MONROVIA — Several spectators sustained serious injuries while struggling to enter the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex (SKD) for the grand final match of the 2024/2025 National County Sports Meet on Sunday.
More than five people reportedly suffered broken legs, while dozens fainted at the various overcrowded gates. No deaths have been reported; however, the medical team at SKD transferred those in critical condition to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
The medical room at the stadium was overwhelmed with patients. Without a bathroom, running water, and with only a few beds, medical practitioners had to evacuate treated patients through the window.
Entry, even at the VIP gate, was a huge challenge as security was extremely tight due to the presence of the Chief Patron of Sports, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
Organizers have not given any specific reason for the overcrowding, but reports indicate that tickets were duplicated and overprinted. With a seating capacity of approximately 26,000, the stadium was overwhelmed to the extent that thousands of ticket holders could not gain access.
Last year, the Ministry of Youth and Sports announced that over L$75,000 worth of tickets were duplicated, and it is suspected that the number may be even higher this year.
Despite the chaos, Lofa County secured their second County Meet title, defeating Grand Gedeh County 2-1.
LISCR FC’s 16-year-old striker, Emmanuel Flomo, won the Highest Goal Scorer award and was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He scored six goals. Wologisi and Lofa County shot-stopper Junior Yeanay won the Best Goalkeeper award.
Striker Flomo took home L$450,000, while Yeanay received L$100,000. As champions, Lofa won L$2 million, Grand Gedeh received L$1 million, while Margibi, who defeated Maryland in the third-place match, won L$500,000.
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