SOURCE: FrontpageAfrica newspaper
0777898224/0886723075 christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
MONROVIA – Nimba County has once again stamped its authority on Liberian football, clinching the football category of the National County Sports Meet (NCSM) for a record seventh time. The “Mountaineers” secured the title following a clinical 2–0 victory over Grand Kru County in Sunday’s grand final at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
omposed and ruthless when it mattered most, Nimba scored a goal in each half to seal the championship and further cement its status as the most decorated county in the competition’s history.
First-Half Breakthrough
Grand Kru began the final with a burst of energy, showing confidence and intent in the opening exchanges.
The “Kru Boys” created several early opportunities but failed to find the clinical edge required to take the lead, allowing Nimba to grow steadily into the match.
After weathering the early pressure, Nimba struck in the 37th minute A moment of composure in the penalty area allowed Prince Lynch to provide a cool finish, giving the Mountaineers the lead and shifting the momentum firmly in their favor.
Despite renewed efforts from Grand Kru to restore parity before the break, Nimba’s defensive line remained resolute, heading into the interval with a 1–0 advantage.
Second-Half Hammer Blow
Nimba wasted little time doubling its advantage after the restart.
Just two minutes into the second half, the Mountaineers were awarded a penalty after a defensive lapse from Grand Kru.
Mohammed Keita stepped up and confidently converted from the spot in the 47th minute to make it 2–0.
The second goal proved to be the decider.
Down by two, Grand Kru threw men forward in a desperate search for a comeback, applying sustained pressure and creating several dangerous goal-scoring opportunities.
However, Nimba’s disciplined defense, positioning, absorbed the onslaught and denied the Kru Boys any route back into the contest.
History for Nimba, Heartbreak for Grand Kru
At the final whistle, Nimba’s 2–0 victory secured its seventh County Meet football title extending its lead as the most successful county in the history of the tournament.
The defeat marked a historic and bitter setback for Grand Kru. Entering the match, the county held a perfect record in finals, having won all five of its previous appearances.
This loss represents the first time the Kru Boys have tasted defeat in a National County Sports Meet football final.
Nimba now stands alone at the pinnacle of the NCSM with seven titles, while Grand Kru remains in second place with five.
Cape Mount Secures Bronze
In the third-place playoff held earlier, Grand Cape Mount County produced a spirited comeback to defeat Margibi County 2–1. After conceding an early goal, Cape Mount rallied to secure the bronze medal, ending its campaign on a high note.
A Statement of Supremacy
With composure, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing, Nimba County once again proved why it remains the benchmark for county football in Liberia. For the Mountaineers, Sunday was more than just a match; it was a celebration of sustained excellence and a clear message of supremacy to the rest of the country.
Christopher C. Walker is a Liberian journalist and sports editor at FrontPage Africa, known for his extensive coverage of local sports. He is a two-time consecutive winner of the Press Union of Liberia’s Best Sports Journalist award.