The Sierra Leone Football Association has launched an investigation into two first division fixtures which ended with remarkable 95-0 and 91-1 score lines.
The SLFA will investigate the staff, players and officials involved.
What happened?
In the Sierra Leone first division – the second tier of football in the country – Gulf FC defeated Koquima Lebanon 91-1. Meanwhile, Kahula Rangers beat Lumbenbu United 95-0.
Gulf FC and Kahula Rangers were level on points going into the fixture, as they both battled for the final place in the qualifying round for promotion. Both sides were desperate to have the opportunity to move up into the Sierra Leone Premier League.
What’s even more remarkable about the results is that the scores were fairly unsuspicious at half-time.
Gulf FC led 7-1 at the break of their fixture, while Kahula Rangers had a 2-0 cushion over Lumbenbu United.
After each respective half-time break, the scores rocketed up, and caught the eye of the SLFA.
The two sides went into the second half knowing that a better goal difference would see one of them promoted, due to results elsewhere.
According to BBC Sport, the chairman of Kahula Rangers has attempted to claim that his side’s match was, in fact, a friendly. The Lumbenbu general manager, meanwhile, said that his team had three players sent off, and added that he would “never be part of match fixing”.
The Sierra Leone FA launch an investigation
As well as looking into the anomalies, the SLFA has spoken out. Thomas Daddy Brima, SLFA President, told BBC Sport Africa:
“We can’t stand by and see an embarrassing situation like this go unpunished. We’re going to launch an immediate investigation and bring to book all those responsible for this mediocrity.
“All those found guilty will be dealt with in accordance with the SLFA laws and will also be handed over to the country’s anti-corruption commission.”
The SLFA also issued a statement, which includes the following message:
“The general public is therefore assured that the said matter will be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law.”
Highest scoring matches
The recorded scorelines in these fixtures are among some of the highest in history.
South African football club Nsami Mighty Birds were banned for life from the fourth tier of football in their country in June due to scoring 41 own goals in a 59-1 loss to Matiyasi.
In 2013, Nigerian side Plateau United Founders won a game 79-0 against Akurba FC. The losing team scored 72 own goals in the second half.
In addition, the highest scoreline on record comes from another match in Africa, In 2002, in Madagascar, AS Adema thrashed SO l’Emyrne 149-0.
In that match, SO l’Emyrne players protested against poor decisions from officials by intentionally losing the game. To this date, no other scoreline has outdone it.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
