MONROVIA, Montserrado – The 2019 Liberia Football Association national third division playoffs have come to an end with Margibi-based Sandi FC, Nimba-based Almighty FC, and Stages Football Club of Montserrado clinching the three spots in the Liberia Football Association Second Division League.
On Sunday, Stages Football Club eliminated Grand Gedeh’s Skills Football Club with a 1-0 win before the already qualified Sandi FC and Almighty Football Club played in the final of the playoffs.
Sandi FC defeated Almighty FC 2-1 to finish as champions of the Liberia Football Association’s national third division playoffs. The Margibi club took a ninth-minute lead through Ansu Sandi, maintaining their stride until the 56th minute when the score was leveled through Emmanuel Topoe, whose shot from outside the penalty area was unable to be stopped.
The two teams played the remaining 34 minutes without scoring and the match was forced to go to extra-time where Sandi got the match-winning goal. Korvah Kollie scored in the 20th minute of the 30 minutes of added time, and Almighty Football Club was unable to score again as they bowed to Sandi following the sound of the final whistle.
Sandi FC reached the final of the playoffs following a win over Skills Football Club while the losing finalists, Almighty Football Club, grabbed a 2-1 win to reach the final.
As champions of the national third division playoffs, Sandi FC walked away with the cash price of L$250,000 (US$1,220) and a trophy while runners-up Almighty Football Club earned L$120,000 (US$585).
With Sandi FC reaching the Liberia Football Association’s second division league, it means three clubs from Margibi will now be playing in the second division. They joined Tony Football Club and Mighty Blue Angels.
Meanwhile, Nimba will now be represented by two clubs in the second division, as Almighty Football Club will join Heavens Eleven.
Featured photo courtesy of Liberia Football Association
