left Freetown City FC with no mathematical chance of survival. With only four games remaining in the season, the club sits on 19 points from 30 matches — well short of the points needed to avoid the drop.
It is a bitter pill to swallow for fans of the club, who watched their team struggle throughout the season with inconsistent performances, poor results, and a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. The loss to Bo Rangers, although expected given the quality of the opposition, confirmed what many had feared for weeks.
Bo Rangers, currently chasing their second consecutive league title, showed their dominance from the first whistle. The Elephants controlled possession and dictated the tempo, forcing Freetown City FC to play on the back foot. Although the visitors defended resolutely in the first half, their resistance was broken early in the second half when Kabba latched onto a well-timed pass and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
The goal was greeted with jubilation from the home fans, while a sense of resignation washed over the traveling Freetown supporters. The team tried to respond, but clear chances were few and far between. The final whistle confirmed what was already looming — relegation to the second tier.
Freetown City FC, once regarded as a powerhouse in Sierra Leonean football, has endured a difficult campaign marked by internal instability and a lack of clear direction. Frequent managerial changes, injuries to key players, and financial difficulties have all played a part in the club’s fall from grace.
Club captain Abu Sesay expressed deep disappointment after the match. “This is a very painful moment for all of us. We fought hard but results didn’t go our way this season. We know we have let down the fans and the city,” he said.
In contrast, Bo Rangers’ head coach, John Keister, praised his side’s professionalism. “We knew they were fighting for survival and would come at us with everything. But we remained focused and got the result we needed,” Keister stated.
While Bo Rangers continue their march toward the league title, Freetown City FC now faces a period of reflection and rebuilding. The club’s executive is expected to hold emergency meetings this week to discuss the way forward, including plans for the next season in the lower division.
Supporters are hopeful that this setback will mark a turning point and lead to reforms that can restore the club’s former glory. But for now, the reality is grim — Freetown City FC will not be part of the Leone Rock Premier League next season.
Relegation is never easy, especially for a club with such rich history, but as many in Sierra Leonean football will say, it is also an opportunity for a fresh start.
