Africa-Press – Liberia. Paynesville captain Eugene Swen was instrumental in holding off the Malian attack, making key interceptions and thwarting several dangerous plays.
Liberia’s Orange Cup champions, Paynesville FC, secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Malian side Stade de Malien in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday, September 14, 2024, bringing them closer to the group stage of the competition.
In their tournament debut, Paynesville FC faced a tough challenge at home but managed to hold their ground with a narrow win, keeping Liberia’s hopes alive on the continental stage. The victory gives Paynesville a strong position ahead of the second leg in Bamako, Mali, scheduled for Saturday, September 21.
Both teams played a tense, goalless first half, with opportunities missed on both sides. Paynesville’s Marlon Harrison came close to scoring but failed to capitalize on a perfect pass from teammate Lawrence Kumeh, much to the disappointment of the home crowd. Stade de Malien also had their chances but lacked the finishing power to put the ball in the net.
Paynesville captain Eugene Swen was instrumental in holding off the Malian attack, making key interceptions and thwarting several dangerous plays.
The second half saw a renewed effort from Paynesville FC as they pushed for a breakthrough. Their persistence paid off when defender Ayetay Yangbe scored a powerful goal from inside the box, giving the Liberian team the lead and securing a vital advantage going into the second leg.
Paynesville FC now holds a 1-0 lead, but they will need to avoid defeat in Bamako to advance to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. A draw or win would see them through, and with it, a chance to earn at least $275,000 for finishing 3rd or 4th in the group, or $350,000 for reaching the quarterfinals.
This is Paynesville FC’s first season in Liberia’s top flight, where they made headlines by winning the Orange Cup. Now, they aim to make history as Liberia’s sole representative in CAF competitions following Watanga FC’s exit at the hands of MC Algeria.
The last Liberian team to defeat Stade de Malien was BYC in 2017, who won 1-0 at home and advanced on penalties after a 1-0 loss in Bamako. Stade de Malien later knocked out Watanga FC in the CAF Cup in 2023.
Paynesville FC is now determined to replicate such success and continue their impressive run on the continental stage.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
