The football final of the historic County Meet between Lofa and River Gee Counties concluded on Sunday, May 5, 2024, with River Gee clinching victory for the first time since the county’s inception in 2000.
The match kicked off a few minutes past 3 PM at the packed Samuel Kayon Doe Stadium, with Vice President Jeremiah Koung initiating proceedings.
River Gee, considered an underdog in the 2024 National County Sports Meet, surprised spectators by taking the lead within 11 minutes through Striker Blamo Weah.
However, James Tarpeh of Lofa County equalized on the 22nd minute, leaving the first half deadlocked.
After halftime, Lofa County, the favored team, seized control with a goal by James Tarpeh midway through the game, prompting jubilation among 70 percent of the fans, who danced to the popular Lofa all-star anthem “We Are Ready!”With time ticking away, defender Jusu Dukuly revived River Gee’s hopes with a late goal, forcing the match into an extra 30 minutes.
Despite both teams’ efforts, no further goals were scored, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout.In front of a crowd of over 22,000 and millions more following via social media and radio, River Gee emerged victorious with a 4-1 penalty shootout win, claiming their first County Meet title in 15 years.
The last time they reached the final was in 2009, when they were defeated 5-2 by Bomi County.
River Gee Coach Daniel Sasley, who led the team to victory, made history by securing the county’s first-ever County Meet trophy.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Sasley expressed his joy at accomplishing the mission set by himself, his technical team, and the players.
Meanwhile, in the Kickball grand final, River Cess narrowly edged past Nimba County in a closely contested match to be crowned the 2024 kickball champions.
