FC Fassell Draws Down LFA First Division Phase-One Unbeaten

W. Roland James

Phase One of the Liberia Football Association First Division 2024-2025 season came to a close on Saturday, December 14, as league leaders FC Fassell championed an unbeaten run in 13 to enter the mid-season break.

FC Fassell wrapped up the LFA First Division Phase One on Saturday playing to a 1-1 draw to Shaita FC at the SKD Practice Pitch to push their lead to 31 points on the league table.

The Soccer Missionaries as they are affectionately called, remain the only side to enter the mid-season break unbeaten, winning 9 and drawing 4 in 13 league games.

Ivan Minnaert's boys continue to raise the bar for the championship as the club sits 5 points cleared over second-placed contenders, Discoveries FC.

However, the championship title seems to remain contentious as newly promoted side Discoveries FC keeps holding the current league leaders, FC Fassell's feet to the fire with 26 points next on the table.

Sports pundits believe FC Fassell's current impressive form is based on the club's financial strength which placed it in the position to have a seasoned foreign coach, and former national team players in her current squad.

The likes of Zar Krangar, Solomon Grand, and Tonia Tisdell as former Liberia National Team players among a few others, have brought a different pace to FC  Fassell, especially with the signing of new head coach, Belgium international, Ivan Minnaert.

Sports analysts are of the view that the club's recent dominance is playing out from the level of financial investment this season more than what was pictured last season when the club ended in the 10th place.

FC Fassell recorded an impressive run over big-name clubs Mighty Barrolle 6-0, Invincible Eleven 2-0, LSCR FC 2-1, and LSCR FC 2-1 in the first phase. The side also locked down to a goalless draw with defending champions Watanga FC.

As it stands, all 14 clubs in the LFA First Division are on their toes awaiting the resumption of the league to continue their for championship title. The second phase is expected to commence in weeks from now, but defending champions Watanga FC and top title winners Invincible Eleven and Mighty Barrolle sit far in the championship race amidst their poor start.