By S. Siapha Mulbah
The 2023 Liberia National Third Division playoffs’ highest goal scorer, Johnathan Freeman, presented to the public a show of another magical performance at the opening of the 2023 edition of the Paynesville Cup taking place in Liberia.
Freeman’s brilliant performance and leadership as team captain resulted in a goal and an assist, doing enough to earn himself the Man of the Match award in his club’s 3-1 win over hosts, Paynesville Football Club, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
The lad, wearing the arm band for Discoveries Sports Academy, was so influential in the DSA attack, alongside Cephus Gebro and supportive youth midfielder, Saah Moses.
In the 33rd minute of the first half, the man of the match failed to convert a spot kick after he was brought down in the box. He however relieved his fans in the second half with a long range strike, leaving Emmanuel Deneah stranded between the sticks for the most talked about purchasing giant at Paynesville.
Freeman’s shot to put the Legacy Boys again in the lead, after Saah Moses’ opening goal was equalized by Matalee Wulepon, came from a distance, 24 yards away from goal.
He doubled his goal contribution in the 87th minute when he assisted Saah Moses, to seal an impressive win.
This win means that the Legacy Boys now advance to the Semifinal of the preseason tournament.
With a good record of being the highest goal scorer and most valuable player in several tournaments, Freeman is poised to have a remarkable participation in the Paynesville Cup as the new season approaches.
According to multiple reports gathered by this paper, the duo, Saah Moses and Johnathan Freeman, were invited by Liberia National Team head coach, Ansumana Keita, to join the training session of the local-based Lone Star, as the team prepares for the upcoming African Nations Championship.
Apart from the recent call to join national duty, the lads have together represented the country in several international competitions at Under-15 and 17 levels.
