It will be an all-Liberian battle today, April 19, when Djurgardens IF welcomes Hammarby in round four of the 2016 Sweden Allsvenskan.

Fans will gather at the 30,000-seater Tel 2 Arena to watch goal machine man Sam Johnson, who will be heading the attack force of Djurgardens against fellow Liberian international striker Amadaiya Rennies’ Hammarby.

Following spectacular performances since the start of the 2016 league season, Johnson will be hoping his excellent play continues in order to help his side clinch all three points at home.

The 22-year-old forward has been able to score four league goals from Djurgardens three league games so far this season.

He opened his 2016 scoring account in Djurgardens’ first league match against Orebro before scoring a double in their 5-0 thrashing of Falkenberg in round two of the Allsvenskan. Four days after scoring twice, he again registered his name on the score sheet as Djurgardens won 2-1 away at Gefle IF, which is the club of compatriot, Dioh Williams.

He has helped Djurgardens move on top of the league table with nine points from three matches.

On March 6, 2016, Hammarby whipped Djurgardens 3-1 in the 2016 Swedish Cup, but Johnson believes it is time that his club stands strong in order to avoid another defeat from Hammarby.

“It will be a tough game, everybody’s expecting a very difficult match. Playing against Hammarby isn’t an easy task, it’s a derby match and everyone wants to win. It’s not about which team is in good form or not, it’s a game of its own,” said Johnson. “We lost to [Hammarby] just last month in the Swedish cup, and we played them so early in the league season. We have been in good winning form since the opening of the league and I hope and pray that continues.”

When asked about his feelings regarding playing against a fellow Liberian, Johnson stated, “It’s a game of football. It’s normal, but also a special feeling. Rennie is a good player, I have a lot of respect for him. He has been playing in the Swedish top leagues for over five years. He has the experience, and I expect a bit of trouble from him in the upcoming match,” Johnson told The Bush Chicken.

Amadaiya Rennie, Photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.

Meanwhile, Amadaiya Rennie will be hoping to make his first league appearance for Hammarby against Djurgardens. The 26-year old has been overlooked by Hammarby’s head coach Nanne Bergstrand, who has yet to give the Liberian front man a chance in Hammarby’s starting eleven.

He was excluded from Hammarby’s league opener against Östersunds FK before being used as a substitute in a 4-1 defeat away at Elfsborg and a 5-1 home victory over Helsingborg.

Hammarby sits eighth on the league table with four points from three matches.

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.