With thousands of Sierra Leoneans across the country gathered on Sunday 21 May 2023 for the inauguration of the 6000 seat stadium in Bo City, it was East End Lions FC who soured the historical celebration of Bo Rangers FC’s Southern Arena launch match, after narrowly defeating their Premier League archrivals by a goal to nil.
Ibrahim S. Conteh’s solo goal in the 78th minute of play secured the historical victory for The Killers who won the 2023 Southern Arena Gala Competition.
Despite playing three days in a row Lions still emerged as champions after the 1-0 win against the Sierra Leone Premier League leaders, Bo Rangers FC.
Marking the official grand opening of the Southern Arena stadium in Bo city, East End Lions Football Club won the three-day gala that was organised by the Southern Arena management and the Sierra Leone Football Association.
East End Lions FC went past Wusum Stars FC 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw, defeated Bai Bureh Warriors 3-2 in the 90th minute before meeting the seeded Bo Rangers in the grand final.
The 2019 Premier League champion East End Lions FC have remained the first football club to have won a match and a prestigious trophy with a whopping sum at the FIFA accredited top-notch Southern Arena stadium which was built by the Chairman of Bo Rangers FC, Babadi Kamara.
The inauguration was graced with a lot more other lined up activities including performances from different acts, Entertainment Amb. Kao Denero, Amie Kallon, Atical Foyoh, Star Zee, and a lot more, with statements from key stakeholders including the Southern Arena CEO Babadi Kamara, SLFA President -Thomas Daddy Brima, Sports Minister-Ibrahim Nyelenkeh and many more.
In his address as guest of honour, President Julius Maada Bio lauded the state-of-the-art infrastructure constructed by Babadi Kamara, and noted the impact the Southern Arena will create in helping sports enthusiasts to meet and exceed their aspirations in the game they cherish so much.
After securing the historical victory, East End Lions Chairman, Amb Anthony Navo Jr. stated: ‘As Chairman of this great club, I feel very proud and honoured. Huge congratulations to the entire E.E Lions squad on the impressive 1-0 victory over host, Bo Rangers. This victory is a testament of our determination, hard work and competitive spirit as champions. A champion is always a champion. This win is truly well-deserved and we are all so proud of our great team.’
‘Many thanks to our players, management, our dedicated fans and supporters; to the host – Bo Rangers, your hospitality and sportsmanship was truly inspiring, and you made us all happy and proud. Thank you for hosting us in your beautiful new Southern Arena Stadium, many thanks to my brother Bo Rangers FC’s Chairman Babadi Kamara. Together, everyone achieves more…Once again, congratulations to our beloved E.E Lions. Continue to believe in us – E.E Lions. We are the killers.’
Meanwhile, video of a heartbroken Bo Rangers FC fan who couldn’t hold back his tears as he relived the devastating loss at the Southern Arena Stadium went viral. This heartbreaking defeat left other passionate supporters of Bo Rangers in various states of despair.