Sports: River Gee, Grand Gedeh Battle to a 1–1 Draw in High-Intensity Friendly Ahead of National County Sports Meet

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

Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County-Friday, Nov. 18, 2025-In a spirited display of athletic rivalry and county pride, the justification teams of River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties played to a tightly contested 1–1 draw over the weekend.

The friendly match, held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at the Albert T. White Sports Pitch in Zwedru, offered fans an exciting preview of the intensity expected at the fast-approaching National County Sports Meet.

The encounter delivered 90 minutes of end-to-end action, tactical experimentation, and fierce determination as both sides used the match to assess player readiness and team cohesion.

From the moment the referee signaled the start, the two counties showed they were not treating this as an ordinary exhibition game.

The opening half featured fluid passing, disciplined defending, and numerous sparks of creativity from both midfields. River Gee displayed impressive ball control, while Grand Gedeh countered with swift transitions and aggressive pressing.

Despite several dangerous attempts—including long-range strikes, quick breaks, and set-piece opportunities, neither side managed to pierce through the opposition’s back line.

The first half ended scoreless, a testament to solid defensive structures and sharp goalkeeping on both ends.

The second half shifted dramatically in tempo as it was backed by a lively home crowd, Grand Gedeh came out with renewed urgency and soon found the breakthrough.

In the 68th minute, forward Morris Glay capitalized on a rare defensive lapse by River Gee. Glay showed commendable composure as he slotted home the opener, sending supporters into a wide celebratory roar and giving Grand Gedeh a 1–0 advantage.

But River Gee refused to concede defeat. The visitors intensified their pressure as time ticked away, pushing higher up the pitch and testing Grand Gedeh’s defense with relentless attacks. Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion in the 90th minute.

Second-half substitute Shadrick Sayon, widely known by fans as Messi for his flair and footwork, came off the bench to inject much-needed energy into River Gee’s frontline. His late heroics culminated in a coolly taken equalizer, silencing the home crowd and securing a hard-earned 1–1 draw.

Coaches, technical staff, and local sports officials from both counties lauded the players’ commitment and emphasized the significance of the friendly.

They noted that the contest offered valuable insights into team strengths, exposed tactical weaknesses, and provided a real-time measure of match fitness, crucial elements as counties finalize their preparations for the national tournament.

With Liberia’s biggest annual sporting festival rapidly approaching, both River Gee and Grand Gedeh are expected to intensify their preparation schedules.

Upcoming days will feature rigorous training sessions, tactical rehearsals, and additional warm-up fixtures aimed at refining form and building momentum.

Although the two sister counties share geographical and cultural ties, they will compete in separate groups during the opening phase of the National County Sports Meet.

Grand Gedeh has been placed in Group “C”, alongside host county Grand Bassa, as well as Lofa and Grand Cape Mount. Meanwhile, River Gee will compete in Group “A”, which includes host and neighboring Maryland County, along with Grand Kru and River Cess.

Reports indicate that the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet is scheduled to officially kick off on December 14, 2025, with Bong County serving as the principal host of this year’s tournament

As anticipation rises across the southeast, fans eagerly await what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the National County Sports Meet in recent years.