By Ebube Dike

Bethel Owughara was the star man of the day as FC Liberty defeated Tikitaka FC 2-1 in matchday 1 of the ongoing 2021 FCT FA League.

Bethel scored the winning goal in the 74th minute after both teams were pegged to a 1-1 prior to the winning goal.

The first half of the keenly contested encounter ended in a barren draw with either team mising glaring chances to take the lead.

However, Bala Dami drew the first blood in the 63rd minute to give the Liberty guys upper hand.

But Babatunde Suleiman restored parity for the Tikitaka guys in 72nd minute.

Speaking with our correspondent after the match, FC Liberty Coach, Kenny Owojori commended the players for a job well done but cautioned them to remain focused in achieving the target for the club.

“It was a great game and good result for my players. It is always important to win your first match in every competition.

“The match was never an easy one but my players remained resolute to the end.

“Despite their good performance against a strong team, I cautioned them after the final whistle not to be carried away. The win is a great start for us on achieving our set target in the league,” he said.

In other results of matches played earlier at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Metro FC and Scorpion FC battled for a one-all draw; Super Stars emerged winners in a seven goal thriller against Basic FC with 4- win

Results of matches at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10 indicate that Emirate FC won 1-0 against JCO FC while IB Sports lost one-zero to Makinz.

A total of 59 clubs paired in 12 groups are competing in the 2021 FCT FA League.