Calls for match fixing investigation into 2 Super-10 matches that produced 187 goals in Eastern Sierra Leone

Freetown | 4th July 2022 | Vertex Media

According to the General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Football Association Christopher Kamara, has commented on social media that the FA will institute an immediate investigation into two weekend matches that produced hefty and unbelievable scorelines in the ongoing Super 10 competition in the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone.

On Sunday July 3rd, Gulf FC defeated Ququima Lebanon in Kono by 91 goals to 1, while Kahunla Rangers defeated Lumbebu United by 95 Goals to 0 in Kenema, producing a total goal tally of 187 Goals in 2 matches. These results are the biggest scorelines ever recorded in ANY OFFICIAL MATCHES in Sierra Leone. Both matches were qualifying matches in the ongoing Super 10 Competition in Division One, and qualifiers of the regional Super 10 will play the national playoffs for promotion to the Sierra Leone Premier League next season.

Prior to these final round of matches, both Gulf FC and Kahunla Rangers had the same number of points (32 points each), with Gulf FC ahead by a goal difference, and both teams were in contention, looking forward to grab the remaining Eastern Region spot in the National Super 10, which is the final qualifying phase for the Premier League. So both teams got into these matches with a preconceived notion of getting the results they wanted to get an advantage over each other.

As the teams were looking for ambitious results, everyone was shocked by the cricket scorelines produced by these matches in modern football. In the first half, Kahunla Rangers were leading by 2-0 in Kenema, while Gulf FC were also leading by 7-1 in Kono. Eyewitnesses say that there were informants at both matches, sending updates to the their respective teams, this led to an embarrassing display of unsporting acts. The second half was marred by unprecedented scorelines in just 45 minutes. Gulf FC scored 84 Goals, while Kahunla Rangers scored 93 Goals, making it a total of 177 Goals for both in just the second 45 minutes of the said matches.

Additionally, it was reported that Lumbebu United received 3 red cards and conceded 4 penalties and all were converted by Kahunla Rangers. A referee in one of the matches was reported to have refused to officiate in the second half when he realized that all was not right. A single player scored about 30 Goals according reported.

Many football lovers believe that these matches were fixed and call for an immediate investigation. The investigations should include all 4 teams, all players, match officials and the Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA).

Meanwhile, red flags of match fixing in the just concluded Sierra Leone Premier League were raised by quarters of the public, but no one paid heed. This is believed to be an ongoing sindicate or a new normal in Sierra Leone football, which damages the country image and name in the international stage.

The SLFA has however expressed willingness to investigate this recent incident, and all will be brought to book, according Chris Kamara.

“From the Regional Association down to the last player and match officials will be investigated and all will be dragged before the Disciplinary and Ethics Board of the FA. This nonsense must stop,”
Christopher Kamara, SLFA General Secretary

The Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA) headed by Commissioner Prince Saquee, is yet to officially communicate their reactions on this indecent act.

FIFA and CAF have a zero tolerance policy on match fixing and related offences. And every Member Association of these football governing bodies must subscribe to these policies.

By Ibrahim Sorious Samura