River Gee Football, Kickball Teams Exit National County Sports Meet at Quarterfinal Stage

By: Ben T.C. Brooks |River Gee Correspondent

Monrovia, Liberia | Jan. 11, 2026 | River Gee County’s football and kickball teams have concluded their participation in the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet – NCSM after bowing out at the quarterfinal stage over the weekend at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.

Although their campaign ended earlier than anticipated, but both teams demonstrated resilience, unity, and determination, qualities that reflect River Gee County’s steady rise on Liberia’s national sports stage and offer optimism for stronger future showings.

Led by Captain Jusu O. Dukuly, the River Gee football team was drawn into a highly competitive quarterfinal group featuring some of the tournament’s strongest sides.

Their quarterfinal journey began on January 3, 2026, with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Grand Cape Mount County, a result that immediately put pressure on their qualification hopes.

River Gee rebounded impressively in their second match against defending champions Nimba County on January 7, producing one of their finest performances of the tournament.

The team took an early lead and controlled much of the match with tactical discipline and confidence. However, a late 77th-minute equalizer saw the contest end in a dramatic 2–2 draw.

Qualification hopes were finally dashed following another closely fought 1–0 loss to Bong County, leaving River Gee with just one point insufficient to advance to the semifinals.

Despite the results, the football team earned widespread respect for its organization, fighting spirit, and ability to compete toe-to-toe with Liberia’s traditional football powerhouses.

Meanwhile, the River Gee County’s kickball team also endured a demanding quarterfinal stage as the side suffered a 4–0 defeat to Grand Cape Mount County and later fell 4–1 to Margibi County, a setback that severely limited their chances of progression.

Refusing to exit quietly, the kickballers delivered a spirited response on January 10, 2026, securing a morale-boosting 1–0 home-run victory over Gbarpolu County.

While the win was not enough to secure a semifinal berth, it showcased the team’s determination and untapped potential.

Following River Gee’s early exit, football captain Jusu O. Dukuly took to his official Facebook page to address citizens and supporters of the county, delivering a heartfelt message marked by accountability, humility, and hope.

“To the people of River Gee, on behalf of the football team, I sincerely apologize for our recent results,” Dukuly wrote.

“We went onto the pitch united, passionate, and fully committed to defending our county’s honor. Unfortunately, the outcome did not favor us, and we take full responsibility.”

He emphasized that setbacks are a natural part of sporting growth and pledged that the experience would fuel future improvement.

“Every match teaches us something. We remain committed to representing River Gee with pride, discipline, and dedication.”

Dukuly also thanked citizens of River Gee County at home and abroad for their unwavering support.

“Your prayers, encouragement, and belief mean everything to us. With God’s guidance and unity, we will overcome every challenge. River Gee has a team that will never give up.”

However, during the quarterfinal stage, River Gee County filed a formal protest against Grand Cape Mount County, alleging the use of an ineligible player.

After review, the NCSM Protest and Grievances Committee dismissed the complaint, thereby upholding Grand Cape Mount’s 1–0 victory from the January 3 encounter.

The ruling brought closure to the matter and allowed the competition to proceed uninterrupted.

River Gee County’s early exit came with a surprised despite an outstanding group-stage performance in Group A, where both the football and kickball teams dominated their opponents at the historic Martha Tubman Sports Stadium in Harper.

The kickball team opened their campaign emphatically, overwhelming River Cess County with four home runs.

The momentum continued on December 17, 2025, when a tightly contested clash against host Maryland County was decided by a crucial lone home run, sealing River Gee’s qualification to the quarterfinals with a game to spare.

The football team, popularly known as the “Geepo Boys” matched that brilliance as they opened with a confident 2–0 victory over River Cess before dismantling host Maryland County 3–1 in front of a packed stadium filled with local and national leaders.

In that encounter, prolific striker Emmanuel Williams – “Lukaku” opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

Shortly after halftime, midfielder Moses Kwiah, known as  “Mozaric” doubled the lead with a superb free-kick.

Maryland County responded in the 72nd minute through defender Tony Zortiah, who redeemed himself after missing an earlier penalty.

However, River Gee’s attacking pressure proved decisive, as Williams struck again late in the match to seal a convincing 3–1 victory.

Following those results, River Gee topped Group A with six points and five goals, ahead of Grand Kru County, while Maryland County and River Cess trailed at the bottom.

Although River Gee County’s 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet journey ended at the quarterfinal stage, but the campaign strengthened unity among players, officials, and supporters.

Sports lovers and supporters across the county have praised the teams’ commitment while calling for improved preparation, grassroots development, and enhanced tactical planning.

With valuable lessons learned and renewed determination, River Gee County now turns its attention to rebuilding and investing in local talent confident of returning to the National County Sports Meet stronger, wiser, and more competitive in seasons to come.

For River Gee, the journey continues and the future remains bright.