FC Fassel was at the brink of clinching its first ever championship in the Liberia First division league when it needed just a win out of its last two games. But this is no longer the case after the pronouncement of a protest ruling filed by rivals LISCR FC.
The Soccer Missionaries now seat 5th on the league table after 12 points were deducted from the team for featuring illegal players. The points deduction was a stumbling block for FC Fassel after winning five and drawing one out of 20 league games so far.
Another protest ruling against knockout champions, Monrovia Club Breweries for a similar offence led to a point deduction collected in the one-all draw against LISCR FC on June 26.
The protest ruling was a boost for some clubs including Mighty Barrolle, Watanga FC, Jubilee FC and most of all LISCR FC that is now seated top of the log with just two points needed to be crowned champions.
Watanga FC was awarded six points, four goals after ineligible John Jaysay was featured both home and away. Mighty Barrolle and Jubilee FC were also awarded three points, two goals apiece after another ineligible player Jeremy Saygbe was featured against them.
The ruling moved Watanga FC to fourth place after several months in the eighth position on the table; Mighty Barrolle progressed five points about the relegation zone but was defeated 1-0 by another relegation-threatened side LPRC Oilers, on match day 21.
Both Barrolle and Oilers remain the last two teams battling relegation after Invincible Eleven and ELWA United suffered relegation to the 2nd division.
LISCR will take on Liberia’s oldest club Invincible Eleven in its next match on Saturday, August 5, 2017. A win for the Shipping Boys will be enough for them to win this year’s championship.
This will also be a boost for Gambian Coach Tapha Manneh, who has achieved incredibly well with a knack for winning across borders.
Featured photo: Anthony Kokoi/Ducor Sports
