Hosts Cape Mount suffer 2-1 defeat to Nimba

Grand Cape Mount County suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Nimba County in the opening match of the National County Sports Meet.

Cape Mount took an early lead in the first half, but Nimba leveled the score before halftime in a hard-fought battle. Despite both teams vying for dominance, the first half ended in a draw. Nimba came back stronger in the second half, with FC Fassell midfielder Josiah Cea scoring the decisive goal that sealed their victory.

It was a tough day for Cape Mount, who also lost the kickball game to Nimba, with a 3-1 home runs margin.

The event began with Chief Patron of Sports, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, performing the ceremonial kickoff at the Momo Taweh Sports Stadium. The colorful opening ceremony was attended by a host of government officials, including Youth and Sports Minister Jeror Cole Bangalu. This marks the first National County Sports Meet to be fully hosted under the Boakai administration.

The match, however, was not without drama. Before the game, a man claiming to have performed a ritual for Grand Cape Mount County in 2013 demanded an outstanding payment of $500. He declared that Cape Mount would not progress to the quarterfinals until his debt was settled.

Cape Mount was not the only host county to suffer defeat on the opening day. Bong County lost 1-0 to Grand Bassa County at the David Kuyon Stadium in Gbarnga City. Earlier, Bong also succumbed to a 4-1 loss in the kickball match against Grand Bassa. In another fixture, Bomi County faced Maryland County, with their football match ending in a goalless draw, while Maryland triumphed in kickball with a 1-0 home run victory.

Meanwhile, Sinoe County celebrated a triumphant start, defeating Southeastern neighbors River Cess 2-0 at the James E. Green Stadium in Greenville City.

Lofa County’s James Tarpeh, nicknamed “County Meet Messi,” found the back of the net in their match against Gbarpolu County. However, Gbarpolu, who defeated Lofa in the 2004 final, leveled the score to secure a 1-1 draw. Their kickball game was a thrilling affair, ending in an entertaining 7-7 home runs draw.

At the Albert T. White Stadium in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County edged out Grand Kru County 2-1 in football. Grand Kru, however, claimed victory in kickball with a narrow 1-0 home run win.

The 2024-2025 National County Sports Meet is shaping up to be an exciting showcase of sportsmanship and regional pride.