Gambian international striker Kumba Kuyateh made a sensational debut in the Liberia Football Association (LFA) Upper Women League, scoring four goals to inspire Shaita Angels to a convincing victory over Ravia Angels in the Angels derby on Saturday at the Tusa Field.
On loan from Red Scorpions, Kuyateh marked her first appearance by taking home the match ball after a dominant performance that underlined why she is regarded as one of West Africa’s most prolific forwards. She joined Shaita Angels ahead of the second round of the league to strengthen their attacking options—and wasted no time making an impact.
Handed a starting role as the LFA Upper Women League second round kicked off over the weekend, Kuyateh opened the scoring before halftime to give Shaita Angels the lead. After the break, she took full control of the game, adding three more goals to complete her four-goal haul, with the final strike coming from the penalty spot in ice-cold fashion.
Kuyateh arrives in Liberia with an impressive pedigree. A key member of Red Scorpions’ treble-winning side, she is also the GFF Women’s Division One all-time leading goalscorer, having won the Golden Boot in each of the last three seasons.
Speaking after the match, Kuyateh acknowledged the challenge ahead in the Liberian league.
“I am told that the league is hard, and we will face much tougher opponents in our next matches. The training methods here in Liberia and in The Gambia are not so different. The coach saw what I could do and believed I could help the team that’s how I earned my place in the starting XI. He said my speed is good,” she said.
The forward expressed satisfaction with her debut performance and the reception she received.
“I am happy with my performance, the goals, and the support I received.”
In four seasons of top-flight football, Kuyateh has missed out on only one league title, and she is determined not to fall short again. Known for her ruthless finishing and love for hat-tricks, this is the second time she has scored more than three goals in a single match. Last season, she famously netted six goals against Yakarr FC.
Kuyateh has set ambitious targets for her loan spell in Liberia.
“I am here to win both the league title and the Golden Boot. I am dreaming big—when my loan ends, I want to play for Manchester United or Arsenal. We have 12 games left, and I have just played one, but I will try to score lots of goals so I can see my name on the Golden Boot chart.”
She also revealed a light-hearted moment before the game that fueled her confidence.
“I told the goalkeeper trainer that I would score five goals, and that’s how he bet on me to score four goals and promised me 500 Leones. I told the captain I would score a hat-trick. I missed my first opportunity, but I kept my head high. I converted the second chance before the break and kept telling myself that I could do it. I believed the goals would come, and I’m happy I kicked off well.”
With her explosive start, Kumba Kuyateh has firmly announced her arrival in the LFA Upper Women League—and if her debut is anything to go by, defenders across Liberia are in for a long season.
