Nimba County striker Chauncy Freeman and Robert Coleman of Monsterrado County both produced four goals and four assists to ensure Swankamore received a flying start in the playoffs.

Freeman’s hat-trick and a goal from Coleman were enough to hand new head coach Emmanuel Kehkeh a victory in his first official game with the club.

Kehkeh replaced Amos Smith, who is now the head coach at Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County.

Freeman headed in a volley from Coleman in the 2nd minute of the first half as Swankamore took an early lead.

Diamond looked confused after conceding a goal early, and Swankamore used the opportunity to dominate possessions up to the 21st minute, when Coleman doubled the lead with a low power shot from inside the six-yard box, after collecting a pass from Freeman.

Another assist from Coleman helped Freeman score his second goal of the match in the 36th minute with a power shot from 20 yards.

Diamond was unable to break through Swankamore’s defense to pull a goal back in the opening half as they went to the break down 3-0. They, however, came from the break as the stronger side, as the team scored in the 52nd minute, keeping their hopes high of leveling the score.

However, Diamond’s hopes were destroyed by poor defense,  which was unable to stop Freeman from completing a hat-trick in the 66th minute with an overhead strike.

Following the 4-1 victory, Swankamore head coach Kehkeh said the key to his side’s victory was playing with enthusiasm and ambition.

The victory puts Swankamore on top of Group A with 3 points, level with second place Corinthians, which defeated Shooting Stars 2-0.

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.