Bomie FC Win Inaugural Nelson A.M Karim Trophy After Penalty Shootout Victory

The maiden edition of the Nelson A.M Karim Trophy Episode One 2026 reached a thrilling conclusion at the Tongo Mini Stadium, where Bomie FC defeated Torkpombu FC 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to emerge champions.

The grand final attracted a large gathering of stakeholders and dignitaries, including chief sponsor Nelson A.M Karim and his wife, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Tongo Division, the Rokel Commercial Bank Tongo Branch Manager, section chiefs, the Kenema District Football Association secretary, councilors, media practitioners, supporters, community members, and security personnel. Their presence underscored the growing importance of grassroots football development in the Tongo community.

Despite both sides creating several scoring opportunities during regulation time, neither team was able to break the deadlock, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

Bomie FC held their composure from the spot, converting five penalties to secure a 5-3 victory and lift the trophy. The champions received a cash prize of NLe 5,000, while runners-up Torkpombu FC took home NLe 2,000.

Several individual awards were also presented during the closing ceremony. Mamie Wanga was named Best Supporter, while Alie Brima won the Young Player award. Keifala Fofanah of Torkpombu FC was awarded Best Defender.

Bomie FC’s Mark Quee had a standout tournament, winning Man of the Match, Best Midfielder, and Player of the Tournament awards. The Highest Goal Scorer award was shared among four players, each scoring three goals: James Turner (Torkpombu FC), Abdulai Jalloh (Torkpombu FC), Mohamed Sesay (Bomie FC), and Alie Brima (Tongola FC).

The Best Coach award went to Tamba Pewa, while chief sponsor Nelson A.M Karim was honoured with the Sports Personality award in recognition of his contribution to grassroots football development in the Tongo community.

In their remarks, stakeholders praised the tournament as a unifying platform for youth engagement, talent identification, and community cohesion. Nelson A.M Karim also pledged continued support for the competition to ensure its sustainability.

Organizers and community leaders encouraged further support to develop the tournament into a major annual football event in Tongo, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District.