By Daniel Garteh
Sanniquellie, Nimba- As the fight for promotion to the Orange Liberia Football Association First Division League continues, Sanniquellie-based Second Division Team Nimba Kwado Sunday secured a vital 2-0 home victory over Muscat FC in Sanniquellie.
The Tonpea Boys finished 5 on the 16 Teams Second Division League Table with 47 points from 30 games.
According to the LFA rules, the two teams that finished in the 5 and 6 positions have to play home and away matches to determine who qualifies to the first division league based on the fact that Barracks Young Controller (BYC-ll) who lifted the Second Division League trophy and Gardnersville FC who also finished among the top 4 teams can’t be promoted because they are feeder clubs to BYC-I and LISCR FC.
The First leg of the promotional playoff between Nimba Kwado and Muscat in Sanniquellie ended in favor of the home team as they wasted no opportunity to make use of the day in front of their fans and supporters.
Player Emmanuel Paye registered his name on the score sheet in the 15th minute to give hope to the home team and keep their dream of playing in the First Division League next season alive.
Substitute Emmanuel Saywiah made it 2-0 in the 35th minute, two minutes after his introduction to intensified celebration among fans before the First Half break.
Upon their return from recess, Kwado sat deep in their half while Muscat dominated ball possession.
But all the possessions won by Muscat did not materialized, as Kwado’s Captain Josephus Mantor didn’t give an inch to Muscat FC goal Puncher and former Nimba County Player Mark Yallah to have a holiday in the entire game.
Speaking in a post-match interview with reporters, the Head Coach of Muscat FC Abdu M. Hassan commended Kwado for the victory in Sanniquellie, but was quick to cite that it was not yet over until the return leg is completed.
Hassan mentioned that they can still make a comeback in the second leg at the North Star Stadium in Mont Barclay on Wednesday, citing an example on the 2018/2019 Liverpool vs Barcelona UEFA Champion League semi final game where Barcelona won the first leg 3-0 and was beaten by Liverpool 4-0 in the Second leg.
For his part, the Head Coach of Nimba Kwado Kollie Colvy alias Mission, applauded the fans Kwado for turning out in their numbers to support their team.
He maintained that they still have an unfinished business, as they prepared to go to the Northstar Stadium in Mount Barclay outside Paynesville on Wednesday to fight for a win and qualify.
A draw for Nimba Kwado at the North Star Stadium will be enough to take them to their first ever top flight football in the country.
