Maryland and Grand Kru Shared Points in the Opener of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet

HARPER, MARYLAND COUNTY: The 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet, Liberia’s most celebrated sporting tournament, began on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The opening matches ended in draws as Maryland and Grand Kru Counties competed in both kickball and football at the Martha Tubman Sports Pitch in Harper City.

In the first kickball match, hosts Maryland County faced Grand Kru County. The game concluded without any scores, resulting in a goalless draw.

Both teams struggled to secure a home run after several innings, leaving their supporters eager for victories as the tournament progresses. Currently, Maryland and Grand Kru's kickball teams are tied in Group A, each earning one point from the opening match.

In the recent football match, Maryland County and Grand Kru Counties faced off in an exciting encounter that ended in a draw.

Grand Kru took an early lead, but Maryland quickly responded before halftime with a goal from young talent Delton Kollie, leveling the score at 1-1 by the break.

The second half saw increased momentum as Grand Kru regained the lead, making it 2-1. However, they struggled to maintain their pace, which allowed Maryland to apply consistent pressure. This ultimately paid off with a dramatic equalizer from Ezekiel Tamba in stoppage time.

Both teams left the pitch unable to secure a victory, ultimately sharing the points in a 2-2 draw.

As a result, the football teams from Maryland and Grand Kru Counties each have one point in the Group. The double draws have placed these two counties neck and neck at the top of Group A.

Reacting to the outcome, Maryland County Football Team's Deputy Head Coach, Emmanuel Gartor, described the match as encouraging for his team's campaign opener. He noted that the comeback showcased his players' resilience and determination in the tournament.

“This result has brought hope and inspiration to the people of Maryland County. If you watched the game, you would have seen that we struggled with fatigue, especially since nearly seventy percent of our starting players arrived late from Monrovia and were still included in the match-day squad,” Gartor said.

The tournament kicked off on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in Harper City, gathering government officials, traditional leaders, and a diverse group of citizens. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Jeror Cole Bangalu, officially inaugurated the event.

This year’s National County Sports Meet is held under the theme “Inclusive Development through Sports.” The tournament features teams from Liberia's 15 political subdivisions competing in football, kickball, and other sports.

The 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet will continue on Sunday, December 14, with a series of matches across four groups. Group A includes Maryland, Rivercess, Grand Kru, and River Gee Counties.

Group B comprises Nimba, Bomi, Sinoe, and Margibi Counties. Group C includes Grand Bassa, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, while Group D encompasses Gbarpolu, Bong, and Montserrado Counties.