Jireh School Foundation, situated in Maryland County, has been named the 2021–2022 Inter School Sports Association (ISSA) National Football Champions. They drew 2-2 in regulation time and defeated Agape International School of Margibi County 4-3 in the post-game penalty. The game was played on Friday, September 30, at the Paynesville SKD practice field.
Samuel Allison dribbled the goalkeeper and utilized his left foot to put the ball in the back of the net to give Jireh Foundation an early lead in the second half.
After receiving the ball from his teammate Abengo Gbolee on the right side of the field, Jonathan Glaydor of Agape International School of Margibi equalized for his team with a similar touch, making the score 1-1 with less than 25 minutes remaining in the game.
In the 85th minute, Samuel Allison through to have won it for Jireh Foundation when he completed his double to lead 2-1, but the celebration did not last long as Agape International School responded immediately through Abengo Gbolee to make it 2-2 taking the tie to extra time.
Both teams could not even get a win during the extra time before, Jireh Foundation was confirmed champions of the 2021/2022 edition of the competition following a 4-3 win on post-match penalties.
The Marylander’s long journey from the Southeast to Montserrado did not just give them experience but it give them success.
This is the first time a Maryland County-based School has participated in ISSA national championship playoffs and won the competition immediately having qualified from the regional qualifiers.
For their part, Grace Baptist clinched the Kickball category of the competition with an 11-8 home runs victory over Life Foundation. Grace Baptist Pitcher, Harriet Diggs was voted Most Valuable Player while Nyanpue Wanto won the highest home runner award.
Reported by: Sylvester Tamba
