By Amaechi Agbo

Laba Johnson was the hero Monday as FC Liberty defeated Golden Boys 3-0 in the opening match of the group stage of 2019 FCT FA League

Johnson shone like a million star in the Area 3 Play Ground as his hat-trick ensured that FC Liberty occupy leadership of Group A.

Johnson who we understand is attracting interest from clubs in within and outside Abuja opened his three goals account in the 18th minute before adding the second eight minutes into the second half.

Losing a goal to nil at half time, Golden Boys came out in the second half smoking but FC Liberty tutored by one of the finest coaches in FCT, Kenny Owojori stymied their efforts and broke the their defence again at 53 minutes when Johnson lashed onto a through ball from the flank to score the second goal.

Gold Boys, stirred like a wounded lion, were also in front of dominated possession thereafter but on three occasions were unlucky to have reduced the tally as Christian Jacob, FC Liberty goalkeeper was resolute in not allowing the ball go inside his net.

With a quarter of minutes left and Golden Boys losing steam, their tormentor-in-chief came back again to strike.

Johnson, well positioned at the 18 yard box, brushed aside two of his attackers and smashed the ball far from the goalkeepers reach throwing the hundreds of fans within the field into wild jubilation.

Johnson completed his hat-trick in style to provide unwelcome set back to the Golden Boys resilience and determination to fight back.

Speaking after the match, the FC Liberty coach, Owojori Kenny praised the players for playing according to instructions but warned them not to be carried away by the victory as much work lies ahead.

“It was a great victory. Beating a strong team like Golden Boys and with a good margin is a good way to start the group stage of the league. I give it to my players, they played according instructions and adhered to our game plan.

“However, I must warn them that they should not be carried away by this feat. We still have more hurdles to surmount as we keep pushing to reach our target,” he said.

FC Liberty top Group A with 3 points and 3 goals difference while Waco FC are second after a last gasp goal gave them a 2-1 win over Da Priest FC.

FC Liberty will file out again on Friday against Waco FC in top of the table clash