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In the opening match of the 2025 WAFU A Zone U-17 Girls Championship, Sierra Leone’s 2-1 victory over Senegal was a thrilling display of talent and determination.
However, it was Marian Sankoh’s incredible 50-yard free kick that stole the show and left fans in awe at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Stadium.
Just one minute after Senegal took an early lead, Sankoh stepped up to take a free kick from nearly half the length of the field. With remarkable confidence, she lofted the ball high into the air.
The shot soared past defenders and caught the Senegalese goalkeeper off guard, flying straight into the net without any deflection—a moment of pure brilliance that became the highlight of the tournament.
Her stunning equalizer not only canceled out Senegal’s opening goal by Ndeye Haby Barro but also energized the Sierra Leone team. The momentum shift paid off later in the match when Sarah Turay scored the winning goal in the 78th minute, sealing Sierra Leone’s impressive 2-1 victory.
Marian Sankoh’s moment of brilliance earned her the tournament’s Player of the Match award—the first awarded in this year’s competition, which runs from September 17 to 29 in Liberia. Her performance has already made her a standout star of the tournament.
With this victory, Sierra Leone tops the standings with three points and two goals, ahead of the host nation Liberia and Senegal. The tournament features a round-robin format, where each team will face the others twice. The team with the most points at the end will be crowned champion.
Upcoming fixtures see Sierra Leone battling Liberia on September 19, returning to face Senegal on September 23, and concluding their campaign against Liberia on September 25.
As the tournament unfolds, Marian Sankoh has emerged as a vital player not only for her team but also as a rising star in the regional football scene. Fans and analysts alike believe her spectacular free kick and overall performance have ignited hopes that Sierra Leone could secure their first-ever WAFU A Zone U-17 Girls title—and that Sankoh might be recognized with individual honors for her exceptional talent.
Stay tuned as the competition heats up, and witness how Marian Sankoh continues to shine on this promising football stage.
