East End Lions FC put an end to their hesitant start in the 2023/24 Leone Rock Premier League season with a resounding 3-1 triumph over Kholifa Stars FC in a mid-week clash hosted at the Trade Center Field in Freetown.

Coach Charlie Wright, in a bid to secure his first league victory, initiated three changes to the starting lineup following the 1-1 draw against Bhantal FC on Sunday at Parade Field. Winger Kandeh Turay and Abu Bakarr Fornah earned their maiden starts in the campaign.

The attacking duo of Sulaiman S. Kargbo and Ibrahim S. Conteh, playing in a 3-2-3-2 formation, set the tempo by opening the scoring in the 28th minute. However, Ibrahim Bangura leveled the scores from the penalty spot at 1-1 just before halftime, leaving both sides even at the break.

Seventeen-year-old substitute Alie Conteh swiftly reinstated East End Lions’ lead at 2-1 in the 73rd minute, marking his debut goal in the country’s premier league. His strike, facilitated by midfielder Alimamy J. Kamara, who also entered the game from the bench, turned the tide in favor of the Lions.

Winger Kandeh Turay sealed the victory, extending the lead to 3-1 in the 77th minute, securing the host their maiden win of the season. Midfielder Samuel Kwaku Bekoe was named the Man of the Match for his stellar performance.

Despite the sluggish start, East End Lions FC remains one of the seven undefeated clubs in the new campaign. Presently positioned 7th on the table, they’ve garnered 7 points from five matches played, signaling an upward trajectory in their season’s journey.