Sulaiman Kargbo’s last-minute header proved to be the difference in a close 1-0 victory over Mighty Blackpool FC at the Southern Arena in Bo City on Saturday. East End Lions claimed the 2026 Orange FA Cup.
Kargbo’s goal came in the 89th minute after continuous pressure from Mighty Blackpool, but it was Lions who nicked the victory from a corner kick.
East End Lions Chairman Anthony Junior Navo acknowledged the team’s work. “On behalf of the Executive, Technical Team, Players, and the whole East End Lions family, I extend congratulations to everyone linked with this great club for our historic FA Cup triumph over Mighty Blackpool.
This win demonstrates the tenacity, discipline, and effort our team showed throughout the tournament. Our players and coaching staff deserve great praise for their hard work in bringing this honoured award back to Freetown.
Special gratitude to Sulaiman S. Kargbo (SS) for the goal-winning FA Cup title and qualifying East End Lions for the CAF tournament football. This success proves our team’s drive and might.”
As a result of this triumph, Lions is expected to represent Sierra Leone in the second-tier CAF Interclub competition – The CAF Confederation Cup.
