Seven-Goal Classic: Diamond Stars Beat East End Lions in Dramatic Encounter

Diamond Stars produced a dramatic second-half turnaround to defeat East End Lions 4-3 on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at the Approved School Field in a thrilling encounter that reshaped the relegation battle.

East End Lions started the brighter side and took the lead in the 18th minute when Suleiman S. Kargbo finished calmly from close range after a clever assist by David Kamara.

Diamond Stars were handed a golden opportunity to level the score six minutes later, but Daniel Yambie failed to convert from the penalty spot, allowing the Lions to preserve their 1-0 advantage into halftime.

However, the visitors returned with renewed intensity after the break and turned the match on its head in a devastating three-minute spell. Samuel Penni equalised just 60 seconds into the second half before striking again in the 49th minute, completing a quickfire brace that put Diamond Stars 2-1 ahead.

The momentum continued as Edison Borbor extended the lead to 3-1 in the 53rd minute, capitalising on an assist from Yambie.

East End Lions responded immediately through their star forward Kargbo, who scored his second of the game in the 55th minute to reduce the deficit and bring the contest back to life.

With the game finely balanced, Musa Samura delivered the decisive moment in the 86th minute, finishing calmly to restore a two-goal cushion for Diamond Stars at 4-2.

Despite the setback, East End Lions continued to fight and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Kargbo completed his hat-trick in the 90+4th minute, converting from an assist by David A. Conteh.

The treble takes Kargbo to 13 league goals for the season, level with Randy M. George at the top of the scoring chart, with three matches remaining.

However, the late goal proved only a consolation as Diamond Stars held on for a vital 4-3 victory.

The result gives Diamond Stars a significant boost in their battle for survival, while East End Lions will be left to reflect on a game in which they surrendered a first-half lead in one of Matchweek 31’s most entertaining fixtures.