Back-to-Back Champions, LPRC Oilers, Win 7th League Title

As champions of the Liberian top-tier league, Oilers will represent Liberia in the 2021/22 CAF champions League

LPRC Oilers have been crowned 2020-21 Orange First Division champions for the second time in a row after 9-0 thrashing of Nimba FC in Ganta, Nimba County on Sunday, May 30.

Coach Cooper Sannoh and his boys had to wait for the last match-day as they were just a point adrift of the 2016 league champions. 

Oilers have now won the league title seven times -- and back-to-back under the Sannoh. As champions of the Liberian top-tier league, Oilers will represent Liberia in the 2021/22 CAF Champions League.

The final day wasn’t a difficult one for the Oilers as they thrashed already-relegated Nimba FC. Striker Terry Sackor, a contender for the golden boot, registered seven goals plus a goal apiece from Titus Cooper and Fred Brooks.

Sackor’s seven goals in the last round of game have been questioned as the Liberia Football Association is set to launch an investigation.

The concerns of match fixing arose after another golden boot contender, Augustine Otu of Watanga FC, also recorded seven goals in Watanga’s 10-6 win against another relegated side Small Town FC.

LFA Probes Two Matches over fixing Allegations

The LFA in a release issued on Monday, May 31, said it is “concerned not only about the results but the manner and form in which Terry Sackor and Augustine Otu, who are contenders for the highest goal scorer award, scored seven goals respectively.” 

The football house, in the release, said the grievance and disciplinary committee is looking into the allegation in keeping with the rules governing the Orange national league.

Elsewhere, LISCR FC finished as runners-up of the league for the second year running. The “Shipping Boys” ended the season with a 2-0 win against Monrovia Club Breweries at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium, courtesy of goals from Sekou Sheriff and defender Prince Bono.

Coach Tapha Manneh ended the season trophyless for the first time since moving to Liberia in 2016. He and his boys were presented with$600,000.

At the bottom of the table, NPA Anchors became the third team to be relegated following their 2-0 defeat against third-placed Nimba Kwado.

Anchors joined Nimba FC and Small Town that were earlier relegated.