By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

As the Leone Rock Premier League 2023/24 season reaches its dramatic conclusion, two underdogs teams have already been confirmed for relegation.

Kahunla Rangers and Kholifa Stars both narrowly promoted recently to 2023 football Summer but they’ll find themselves back in the Division 1 League next season.

Mutually, the teams hang precariously above the drop zone, with Republicans currently on 16th place with 29 points having played 32 matches.

Kahunla Rangers’ chance was sealed after a 2-0 defeat to Wilberforce Strikers on June 23rd. Their 23 points from 33 matches, with just 6 wins and 22 losses, paint a picture of a season filled with struggles.

Kholifa Stars endured a similarly difficult campaign, finishing with 24 points from 32 matches.

Despite recording 6 wins and 6 draws, their 20 losses ultimately proved too much to overcome.

Their relegation is further blemished by a weekend fixture boycott against FC Kallon. The battle, however, continues for FC Kallon.

Meanwhile, mathematically, it is still possible for both FC Kallon and Real Republicans to face an uphill-climb to the top.

A combination of victories and favorable results elsewhere will be crucial to determine who joins the top-tier against next season.