Referee storms off pitch as Sierra Leone league match ends 91-1

Weeks after a series of match-fixing scandals rocked a regional South African league, the subject has come up again in Africa, this time in Sierra Leone. A total of 187 goals were scored in 90 minutes of action in two matches as two teams tried to outdo each other, leading to the referee in one of the matches storming off the pitch in annoyance.

Two teams, Gulf FC and Kahunla Rangers, tried to outscore each other to secure the league title and qualification to the national playoffs when they took on Koguima Lebano and Lumbebu United, respectively. The teams were locked on 32 points each, with Gulf FC placed in the second position due to a lower goal difference.

At halftime, Kahunla Rangers were leading their opponent by two goals to nil when they learned that Gulf FC had a 10-0 lead. Kahunla then allegedly made arrangements with the opponent and scored 93 goals in the second half to secure a 95-0 win. Not to be outdone, Gulf FC went ahead to score 81 goals in the second half of their own match.

The center referee in the match between Gulf FC and Koguima Lebano couldn’t take it anymore and decided to walk out of the pitch in the second half before he was replaced by the 4th official.

The Sierra Leone Football Association has issued a statement that investigations are underway. If the teams are found guilty of match-fixing, a heavy penalty awaits them.