By Desmond Tunde Coker
In form Port Authority failed to secure their fourth win in a row in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League after a dramatic comeback by resilient Real Republicans in a 2-2 draw at the Trade Centre playing field. The host took the lead by Musa N Kamara in the 20th minute from a cross by Mohamed L. Bangura from the right wing which the striker converted easily. In the 33rd, minute Musa Noah Kamara increased his tally for the day to two goals when he had his second assist in the match before the break. After the recess, in the 65th, minute the visitors, Real Republicans pulled one goal after a very strong build-up play. The goal it was converted by Ibrahim T. Sesay. The goal gave them the belief that they could do it. Just two minutes from their first goal there came the second goal with a perfect free-kick which was converted by a man in 2 Jersey Suliman Bah which damped the spirit of the host waterfront boys and stopped their unbeaten run as the match ended 2-2.
Head Coach of Port-Authority Lamin Bangura registered his disappointment with his boys, for letting a-two-goal-lead to slip away. “We will go back and work on the areas we went wrong during the match,” he added. On the other hand, the visiting coach, Abubakar Kamara congratulated his boys on their resilience. “I had to make some tactical adjustments during the first half. I had to take out four players because I knew our opponent took advantage of our defense line and I had to make a change so quickly which helped greatly. After the recess, I also made another change so I could have a better system of play which helped the team to take a point from the match. We will improve as the game goes by so we will finish very well in the standing,” he concluded.
Chairman of Real Republicans, Alhaji Umaru Bah also congratulated his boys for a wonderful performance he reiterated his commitment to supporting the team. Fans of Port Authority blasted their players for what they saw as a poor performance as they relied on their past glory during the FA Cup encounter with Real Republicans whom they defeated 2-0. Port Authority will play at home against Freetown City FC, while Real Republicans will also play at home to Old Edwardians over the weekend.