By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Under-17 Girls’ national team continued their impressive run in the ongoing tournament with a commanding 3-0 victory over Liberia on Thursday. Coming off a thrilling 2-1 win against Senegal, the young Sierra Leoneans showed class, determination, and teamwork to outplay their Liberian counterparts in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
From the opening whistle, Sierra Leone displayed intent, pressing high and dictating the pace of the match. Their efforts paid off in the first half when midfielder Marian Sankoh once again delivered for her team. Sankoh, who had already scored in the opening fixture against Senegal, capitalized on a defensive error to calmly slot home the opener. Her goal not only gave Sierra Leone the lead but also set the tone for the dominant performance that followed.
Sankoh’s contribution did not stop there. Her control of the midfield and quick passes helped Sierra Leone transition smoothly from defense to attack. Her consistent brilliance throughout the tournament has not gone unnoticed, as she was named Woman of the Match for the second consecutive time. With two goals in two games, she is quickly becoming the standout star of the competition.
Ruth M. Bawoh doubled Sierra Leone’s lead shortly after the break. Pouncing on a well-timed through ball, she beat the Liberian defense and finished with composure to extend the advantage. The goal sent the Sierra Leonean fans into jubilation, as the team looked increasingly confident and comfortable on the ball.
The icing on the cake came late in the second half when striker Kadijatu Deen sealed the victory with a powerful finish. Her goal was a reward for her tireless work up front, constantly troubling the Liberian defenders with her pace and energy.
The 3-0 triumph reflects the progress of the U-17 side, who have shown both attacking flair and defensive discipline. Goalkeeper and backline stood firm, preventing Liberia from finding any rhythm and ensuring a clean sheet.
Head Coach of the Sierra Leone U-17 Girls praised his side’s commitment and focus. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and discipline, noting that the team’s back-to-back wins were a reflection of their hard work in training and belief in themselves. He singled out Marian Sankoh for her consistency and leadership on the pitch, describing her as “a young player with great potential who is lifting the entire squad.”
For the players, the victory was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent. With two wins in two matches, Sierra Leone has positioned itself as one of the teams to watch in the tournament. Fans are optimistic that the girls can go all the way, with Sankoh’s heroics continuing to inspire both teammates and supporters.
As the tournament progresses, the team will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure qualification for the next stage. With the blend of talent, detrmination, and growing confidence, Sierra Leone’s U-17 Girls have shown they are ready to compete at the highest level and bring pride to the nation.
