MONROVIA, Montserrado – FC Fassell’s faltering title challenge suffered another blow when they were beaten 1-0 by ELWA United on Thursday, giving league leaders Barrack Young Controllers the chance to open a four-point lead at the top on Sunday, in their clash against the LPRC Oilers.

Ketu Jerbo, who played for Monsterrado in the 2015-2016 Liberia National County Sports Meet, scored the only goal with a superb volley from outside Fassell’s penalty area in the 32^nd minute.

Fassell desperately needed a win to take control of the league table and started the match as the better side, taking much of the possession. But it was ELWA that made the first attempt with a goal that was disallowed after the linesman waved his flag for a foul.

Distraught with the decision, ELWA United president Rufus Looh left his seat from the stadium wings and walked to the fourth official, hurling invectives at the official. Looh’s unacceptable actions displayed in front of hundreds of spectators could cause him to face a possible sanction from the Liberia Football Association.

ELWA president Rufus Looh. Photo: T. Kla Wesley, Jr.

The disallowed goal motivated ELWA, as they took control of the remainder of the first half to create several golden chances. However, good goalkeeping from Fassell’s Sampson Giddings kept the score at 1-0 until the sound of the first half whistle.

The “Soccer Missionaries,” as Fassell is nicknamed, created several goal scoring opportunities in the final half of the match with the hope of getting an equalizer, but a stubborn ELWA defense and the woodwork denied them as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to an underdog team.

Second place Fassell has now won only one of the last three league matches and remains a point behind BYC, which has a match in hand.

After the game, ELWA United’s Assistant Coach George Adetuyi admitted the match was a difficult one for his side but praised his team for the win.

Coach George Adetuyi of ELWA United. Photo: T. Kla Wesley, Jr.

“It was a difficult encounter,” he said. “We all watched the game. Normally, playing against Fassell is not an easy task in Liberia. They have a very good team with lots of quality players. As a team, we prepared for it and we won. That’s the most important thing. My boys did well and I’m proud of them.”

The win did not only dent Fassell’s title hopes but also helped ELWA’s chances of avoiding being dropped to a lower division. Despite the win, ELWA remains in the relegation zone and at a risk of being dropped.

“The win was very important, but it doesn’t mean we are safe from the relegation battle,” the ELWA coach said. “There is no guarantee so we have to be ready next match and beyond. We have to keep winning. The players have a way of working and the demand to give everything is absolutely there so it bodes well for the future.”

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.