Salamatu Bangura Makes History with First-Ever Free-Kick Hat-Trick in WPL

Salamatu Bangura Makes History with First-Ever Free-Kick Hat-Trick in WPL

In a landmark moment for Sierra Leonean women’s football, Salamatu I. Bangura etched her name in the history books by scoring the first-ever free-kick hat-trick in the Marampa Mines Women’s Premier League.

Bangura’s spectacular performance demonstrated exceptional precision and skill, with three stunning strikes from set-pieces leading her team to victory. The rare feat showcased her mastery over dead-ball situations and drew widespread acclaim from fans and football analysts alike.

Despite her record-breaking achievement, the post-match award ceremony sparked debate. The Woman of the Match (WOTM) Award was presented to her teammate, Fatmata Kamara, who scored two crucial goals in the same match.

The decision prompted questions about the selection criteria for the WOTM. While Bangura’s hat-trick is technically unprecedented, the award often considers factors such as overall impact, decisive moments, and work rate across the full 90 minutes. It is possible that Kamara’s contributions were deemed more decisive in the flow of the game, leading to the unexpected result.

Regardless of the award decision, Salamatu Bangura’s feat cements her legacy in the league’s history and highlights the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football in Sierra Leone. The match has also sparked valuable discussions about what constitutes a “match-winning” performance in modern football.

Attention now turns to upcoming fixtures, where Bangura will aim to continue her scoring streak, while Kamara looks to reinforce her reputation as a pivotal player for the team.