MONROVIA — LPRC Oilers have secured their place in the semifinals of the Bettomax Championship Cup after producing a commanding 5-1 victory over Wologizi FC on Thursday, becoming the first side to qualify for the last four with a game to spare.
By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected] | 0777898224/0886723075
The Oilers have been the standout team in the competition so far, winning both of their matches to collect a maximum six points.
They remain the only side in the tournament with a perfect record.
The Oil Boys made a blistering start against Wologizi, scoring twice within the opening six minutes. Jarius Holmes opened the account before Robin Hiney quickly doubled the advantage, putting Oilers in firm control early in the contest.
Wologizi pulled a goal back before the break, but Oilers maintained their discipline to go into halftime leading 2-1.
After the break Oilers then took complete control in the second half. Hiney netted his second of the match in the 78th minute to make it 3-1, before Terry Sackor added a fourth from the penalty spot.
Oilers maintained their relentless attacking pressure, finding the net once more in the 84th minute to seal a resounding 5-1 victory.
The result leaves LPRC Oilers comfortable at the top of the group with six points and safely through to the knockout stage.
LISCR Still in the Hunt
Earlier on Thursday, LISCR FC and defending champions Heaven Eleven played out a 1-1 draw a result that keeps the qualification race alive.
Heaven Eleven took the lead in the 40th minute through former LISCR player Marlon Harrison, who came off the bench to put the champions ahead before halftime.
LISCR responded after the restart, with substitute Eric Amepeta netting the equalizer in the 67th minute.
The draw moves LISCR FC to four points, while Heaven Eleven now sit on one point. Wologizi remain at the bottom without a point.
LISCR will face the already-qualified Oilers on Saturday and need only a draw to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Heaven Eleven, meanwhile, must defeat Wologizi and hope LISCR fall to the Oilers to stand any chance of progressing.
Friday Sets Up Another Qualification Battle
The second group will be decided starting Friday, August 21, when Watanga FC take on Discoveries SA, followed by Bea Mountain FC facing Paynesville FC.
Bea Mountain currently top the group with four points and need just a point against Paynesville to book their place in the last four.
Paynesville, sitting on two points, face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive.
Watanga also have two points and require a win over Discoveries SA to push for qualification, while Discoveries currently on one point can also advance with a victory.
Featuring the top eight teams from last season’s Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division, the tournament carries a grand prize of US$12,000 for the eventual champion.
For LPRC Oilers, the immediate focus turns to Saturday’s fixture against LISCR FC, where they will aim to maintain their flawless run and lock down the top spot in the group.
