The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has suspended all night games at the TUSA Field in Gardnersville following complaints of poor visibility. LFA Competition Department Head, Joel Freeman, confirmed to The Liberian Investigator that Orange Cup and First Division League matches scheduled at night will now be played during the day.
The decision comes after the LFA was forced to halt and reschedule the league match between LPRC Oilers and LISCR FC on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The game was stopped after Oilers goalkeeper Esiaka Jalloh complained that he could not see the ball due to poor lighting.
The match was halted in the 45th minute and resumed the following day, Monday, February 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. The final minutes were played out, ending in a goalless draw.
Jalloh told match officials that the light reflection made it difficult for him to track the ball properly. Speaking to Lib Bleacher Sports, he explained that he had already struggled with visibility in a previous league match and did not want to experience the same problem again.
“At the beginning of games here at 6:30, the lights are okay, but as it gets darker, the light reflection becomes so bad that it embarrasses the goalkeeper. Last time, I struggled to handle simple balls because they move so fast,” Jalloh said.
The LPRC Oilers goalkeeper has recommended that the LFA install additional lighting to improve conditions for night games.
“My recommendation to the FA is to add supporting lights. It would help us a lot because this situation is especially difficult for goalkeepers. Infield players might not struggle as much, but for goalkeepers, it is a real challenge,” he added.
LPRC Oilers coach Rashidi Williams supported his goalkeeper’s concerns, stating that he had raised similar complaints on several occasions.
“Actually, the goalkeeper couldn’t see, and there was nothing we could do to force him to play. That’s why we filed the complaint,” Williams said.
Several clubs had previously voiced concerns over poor visibility at the TUSA Field, yet night games continued to be scheduled despite the LFA being aware of the issue.
Issues with the TUSA Field Floodlights
The TUSA Field, funded by FIFA, was dedicated in April 2021 by former Chief Patron of Sports George Weah after the installation of an artificial turf by Greenfield BV.
Since its dedication, the floodlights have had recurring issues and have undergone repairs on at least two occasions. The field serves as the home ground for several clubs, including LISCR FC, LPRC Oilers, Freeport FC, and Discoveries FC, among others.
Discussion about this post