Liberia: Orange 1st Div. Weekend Roundup: Watanga Move Atop with Two Games to Spare
Watanga FC players celebrating their victory over Mighty Barrolle.
Just as it was required, Watanga FC Sunday dragged Mighty Barrolle 4-1 to snatch all three points at the SKD Practice Pitch in Paynesville.
The three points didn’t only keep coach Robert Lartey and his boys’ title hope alive, but made a huge impact in the team’s ambition of becoming champions of the 2021/22 Orange First Division League season.
Elijah Clark’s early goal that put Watanga in the league was cancelled four minutes on the clock by striker Varney Dukuly, who recorded his 11th league goal of the season.
Watanga later reclaimed the lead at the stroke of halftime through defender Amara Kamara’s header. Barrolle could have levelled things up in split seconds after Watanga players were carried away by the goal celebration, but thanks to goalkeeper Derrick Julu.
Barrolle seemed to have lost focus in the second and final half as Watanga took charge of the rest of the game.
The 4-1 scoreline was completed after second half substitute Mark Gibson and Elijah Clark slotted home the third and fourth goals respectively.
Watanga now sit atop of the league table with a point difference ahead of Bea Mountain, three points above their next opponents, Freeport FC.
After topping the league table for a couple of months, Freeport FC dropped to the third place after a 1-0 defeat away to Nimba Kwado in Sanniquille, Nimba. Thanks to Robert Taylor’s lone goal.
Bea Mountain moved second after a 2-0 win against relegation-threatened Sandi FC.
LISCR FC dropped a step below to 5th after they came from a goal down to settle for a 1-all draw against Monrovia Club Breweries.
Nimba United have finally survived relegation after a dramatic 3-1 win over defending champions LPRC Oilers at the North Star Sports stadium. Oilers are not out of the title race with two games to spare.
Elsewhere, Heaven Eleven kept Invincible Eleven in the relegation zone as they pinned the traditional club 1-0 at home in Yekepa. Both Heaven Eleven, IE and Sandi remain in the relegation zone with all sides having 16 points apiece. This means, the final match day will decide which side will be relegated.