MONROVIA, Montserrado – The Liberia Diaspora International tournament has reached its final stage with Mighty Barrolle expected to face the sensational LPRC Oilers on Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
LPRC reached the final after putting an end to LISCR’s dream. The Oil Boys narrowly defeated LISCR 2-1 to maintain their perfect record in the tournament, having beaten the Diaspora team 3-0. Two goals from former Monrovia Club Breweries striker Blamo Nimely were enough to send LISCR FC out.
Nimely scored with a long range volley to give LPRC Oilers the lead in the 30th minute as LISCR went to the break down by a goal. However, the Shipping Boys got the equalizer early in the second half after Momo Kiadii capitalized on a defensive mistake to level things for LISCR.
The equalizer brought more life into LISCR as they took complete control of the match, creating chances to get the lead, but the newly signed Varney Sando threw away most of the golden opportunities and the match entered its closing stages with the score even.
The three points were secured by LPRC in the 90th minute through Nimely, who cleverly lifted the ball over LISCR’s shot stopper Gilbert Okotie.
Meanwhile, the Kanyan Pepper Boys of Mighty Barrolle ensured they reached the final of the tournament after humiliating the Diaspora team 8-1 in the second semifinal clash. The match, which was to be played between Invisible Eleven and Mighty Barrolle, was instead played between the Diaspora team and Barrolle after the late withdrawal by Invisible Eleven.
Having lost 3-0 in the quarterfinal to LPRC, the Diaspora team returned in the semifinal clash against Barrolle with an early threat. They took an early lead through China-based forward Sam Johnson, but were unable to stop the attacks from Barrolle. The Kanyan Pepper boys scored three before the sound of the first half whistle, as they went to the break with a 3-1 lead.
The second half was a goal feast for Barrolle, as they scored five additional goals to wrap up a score of 8-1 after the sound of the final whistle.
Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley, Jr.
