Voinjama City – Cyrus Moore and Josephus Mentor were both on the score sheet as reigning football champions, Nimba County beat Rivergee County to cruise to the last eight of the National County Sports Meet (NCSM).
Mouctar Fofana’s side were in danger missing out on the quarterfinals to Bomi County if the North westerners could have avoided defeat against Lofa County.
Before the match-day three fixture, Lofa were on top of the log with clear superiority of six points, aware of no potential threat of missing out, while Bomi who had four points, needed a point to ensure the qualification.
Nimba on the other hand were hopeful of Lofa causing an upset against Bomi while they do the homework by beating underdog River Gee.
The champions were ahead early in the match following Moore opener.
But when the stadium announcer made his round on the scores across the country, Lofa led Bomi by 1-0 in the 28th minute.
The score line brought relief to the champions.
And soon the momentum grew, defender Mentor completed the passage to set a quarterfinals meeting with Rivercess. As Lofa demolished Bomi 5-0 to top Group C and face Grand Bassa in the quarterfinals.
Elsewhere in Group A, Rivercess thrashed Grand Cape Mount 5- 0 to top the Group with nine points.
Dalton Kollie scored a hat-trick, while Jenkin Sieh scored a brace but Gibson Freeman missed a penalty for Grand Cape.
In the same group, Grand Bassa were held to 0- 0 draw to Grand Gedeh but managed to reach the last eight of the tournament and they will meet Lofa in the quarterfinals.
In Group C, Bong County secured a quarterfinal slot against Maryland following a 2-1 win against Gbarpolu. While Margibi who top the Group, will face Montserrado county after they secure a 1-0 victory against Sinoe County.
Montserrado County who were three in Group D, beat Grand Kru to secure the slot in the big eight.