Africa-Press – Liberia. 26 National County Sports Meet edges closer to the knockout phase, Nimba, River Gee, Grand Kru, and Margibi counties have officially secured qualification, underlining their early dominance in Liberia’s most celebrated domestic sporting festival.
At the same time, growing tensions involving Gbarpolu County have once again highlighted the deep emotional, social, and political significance of the County Meet a tournament whose stakes reach far beyond football and kickball.
From Group B, host Nimba County emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, finishing at the top the group with seven points.
Backed by passionate home supporters at the Seh Floyd Tomah Sr. Sports Stadium, the “Mountaineers” qualified in both football and kickball, sealing progression with disciplined performances that reflected tactical maturity and squad depth.
Margibi County followed closely with five points, securing second place in Group B and advancing alongside Nimba in both categories. Sinoe and Bomi counties have been eliminated from the competition.
In Group A, River Gee County confirmed its status as group leader with six points, despite a late setback in its final match. Grand Kru County secured the second qualification spot with five points after a decisive 1-0 win over the group leaders.
Both counties advanced with their boys’ and girls’ teams, continuing a strong tradition of competitiveness.
Host Maryland County and Rivercess County were eliminated.
As these four counties turn their focus toward the quarterfinals scheduled for Jan. 3, 2026, national attention has shifted to an unresolved situation involving Gbarpolu County.
Gbarpolu’s football fate remains uncertain following the disruption of a Group D match between Montserrado and Bong counties.
Reports of pitch disturbances and allegations surrounding the integrity of the fixture forced officials to halt play.
Organizers later ruled that the remainder of the match will be completed in Monrovia.
Until that fixture is concluded and an official ruling is made, Gbarpolu remains in limbo.
For many residents of Gbarpolu, the uncertainty extends beyond sport.
The National County Sports Meet represents identity, pride, and national visibility, especially for counties that often feel marginalized.
Qualification can unite counties and inspire young athletes; conversely, a controversial elimination can deepen feelings of exclusion.
Tarpeh’s Header Seals Nimba Qualification
Nimba County’s qualification was sealed in dramatic fashion thanks to James “Messi” Tarpeh, whose decisive first-half header earned the hosts a crucial 1–0 victory over Bomi County on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Seh Floyd Tomah Sr. Sports Stadium.
The forward who has previously represented Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Lofa counties rose highest inside the six-yard box to nod home the winning goal.
The strike secured Nimba’s second victory of the tournament and confirmed automatic qualification to the knockout stage.
The win cemented Nimba’s position at the top of Group B with seven points, two clear of Margibi County.
Tarpeh, a former National County Sports Meet Most Valuable Player, opened his scoring account for Nimba on Dec. 13 in a 3–0 victory over Sinoe County.
His strike against Bomi brought his group-stage tally to two goals, drawing him level with Josiah Cea as joint top scorer in Group B. Tarpeh has publicly expressed confidence in Nimba’s title chances, stating he is convinced the “Mountaineers” have what it takes to lift the championship trophy.
Meanwhile Lofa County delivered a commanding performance to defeat Cape Mount County 3–1 at full time, sealing qualification to the quarterfinals after a strong all-round display. Cape Mount’s task was made more difficult after being reduced to ten men, an advantage Lofa fully capitalized on to close out the match in style.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute, when Darius Garmondeh finally broke the deadlock after sustained pressure from Lofa. The forward showed composure inside the box, calmly slotting home to give Lofa a deserved lead in the curtain-raiser.
Prior to the goal, Lofa had dominated much of the first half, controlling possession and creating the clearer scoring opportunities, but had been frustrated by Cape Mount’s resistance until Garmondeh’s opener.
In the second half, Lofa increased the tempo and made their numerical advantage count following Cape Mount’s red card. The goals continued to flow as Lofa extended their lead and effectively put the contest beyond reach, eventually securing a convincing 3–1 victory.
In the other group encounter, Grand Bassa County showed resilience to defeat Grand Gedeh County 2–1, despite having been reduced to ten men earlier in the match. Bassa initially led 1–0 and held firm under pressure before adding another goal to secure all three points.
With the results, Lofa County and Grand Bassa County have both qualified for the quarterfinals, ending Grand Gedeh and Cape Mount’s hopes of progression.
The outcomes mark statement victories for Lofa and Bassa as both counties advance with momentum into the knockout stage.
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