MONROVIA, Montserrado – Ten minutes into extra time, a stunning header from Ballah Kamara gave Lofa County a nervy and hard-fought 1-0 win over Gbarpolu on Jan. 7 as Lofa advanced to the semifinals of the County Meet.
Group D runner-up Gbarpolu bossed the game throughout a mostly one-sided match, controlling much of the proceedings. But their weak offense squandered every golden opportunity until Lofa struck for their lone match goal.
Lofa did start as the better side in the opening 20 minutes. They had come to control the first period, delivering a stream of crosses but the majority were intercepted by Gbarpolu keeper Jerry Vah. He also made a few outstanding saves and stopped Lofa from getting an early lead.
Gbarpolu quickly reconsolidated and took control of the remaining time in the first half but were denied from scoring by a well built Lofa defense.
With no goal from both sides, the first half ended goallessly.
Gbarpolu grew into the game in the second half, controlling much of the proceedings with substitutes Alphonso Nah and Van Samy causing damage from the right and left wings. However, a well composed and reliable Lofa defense stood firm as they prevented Gbarpolu from scoring.
After 90 minutes of play, both teams failed to get on the score sheet, and the match went into extra time.
Gbarpolu continued their pressure into the extra time with their perfect ball passes and fast attacking wings. Their best chance came in the first half of the extra time. Stephen Giassamu carelessly lost the ball to Nah, who shot at the goal but was unsuccessful.
Lofa took advantage and went ahead five minutes later after Ballah Kamara headed in Philip Johnson’s cross. The Lofians held to their 1-0 lead until the end of the extra time as they advanced to the semifinals of the competition.
Despite Lofa’s poor display on the pitch, Dee-Maxwell S. Kemayah, a member of Lofa’s organizing committee, said he firmly believes it is Lofa’s time and has vowed to continue his support to the team.
“Now we have made the semifinals, I think it’s our time to be crowned champions. From the start of the competition, we were considered underdogs, but now we have turned heroes. This fight isn’t just the team’s fight but the fight of all citizens of Lofa. As an individual, I can promise that I will do everything possible to help the team achieve its goals,” Kemayah told reporters after the match.
The Watanga FC boss also denied media reports that there was no food and support for the players on camp before their quarterfinals match against Gbarpolu.
Lofa awaits the winner of the Monsterrado and Grand Gedeh match to know their semifinals opponent.
In the day’s kickball encounter, Group D winners Monsterrado pinned Grand Kru 3-2 as they advanced to the semifinals.
Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley, Jr.