MONROVIA – FC Fassell midfielder Josiah Cea was seen in tears after missing a crucial penalty as Nimba County was eliminated from the 2024/2025 National County Sports Meet by Margibi County.
Margibi triumphed 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium on Sunday.
Cea had earlier equalized for Nimba with what many hailed as the best goal of the tournament—a stunning volley from the far right—just before halftime. His strike canceled out Margibi’s opener, which came from the penalty spot, converted by Paynesville FC striker H. Dah Weah.
The match began dramatically when Dah Weah was fouled inside the box by Nimba goalkeeper Eric Tiawan, prompting referee Emmanuel Mensah to award Margibi the penalty. Dah converted confidently to give his side the lead.
Cea’s brilliant effort leveled the game before the break, but the second half saw both teams struggle to create clear chances, leaving the match to be decided by penalties.
In the shootout, Margibi goalkeeper Jimmy Dorbor emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves, including one from Nimba captain Josiah Cea. While Tiawan also made a save for Nimba and Margibi missed one penalty, Kindness Cole stepped up to bury the decisive kick, sending Margibi into the semifinals.
Margibi’s victory marks a significant turnaround after failing to reach the quarterfinals in the last edition.
In the other quarterfinal clash, Grand Gedeh County edged out Grand Cape Mount 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Margibi will face Lofa County on Wednesday in the first semifinal match, while Maryland takes on Grand Gedeh on Thursday, January 30, 2025. It has already been a memorable County Meet for Grand Gedeh, who also bested Nimba in the Kickball category with a dominant 7-2 home-run victory. Meanwhile, Grand Kru overcame River Gee 5-3 on penalties in another exciting showdown.
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