MONROVIA – Nimba County has cemented its status as a tournament powerhouse, securing the top spot in Group A of the National County Sports Meet after a grueling 1–0 victory over Grand Cape Mount County.
By: Christopher C.Walker 0777898224/0886723075 [email protected]
The result ensures that the “Mountain Boys” enter the semifinals with maximum momentum, having navigated a tactical heavyweight battle at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
The clash, though played with both sides already assured of semifinal berths, was far from a friendly.
Both teams entered the pitch with high intensity, fighting for the psychological edge and a theoretically smoother path in the knockout stages.
Following a scoreless but intense first half, the breakthrough finally arrived in the second period. James Tarpeh found the back of the net, finishing off a clinical team move that sent the Nimba supporters into a frenzy.
Grand Cape Mount responded with a late surge, throwing numbers forward in a desperate search for an equalizer. However, the Nimba backline which was the bedrock of their campaign and remained impenetrable.
At the final whistle, Nimba stood tall with seven points to top Group A, while Cape Mount followed in second place with six points.
Coach Kamara: ‘Defeats Come as Lessons’
Despite the loss, Grand Cape Mount Head Coach Samir Kamara remained defiant and optimistic about his team’s prospects in the final four.
Speaking to the press following the narrow defeat, Kamara emphasized that the loss was a necessary stepping stone.
“We gave our all, but unfortunately, the result did not go our way. That is the beauty of football sometimes defeats come as lessons,” Kamara said.
“Our focus now shifts fully to the big semi-final encounter ahead.”
Kamara confirmed that the team would return to the training pitch early Monday morning to “review lapses” and prepare for their next opponent. “The people of Cape Mount should remain hopeful and proud. This year’s edition will go down in history for us. We will come back stronger than ever.”
Bong County Exits with Pride; Margibi Dominates Kickball
In the group’s dead-rubber fixture, Bong County salvaged some dignity, closing their campaign with a 1–0 victory over River Gee.
A second-half strike from Junior Johnson secured Bong’s first win of the tournament, ensuring the “Kpatawee Boys” did not exit the competition empty-handed.
Meanwhile, on the kickball pitch, Margibi County continued their ruthless form, edging Grand Cape Mount 1–0.
The win solidified the “Gibibi” girls’ position as title favorites, finishing the group stage with a flawless nine points. Both Margibi and Cape Mount advance to the semifinals, but Margibi’s perfect record has sent a clear warning to the rest of the field.
