Orange 1st Division League Title Race Heats Up
League leaders Freeport FC have had a decent season so far by maintaining the top position
The Orange 1st division national league is six match days away from climax with Freeport FC still maintaining the top position, with two points separating them from LISCR who moved to second after dethroning Watanga FC from last weekend’s results.
LISCR FC last Sunday came from a goal down to beat Watanga 3-1 at the Tusa Field, while league leaders Freeport FC settled to a goalless draw against Heaven Eleven in Yekepa, thanks to goalkeeper Vinnah Smith who saved a penalty to prevent Freeport from losing all three points.
The league leaders have had a decent season so far and one can fairly say this is their season to become champions.
But that doesn't make them champions for now.
Maintaining such a position after 16 match days is rewarding, but it becomes more rewarding if they hold on till the end of the league season.
Interestingly, their remaining six games are against tough opponents and they will need to exert double efforts to get past.
Their remaining fixtures will continue with Invincible Eleven, LPRC Oilers, LISCR, Nimba Kwado, Watanga FC, and Bea Mountain.
On the other hand, LISCR FC have picked up a winning rhythm of late, getting past three big guns, LPRC Oilers, Nimba Kwado and Watanga in their previous games.
Freeport might be seen as the only team being pressured, based on their position on the table. However, second-placed LISCR are also under pressure to continue the title race.
Similar to their title race rivals, LISCR have tough opponents to face in their remaining six games. They include Bea Mountain, Mighty Barrolle, Freeport, Monrovia Club Breweries, Nimba United, and Heaven Eleven
The top two teams on the league table at this stage of the season are usually considered the main title contenders, but the race is still opened to others like Watanga, who are four points behind the leaders, as well as Nimba Kwado and Bea Mountain, who are both leveled on points and five points behind, are still in the title race.
A slip from any of the top five teams on the league table could result in a dramatic shift in positions.
All five clubs have had a slip at some point in the season, which has resulted in their current standings on the league table. But for now, every point is valuable and no one will want to slip off the title race, particularly Freeport FC.
