Protecting the Game: MYS Mandates Simultaneous Kick-Offs to Prevent Match-Fixing in County Meet ‘Group of Death’ - FrontPageAfrica

MONROVIA – In a decisive move to protect the integrity of Liberia’s most prestigious sporting event, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has ordered that the final matches in Groups B and C of the National County Sports Meet be played simultaneously.

By: Christopher C. Walker (0777898224/0886723075 | christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The directive aims to prevent match manipulation and “convenience results” as several counties battle for a spot in the quarter-final stage of the tournament.

With qualification spots still undecided, the Ministry noted that synchronized kick-offs are the only way to ensure fairness for all competing teams.

Group B: High Stakes in Nimba

Group B, currently hosted in Nimba County, remains wide open. Traditional powerhouses Margibi and Nimba sit joint top of the table with four points each, while Sinoe and Bomi trail with one point apiece.

Mathematically, all four teams remain in contention, making the final match day a “winner-takes-all” scenario.

To maintain transparency, the MYS has split the venues. Nimba County will take on Bomi at the Sanniquellie Stadium, while Margibi faces Sinoe at the Gompa Stadium in Ganta. Both venues will host kickball at 2:00 PM and football at 4:00 PM.

Group C: Drama in the ‘Group of Death’

True to its reputation, Group C has become the tournament’s most volatile bracket. Grand Cape Mount leads the pack with four points and is set to face Lofa County, who sit on three points.

Lofa must secure a win to guarantee their advancement.

In a significant change of scenery, this crucial encounter has been moved to the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, scheduled for Saturday, December 20. Simultaneously, host Grand Bassa (1 point) will fight for survival against Grand Gedeh at the Doris Williams Sports Stadium in Buchanan.

Grand Gedeh enters the fray with momentum following an impressive 2–0 shutout of Lofa earlier in the competition.

Group D: The Three-Way Scuffle

In Group D’s three-team structure, host Gbarpolu currently leads with two points. The final match features Montserrado and Bong, who both sit on one point.

The math is simple a victory for either Montserrado or Bong will secure their passage to the next round alongside Gbarpolu.

Group A: Maryland’s Last Stand

In Harper City, the picture is slightly clearer but no less intense. River Gee has already punched its ticket to the next round with a perfect six points from two matches.

They face Grand Kru, who sit in second place with two points.

A win for Grand Kru seals their qualification.

However, a loss for the “Kru Boys” combined with a win for host Maryland over River Cess would see the “Palmas” leapfrog into the quarter-finals.

For River Cess, only a win and favorable results elsewhere can keep their slim hopes alive.

As the group stage reaches its climax, the Ministry’s mandate for synchronized timing ensures that the drama remains on the pitch rather than in the headlines of controversy.