The Liberia Football Association on Saturday January 13, 2023, commenced Day One of its three-month Youth Under-15 League at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
The League, organized by the Talent Development Scheme Program of the LFA, brought together 12 teams from across Montserrado County.
According to the organizers of the League, their focus, among other things, is aimed at promoting and showcasing the skills and talents of Liberian youths, as part of youth development program within the sector.
The showcasing League saw six fascinating games with the Ocean Blue Boys of First Touch as one of the victorious sides.
Two goals down, First Touch managed to pull one back before the break through a team effort that led to an easy tap-in from striker, Patrick Merchant, having missed out on two clear-cut chances in front of goal, as first half ended in favor of ANSAA.
The visiting side came back from the break to utilize their dominance in possession inside the park, to level from a thundering right-footed set piece from captain Gabriel Jusu.
As the fans cheered the Ocean Blue Boys, the creative players got more motivated, following a triple substitution from Coach Alfred Collins to get the winner through a forceful effort from substitute Henry Tokpah, as the fans burst out into celebration for a just reward for their unending cheers inside the stadium.
According to Coach Alfred Collins, they deserved the win and they are focused on winning the tournament.
Coach Collins, who commended his players for the victory, was also quick to point out that they should have killed the game in the first half, especially from two clear-cut chances from striker Merchant, who eventually got the first goal, adding that they were the superior side of the day.
The win for First Touch marks the first in the three-month League as they return to their Sinkor base to battle Hawa Sports Academy on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
The second match for First Touch Sports Academy will be a competitive one as the visiting side Hawa Sports Academy also got their first win over Scottish Sports Academy, with a 1-0 scoreline.
Also speaking to our reporter, the Youth Football Coordinator of the LFA, Wind Gargar, praised the participating teams for their brilliant performances at the start of the tournament, and encouraged them to do more.
Wind, who emphasized that the League is not about a must-win, but to teach the youthful talents the fundamentals of the game, was also quick to warn against age cheating, which he pointed out is unacceptable.
Other results from the opening fixtures saw Tebeh Academy forced to a three-all draw, while Hawa Defeated Scottish Sports Academy 1-0.
At the same time, GSA RYS trashed FC Zontche 3-0, while ten-man AIE, from a goal down, defeated Legacy Sports Academy 5-3, and the last game settled to a one-all draw between Redeem FA and Soccer Ambassadors.
