Published: November 28, 2025
MONROVIA — Grand Bassa and Bong counties have advanced to the finals of the 2025 ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Cup district championships, setting up highly anticipated title matchups this weekend as local football enthusiasm reaches new heights.
In Grand Bassa County, Districts 4 and 1 secured their spots in the grand final after hard-fought semifinal performances.
District 4 advanced by defeating District 3, 4–2, in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation time. District 1 followed with a commanding 5–2 win over District 5, showcasing precise finishing and tactical discipline throughout the match.
The Grand Bassa final will be played Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Doris Williams Sports Stadium in Buchanan. The Liberia Football Association is providing technical oversight, while the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) is coordinating full media coverage. The winner will receive the county’s AML giant trophy.
Bong County also confirmed its finalists following two tense and emotionally charged semifinal matches.
District 7 mounted a spirited comeback after going a man down and trailing by a goal, forcing a 1–1 draw against District 1 before edging the match 5–4 on penalties. The equalizer in regulation was followed by a composed shootout performance that sealed their place in the championship.
District 6 — popularly known as the “Salala Boys” stunned District 3 in a 3–3 thriller that featured early goals, aggressive attacking play, and two red cards. With both sides finishing the match with 10 men, District 6 held their nerve in the penalty shootout, winning 4–3 after District 3 missed crucial attempts.
The Bong County final, also set for this weekend, is expected to attract sizable crowds from surrounding districts.
District-level games in Nimba County are still in progress. The winners and runners-up from Nimba will later advance to meet the top teams from Bong and Grand Bassa in the tournament’s final stage.
ArcelorMittal Liberia is providing US$6,000 in cash prizes for the district competitions, alongside US$400 in preparatory support per district, two sets of branded football kits, and 25 pairs of boots for each participating team.
Each county champion will receive US$1,000, while the overall tournament winner will walk away with US$2,000. The runners-up will take home US$1,000.
The company’s partnership with SWAL, valued at US$5,250, gives the organization full responsibility for media coverage and branding across the three counties. SWAL has described the collaboration as “a significant milestone in strengthening sports institutions and advancing football development nationwide.”
The AML Cup continues to energize communities across Liberia, serving as a magnet for football fans, cultural pride, and district-level solidarity. Matches have drawn large crowds across the three counties, reflecting football’s role as a unifying force in local and national life.
The preliminary round wraps up on Nov. 30. County champions will converge in Ganta, Nimba County, from Dec. 3–7 for the Grand Championship, where the overall winner of the 2025 ArcelorMittal Cup will be crowned.
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