Monrovia – Central Monrovia-based Down Town FC has clawed its way out of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division relegation wilderness, securing a vital lifeline after a remarkable run of three consecutive victories.
By A. Macaulay Sombai – [email protected]
The club’s resurgence was punctuated last Thursday, April 2, 2026, with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Discoveries SA at the Tusa Field in Gardnerville.
The win followed two massive upsets a 1-0 of defending champions FC Fassell and a narrow 1-0 win against Paynesville FC.
A Tactical Turnaround
In Thursday’s clash at Tusa Field, Down Town FC displayed clinical finishing in both halves.
Loyalty Nimely and Branford Davies found the back of the net, neutralizing Discoveries SA threats and securing the three points that moved the club to 25 points on the league table.
Head Coach Sam Chebli described the winning streak as “timely and encouraging,” noting that the surge has provided much-needed breathing room for Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pokah Roberts and the club’s board.
“We are very happy with our players for the three straight victories they have delivered,” Coach Chebli said following the match. “Those victories have positioned us above the LFA First Division relegation zone. My call to the players is to keep up this winning mentality, I believe it is the only way we will stay clear of the drop until the end of the league.”
A Bittersweet Success
While the club celebrates its climb up the table, the atmosphere remains somber. The winning streak comes in the wake of the tragic passing of star striker Jesse Francis, who died on March 29, 2026. Francis succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorbike accident on March 28 in the Tusa Field community.
CEO Pokah Roberts dedicated the recent successes to the memory of the fallen forward, noting that the team is playing with heavy hearts.
“We wish our falling striker Francis a perpetual blessing in his grave,” CEO Roberts said in an emotional tribute. “We will always remember the many contributions he made for Down Town FC, both on and off the field. I want to make it clear to his family that we are feeling his absence every minute. He was an obedient person with absolute respect for his fellow players.”
The Road Ahead
With 25 points now in the bag, Down Town FC has shifted the pressure onto their relegation rivals. However, with the season entering its final stretch, the technical staff remains wary.
The focus now shifts to maintaining consistency to ensure that the “Central Monrovia Boys” remain a fixture in Liberia’s top flight for the 2026/2027 season.
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