By Anthony Kokoi
Two first division sides, Keitrace FC and Nimba United, yesterday advanced to round two of the ongoing FA Cup at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
Keitrace FC is the first side to join the first six teams that have already qualified after they defeated second division side Mighty Kakata in post-match penalties.
Coach Gabriel Johns’ Keitrace took the lead in the first half and had goal scoring chances in the second half, but did not utilize them until their opponents got the equalizer in the 90th minute to send the match to a penalty shootout.
It was not a good start for Keitrace after player Momo Golafaly missed the team’s first spot kick, but things became level in the shootout after Emmanuel Bulo of Mighty Kakata’s penalty hit the goalpost.
The golden opportunity for Keitrace to win from the spot kick after Mayson Debleh’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Godfred David was wasted by Darlington Lyneh, but goalkeeper David’s second save was enough for Keitrace to win the match 3-2.
Later in the day’s second encounter, the “Mountaineers” of Nimba United also advanced to the next round after they defeated their second division counterpart JAI FC through striker Mustapha Lomell’s lone goal in the 50th minute after a goalless first half.