Paynesville delivered one of the most entertaining attacking displays of the Liberia First Division season so far, defeating Shaita FC 5-2 in a seven-goal thriller. A hat-trick from Emmanuel Kpadeh powered the home side to a convincing win and gave their goal difference a significant boost.

Match overview

Paynesville set the tone from the opening whistle, pressing Shaita FC high and attacking with real width. The hosts scored early and never allowed their opponents to settle, though Shaita briefly fought their way back into the contest with a well-taken equaliser. Paynesville’s superior fitness and sharper movement in the final third eventually told, as they pulled clear in the second half and finished the match comfortably.

Key moments

• 8th minute: Paynesville took the lead when Emmanuel Kpadeh pounced on a defensive error and finished low into the corner.
• 19th minute: Shaita equalised through Samuel Kollie, who headed home from a deep free kick.
• 34th minute: Kpadeh restored Paynesville’s advantage with a composed finish after a flowing team move.
• 52nd minute: Prince Doe made it 3-1, finishing confidently after a quick counter-attack.
• 67th minute: Kpadeh completed his hat-trick with a close-range finish following a corner.
• 74th minute: Shaita pulled one back through Daniel Saye, but Moses Toe restored the three-goal cushion late on.

Tactical story

Paynesville’s 4-2-3-1 shape was designed to overload the flanks, and it worked repeatedly. Their wingers pinned Shaita’s full-backs deep, creating space for central midfielders to arrive late in the box. Shaita tried to defend with a mid-block and counter through the channels, but they struggled to cope with Paynesville’s quick ball circulation. Once the hosts increased the tempo after half-time, the match became one-sided.

Standout players

Emmanuel Kpadeh was the obvious star of the show, scoring three goals and constantly troubling Shaita’s back line. Prince Doe added a goal and an assist, while Moses Toe capped a strong midfield display with the fifth goal. For Shaita, Samuel Kollie and Daniel Saye took their chances well, but the visitors’ defensive errors proved costly.

What it means

The victory gives Paynesville three valuable points and a healthier goal difference as the Liberia First Division table begins to take shape. A 5-2 scoreline also sends a warning to rivals about the team’s attacking potential. Shaita FC, meanwhile, will need to tighten up defensively after conceding five goals, though their two-goal response showed character. Paynesville will look to carry this momentum forward, while Shaita must regroup quickly.