MONROVIA – The President of sensational LPRC Oilers has blamed his team’s recent 3-3 draw with Down Town FC on a recurring lack of concentration across both halves of the match.
By A. Macaulay Sombai [email protected]
The six-goal thriller was played on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex as part of the ongoing Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division League.
Veteran football administrator James Jappah said the “Oil Boys'” inability to maintain focus during crucial moments cost them the maximum points needed for their title charge.
“Our 3-3 draw was caused by lack of concentration in both halves,” Jappah stated.
“This continuous lapse during game time is the reason we are still sitting below the top five teams on the First Division table. That position is not good for us in our ambition to win the championship.”
According to Jappah, the same issues of complacency and poor focus led to their shock elimination from the LFA Knockout Competition at the hands of second-division outfit Cece United a match that Oilers surrendered a commanding 4-1 lead which Jappah described as unacceptable for a club with championship ambitions.
“That defeat also came from a lack of concentration,” he emphasized. “When you are up 4-1 and still lose, it tells you something is fundamentally wrong.”
Jappah is now calling on Head Coach J. Kaetu Smith and the entire technical staff to ensure players provide their undivided attention to the remaining fixtures of the season.
“I’m calling on Coach Smith and members of his technical staff to make sure our players focus on the remaining games so that we can deliver the necessary victories and finish the league as champions,” he urged.
With the First Division title race tightening, the Oilers hierarchy remains wary that further slip-ups could completely derail their campaign.
Down Town FC Laments Wasteful Finishing
Meanwhile, Down Town FC captain Wilson K. Jackson attributed his side’s failure to secure a win to poor finishing in front of goal. Jackson admitted that despite earning a gritty point against the giants, his team squandered several clear-cut opportunities.
“Our poor finishing touches cost us the win,” Jackson said. “We had the chances but failed to convert.”
He acknowledged that the club’s leadership, including Chief Executive Officer Pokah Roberts, is increasingly frustrated with the team’s recent run of form.
“Our CEO and other officials are not pleased with our continued poor performances,” Jackson noted. “It’s time for us to put aside our individual problems and focus fully on our remaining games.”
With Down Town FC currently battling to maintain their First Division status, Jackson believes unity and renewed determination are the only ways forward.
“We must reawaken the winning spirit of Down Town FC, secure the necessary points, and maintain our First Division status in Liberian football,” he concluded.
As the LFA First Division season heads into its decisive final stretch, the pressure is mounting on both ends of the spectrum with Oilers chasing the crown and Down Town FC fighting for survival.
