Ebo Town-based Lion Bi FC Sunday defeated New Jeshwang's Rising Star FC 5-4 in a post-match penalty shotout to win the eight-team tournament organised by the Ebo Town Youth Development Association (EYDA).

The final, which was attended by hundreds of spectators including the president of EYDA and former minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure, Alhagie Cham; Abdoulie Bojang alias Ablo; elders of Ebo Town and New Jeshwang, and a cross-section of the two communities of Ebo Town and New Jeshwang, saw both teams share the spoils at the end of regulation time.

Rising Star FC were the better side, creating a lot of chances that were squandered, to the disappointment of their fans. Lamin Charty alias Xavi, who played for Serrekunda West Zonal team, was close to opening the scoring for Rising Star but the ball hit the cross-bar.The Ebo Town-based outfit also had a few chances but could not penetrate the solid Rising Star defence.

The winning Lion Bi FC went home with a cash prize of D3000 and a trophy, while Rising Star went home with a consolation prize of D2000.

It would be recalled that the tournament was meant to scout players that can form a team to represent the communities of Ebo Town and New Jeshwang in the upcoming GFA 3rd qualifier round.

Speaking to this reporter during the interval of the game, Abdoulie Bojang alias Ablo who is also a native of New Jeshwang, said the initiative by EYDA was in the right direction, timely and apt.

Alhagie Cham, president of Ebo Town Youth Development Association, said the tournament is part of series of activities to be undertaken by the Association to develop the area.

"I am very proud today that the tournament has been played in an atmosphere of peace and fair play. I thank all the teams and fans for the cooperation," the former cabinet minister told Observer Sports.

He also urged the youths of Ebo Town to join the Association for the development of the community. He finally revealed that they have already selected players who are training for the upcoming 3rd Division qualifiers.