The Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex erupted with color, noise, and high-stakes football on Wednesday as Nimba and Grand Kru Counties booked their places in the final of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet, delivering two emphatic semifinal performances that highlighted the tournament’s competitive depth and growing spectacle.
Though both sides advanced convincingly, their paths to the final could not have been more different, Nimba overwhelming their opponents with relentless attacking force, while Grand Kru relied on discipline, timing, and ruthless efficiency when it mattered most.
Nimba’s Ruthless Statement
The opening semifinal belonged entirely to Nimba County. The Mountaineers produced a five-star display to dismantle Margibi County 5–1, leaving no doubt about their championship ambitions.
From the first whistle, Nimba seized control, stretching Margibi across the width of the SKD pitch and forcing defensive errors with quick transitions and incisive movement. Josiah Cea spearheaded the assault, netting a brace that set the tone for a dominant afternoon.
Former tournament MVP James Tarpeh added further gloss to the scoreline, showcasing his experience and composure with a clinical finish that drew loud applause from the stands. His performance served as a reminder of why Nimba remains one of the most feared sides in County Meet history.
Margibi, despite moments of resilience, managed only a consolation goal. For long stretches, the “Gibi Boys” were pinned back, struggling to cope with Nimba’s midfield superiority and high-tempo pressing. By full time, the message was clear: Nimba is fully locked in on returning the trophy to Sanniquellie.
Grand Kru’s Calculated Knockout
The second semifinal delivered a more measured contest, as Grand Kru County secured a 3–0 victory over a stubborn Grand Cape Mount side in a match defined by patience and tactical awareness.
The scoreline masked the tension of the first 70 minutes, during which both teams canceled each other out in a cautious chess match. Grand Kru refused to be rushed, absorbing pressure and waiting for the right moment to strike.
That moment arrived in the 71st minute when talisman Varney Kamara broke the deadlock, igniting celebrations among the Kru supporters. As Grand Cape Mount pushed forward in search of an equalizer, spaces opened up, and Grand Kru pounced.
Kamara struck again in the 87th minute to effectively seal the contest, before a stoppage-time goal put the result beyond doubt. The performance underlined Grand Kru’s defensive discipline and lethal counter-attacking identity, traits that have defined their campaign this season.
A Final Set for History
The stage is now set for a compelling final billed as a true clash of styles. Nimba arrives with the tournament’s most explosive attack, while Grand Kru boasts one of the most resilient and organized defenses in the competition.
Beyond the football, the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet continues to affirm its place as Liberia’s premier sporting event. Massive turnouts at the SKD Complex have been a boost for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighting the tournament’s cultural and national significance.
The grand final is scheduled for January 18, with thousands of fans expected to converge on Paynesville as Nimba and Grand Kru battle for county supremacy and national pride.
