GANTA, Nimba – Coach Muta Fofana and a select group of players for Nimba’s County Meet football team met disappointment on Sunday, November 13 when they settled for a goalless draw with next door neighbor Bong.

The game, which was played in preparation for the upcoming National County Sports Meet in December, was another disappointment to Nimba fans, whose team had already lost 2-0 in their first preparation match against Barrack Young Controllers.

During the match, no team appeared more superior, although both coaches now understand their need to improve their goal scoring.

“I think we have identified our problems, and sooner or later, we are going to work on them,” Nimba’s head coach, Muta Fofana, told reporters after the match. “We are calling on our supporters to keep their heads up. This was just a test match to help us identify our problems and we are working on it gradually.”

Bong’s team arrives at the Ganta Sports Field. Photo: Arrington Ballah

When asked about what his team did wrong during the match, Fofana said the team’s finishing needed work: “I think Nimba County [was the] better side, except for the finishing. But I am still trying my players to select my final 25 players.”

One of the men hoping to be selected as the 25 final players for Nimba in this year’s County Meet is Daniel Tuazamah of Gbehley-Geh District. Fofana could not hold back his praise of Tuazamah’s performance. The striker’s attempts at goal kept the crowd on their feet during the latter part of the second half of the match.

“It was an extraordinary performance for Daniel Tuazamah,” Fofana said. “We brought him to the county team so that he can do what he can. We are going to help build him up too.”

Bong’s 11-men squad gathers for a prayer during a friendly match with Nimba in Ganta. Photo: Arrington Ballah

Bong and Nimba, who are usually drawn in the same group for the County Meet, will be in separate groups for the 2016/2017 version of the nation’s most celebrated sports event.

This year, Bong will face Lofa and Margibi in Voinjama for Group A’s matches, while Nimba will welcome its Group B members Montserrado, River Cess, and Sinoe in Sanniquellie.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah