MONROVIA, Montserrado – Grand Bassa’s football team progressed to the semifinals of the ongoing National County Sports Meet on penalties by beating Nimba 4-2 in a shootout after an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
After a goalless 120 minutes, Bassa keeper Daniel Davies saved penalties from Meaper Dolo and Irvin Boto to help Bassa to a penalty win and set up a clash with Bong County in the semifinals.
Bassa made a few changes to the side that played the last game of the group stage, yet their poor attacking continued, and they were unable to get a goal in regular and extra time.
It was a great opening 45 minutes, with star player David Paye at the heart of Bassa’s best moments, but Nimba stepped it up in the second period, creating several goal scoring opportunities, but Nimba was unable to convert any of them.
Neither side was able to get a goal in the final 45 minutes of regular time. Center referee Sam Kortee, in consultation with Match Commissioner Yanqueh Borsay, postponed the game’s extra time in an unusual occurrence due to what was termed as “poor visibility†on the field. Although the stadium’s lights were on, players from both teams complained that it was not bright enough.
Following a joint meeting with the technical committee and representatives of both Nimba and Bassa, Youth and Sports Minister Eugene Nagbe confirmed the decision of the referee and rescheduled the unplayed extra time to the 6th of January.
The match resumed as rescheduled and Bassa started as the better side. They mounted pressure on Nimba in the first 15 minutes, creating many scoring opportunities. Again, their lack of perfect finishing touches kept the score at 0-0, and both teams went to the break goalless.
As in the second half of the regular 90 minutes of the game, Nimba came from the break with a quality display. However, Nimba’s dominance did not last as Bassa took control of the match but failed to score.
With no goals in regular and extra time, the match went to the penalty session and Bassa’s substitute goalkeeper Daniel Davies became the hero by denying Nimba twice as Bassa became victorious to advance to the semifinals.
Grand Bassa’s goalkeeper Daniel Davies, the winner of the match. Photo: T. Kla Wesley, Jr.
Bassa head coach Daniel Bayogar hailed his team’s win over Nimba as one of their best games.
“It was a very good performance, and I have said to my players that I was very proud of them because it is one of our best matches,†he told reporters. “We were the better side in regular time, and we’ve shown it at the spot kick. It’s just my team was unlucky (not) to get a goal in regular time.”
After the match, Minister Eugene Nagbe apologized for the lighting incident and admitted it was an embarrassing situation. He said the incident will not be repeated as the ministry is working harder to avoid such in the forthcoming games.
Meanwhile, Grand Bassa’s kickball team qualified to the semifinals of the county meet after a 7-5 home run over Grand Cape Mount. Grand Bassa will take on Nimba county in the semifinals.
Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr
