MONROVIA – Last season’s defeated finalists, Lofa County, outclassed Bong County 4-0 in Saturday’s second quarterfinal match of the National County Sports Meet at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
Earlier, Maryland County secured their spot in the semifinals after a marathon penalty shootout victory against Gbarpolu County, with goalkeeper Simon Wesley saving four penalties.
Lofa got off to a great start as early as the sixth minute, with James Tarpeh cleverly beating goalkeeper Exodus Fajue at the near post. A defensive error by Bong County gifted Tarpeh the ball, leaving Fajue exposed. Despite a recovery effort from Bong’s defense, the experienced attacker calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Bong County, who advanced to the quarterfinals on goal difference after winning just one of their three group games, conceded a second goal midway through the first half. This time, it was Emmanuel Flomo’s right-footed strike that beat Fajue.
Despite the scoreline, Bong County continued to play their possession-based football. However, finding striker Adam Kongoiah proved challenging as he was heavily marked throughout the match by Lofa’s defense, led by Alexander Curtis of Watanga FC.
Coach Samuel Sumo’s side struggled defensively and lacked creativity in the final third, evident in their inability to create clear chances throughout the first half.
Returning from the halftime break, Emmanuel Flomo netted his fourth goal of the tournament and Lofa’s third of the match. Flomo received a breakthrough pass from Morris Konneh and initially aimed for the far post but opted for the near post, sparking celebrations among Lofa supporters at the SKD.
The Liberia U-20 striker, who has scored 14 goals for LISCR FC in the Liberian First Division this season, continued to trouble Bong’s backline with his relentless runs.
Kollie Korvy’s men sealed the win in the 90th minute when Morris Konneh curled the ball into the lower right corner. Flomo was named man of the match and received a L$20,000 cash prize from Radio Entertainment Liberia.
Earlier, Maryland County triumphed over Gbarpolu County in dramatic fashion, winning 8-7 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. Merdista Klarry opened the scoring in the 18th minute for Gbarpolu County with a penalty, following Maryland goalkeeper Simon Wesley’s foul on Jonathan Freeman inside the box.
Maryland equalized in the 95th minute through Lawrence Taylor, forcing the game to penalties. Both teams took 11 shots each during the shootout, marking the longest penalty shootout since the county meet was reintroduced after the civil war.
Gbarpolu had three opportunities to win during the shootout but squandered all of them, thanks to Simon Wesley’s heroics. The young goalkeeper, who has won four man of the match awards in the tournament so far, saved four penalties to secure Maryland’s place in the semifinals.
In kickball action, Grand Bassa and Bong Counties advanced to the semifinals with decisive wins. Grand Bassa defeated Lofa 4-1 in home runs, while Bong County secured a 7-2 victory over Gbarpolu.
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