Africa-Press – Liberia. LISCR FC has surged back to the summit of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division table, underlining its title credentials as the league enters a decisive phase.
Following 16 matches, the “Shipping Boys” have signaled their intent to wrest the crown away from the chasing pack.
LISCR now sits atop of the standings with 35 points, moving three points clear of defending champions FC Fassell and former leaders Watanga FC. Both chasers are locked on 32 points, though Fassell currently holds the edge via a superior goal difference.
The ‘Sebwe Effect’
LISCR’s return to the pinnacle, their first time leading the pack since October, has been fueled by an impressive run under new head coach Kelvin Sebwe. The former Lone Star midfielder and technical staffer has made an immediate impact since taking the helm, guiding the club to back-to-back victories.
Their most recent statement was a convincing 3–1 win over Jubilee FC on Match Day 16.
Prince Varfley opened the scoring for LISCR before the hosts briefly leveled the tally in the 40th minute. However, the Shipping Boys’ resilience showed when Armah Vaikainah restored their lead just before the interval.
Clinical striker Christopher Jackson, introduced as a substitute, hammered the final nail in the coffin to seal a 3–1 victory.
This followed a disciplined 2–0 win over Gardnerville FC a week prior, marking a perfect start to the Sebwe era.
The Chasing Pack
Behind the leaders, the hunt remains frantic. Paynesville FC is firmly in contention in fourth place with 30 points, following a 3–1 drubbing of Gardnerville FC on January 30. Meanwhile, Bea Mountain FC, looking rejuvenated under Turkish technical leadership, moved into fifth place with 27 points after a commanding 3–0 win over Wologizi FC.
LPRC Oilers round out the top six with 26 points.
The “Oil Boys” secured a massive 1–0 win over Watanga FC, a result that severely dented Watanga’s momentum.
After leading the table throughout the first phase of the season, Watanga has picked up just one point from its last two matches, sliding to third place.
Mid-Table Scuffle and Relegation Woes
Further down the standings, the battle for mid-table security is equally fierce. Borough FC, who opened the second phase with a win over Jubilee, were on Sunday, February 1, 2026, frustrated by Blackman Warriors in a goalless draw at the D. Tweh Sports Pitch.
That point was vital for the Warriors, who climbed out of the relegation zone into 12th place with 15 points.
LFA First Division Mid-Table Standings
| Club | Points | Position |
Discoveries FC | 21 | 7th | |
Gardnerville FC | 21 | 8th | |
Borough FC | 21 | 9th |
| Wologizi FC | 20 | 10th |
At the foot of the table, the “basement battle” is reaching a boiling point. Downtown FC (12 points) and Freeport FC (10 points) are gasping for air, while Jubilee FC remains rooted to the bottom with a dismal 5 points from 16 outings.
“No Easy Games” Coach Sebwe Downplays Pressure
Speaking to the press following the win over Jubilee, Coach Kelvin Sebwe expressed satisfaction with the result but remained cautious about the road ahead.
“It feels good to be on top of the table. What is more important is how you maintain that stay until the end of the season,” Sebwe said.
Addressing concerns that his side struggled to put the game away until Christopher Jackson’s late goal, Sebwe noted that no opponent can be taken lightly. “Every team will come at you with everything they have, whether you are at the bottom or the top. This is LISCR; everyone is waiting to prove themselves against us. I did not expect an easy game.”
Sebwe also dismissed narratives that the team has struggled with clinical finishing, pointing to the five goals scored in his first two matches.
“We are making progress. We conceded only one goal in two games. When you aren’t creating chances, you get worried but we are creating them. Gradually, the team will get used to scoring more.”
As LISCR prepares for upcoming fixtures against heavy weights like FC Fassell and Bea Mountain, Sebwe maintained that his squad is not feeling the weight of the top spot.
“Pressure is part of football. At a big club, the objective is to win every game. We aren’t ‘classing’ teams as big or small; every match is worth three points. We will take it game by game to get the maximum points needed for the championship.”
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