Published: December 10, 2025
GANTA — Nimba County District #8 were crowned champions of the 2025 ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Cup on Sunday after defeating Bong County District #6, 2–0, in the tournament’s grand final at the Gompa Sports Stadium.
Lawrence Cassell scored both goals in the decisive win, delivering a standout performance before officials of ArcelorMittal Liberia, the Liberia Football Association (LFA), and fans from across the participating districts.
District #8, runners-up in the Nimba County chapter of the tournament, advanced to the final after eliminating Grand Bassa champions District #1. Bong County’s District #6 secured their place in the championship match with a victory over Nimba champions District #3.
For their triumph, District #8 received a giant-sized trophy and a $2,000 cash prize, while runners-up District #6 took home $1,000.
Cassell, who finished the competition with five goals—including his brace in the final—was named Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer. District #8 head coach Ben Soe won Best Coach honors. Bong County’s Matthias Freeman and Matthew Carter were awarded Best Defender and Best Goalkeeper, respectively.
ArcelorMittal Liberia provided $6,000 in cash prizes for the tournament and supplied each of the 21 participating districts across Nimba, Grand Bassa and Bong counties with $400 in preparatory support, two sets of branded kits, and 25 pairs of boots. Each county champion received an additional $1,000.
Designed exclusively for districts within AML’s operational areas, the tournament aims to support grassroots football, promote community cohesion and nurture emerging talent. AML partnered with the Liberia Football Association and the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) to provide technical and media support.
In a statement, SWAL President Varmah Kamara praised AML and LFA President Mustapha Raji for their collaboration, and commended SWAL members for their extensive coverage.
“On behalf of the leadership, I extend profound gratitude to everyone who went above and beyond to publicize the AML Tournament,” Kamara said, acknowledging county coordinators, SWAL members in host communities and AML media officers. “Your dedication made this historic milestone possible.”
Kamara also recognized LFA Communications Director Anthony Kokoi for his continued support.
“We are proud to have successfully delivered this tournament, the first of its kind in SWAL’s history,” he added. “This achievement would not have been possible without the collective commitment of all who stood with us despite the challenges.”
He encouraged stakeholders to continue working together to strengthen grassroots sports.
“The rise of SWAL is the progress of all of us,” he said.
ArcelorMittal Liberia operates as part of the ArcelorMittal group, the world’s leading steel and mining company with an industrial presence in more than 22 countries and major market influence across construction, domestic appliances, packaging and automotive sectors.
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