Freetown — FC Johansen of Sierra Leone and Africa's only representative in this year's MITNORDEN CUP competition yesterday defeated their Swedish opponents, KOPMANHOLMEN BJESTA or KB 65 1-0 in Sweden.

According to an email message sent in to Concord sport by T.J Cole, who travelled with the team, the only goal of the match came in the early minutes of the second half from incoming midfielder, Kelly Marrah in No. 7 jersey.

Cole said FC Johansen were on top of the match during the first half as they forced their opponents to concede three crucial corners which counts in the run-off play, in case both teams would have ended in a draw.

"The young lads from Sierra Leone wasted several begging chances before Marrah could slot home from close range," Cole said.

Speaking to the press after the match, Marrah expressed his satisfaction over the victory adding that he strongly believed his team will get better in composure and accuracy and will go all out to win the coveted trophy.

On their take about the match, Abu Kai, a key member of the organizing committee and the team's lawyer Kweku Lisk both voiced their delight at the team's outstanding performance in that they are the only African Side among 300 other Clubsides and Nations mostly drawn from Europe in the amateur football championship.

Commenting on the outcome, FC Johansen Co-Founder, Mr Arne Johanssen expressed complete optimism and confidence in the boys and their coach Jonathan Rhodes to do what is right, stay in the course and clinch the cup at the end of it all.

Cole said the team will play its 2 and 3 qualifying matches today and Saturday respectively.