Published: November 24, 2025
Buchanan – The 2025 ArcelorMittal Cup began Saturday with matches in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties.
The tournament is organized with technical support from the Liberia Football Association, while the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) provides media coverage.
The competition gathers 21 districts from ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operational regions.
In Grand Bassa County, District 1 started its campaign with a convincing 3–0 victory against District 2 at Doris Williams Stadium in Buchanan.
Michael Artis gave District 1 the lead in the closing minutes of the first half. After the break, Jackson Horace and Blessings Yeah secured the win with goals in the 77th and 81st minutes. On Sunday, District 3 beat District 4 in a 4–3 penalty shootout after ending regulation time at 1–1.
In Bong County, Jorquelleh District 1 started strong by defeating Jorquelleh District 2, 4–0, in their opening game.
District 1 took an early lead with goals from Noah Kerkula and Eric Suah, setting the tone for a dominant match. Joe Kollie added a third before halftime, and District 2 struggled to respond. Solomon Fofana scored a late consolation from the penalty spot.
In Nimba County, District 8 secured a 3–1 victory against neighboring District 9 at the renovated Gompa Stadium in Ganta.
District 8 took control early and entered the break with a 2–0 lead. District 9 pulled one back in the second half, but District 8 sealed the win with a late penalty to restore its two-goal cushion.
ArcelorMittal Liberia is investing $6,000 in cash prizes for the competition, along with $400 in preparatory support per district, two sets of branded kits, and 25 pairs of football boots for each participating team.
The winners and runners-up from Nimba will later face the top teams from Bong and Grand Bassa in the final stage.
Each county champion will receive US$1,000, while the overall winner of the ArcelorMittal Cup will take home US$2,000. The runners-up will earn US$1,000.
ArcelorMittal’s partnership with SWAL, valued at US$5,250, gives the organization full responsibility for media coverage and branding across the three counties. SWAL described the collaboration as “a significant milestone in strengthening sports institutions and advancing football development nationwide.”
The tournament continues simultaneously across the three venues, bringing communities together to celebrate football, culture, and regional pride.
The preliminary round concludes on Nov. 30. County winners will then gather in Ganta, Nimba County, from Dec. 3–7 for the Grand Championship.
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