The preliminaries of the 2025 ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Cup have officially concluded across Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa Counties, producing three champions ahead of next month’s highly anticipated tri-county finals.
In Nimba County, District Three sealed the championship after a dramatic comeback that ended in a penalty shootout victory over District Eight on Sunday, November 30, at the Gompa Sports Stadium in Ganta.
District Eight opened the scoring and looked set to lift the trophy, but District Three staged a late resurgence to force penalties, eventually winning 4–2 from the spot.
District Three received a $1,000 cash prize and will represent Nimba in the championship finals, with District Eight also advancing as runners-up. Both sides will join the champions of Bong and Grand Bassa for what is expected to be a fierce battle for regional glory.
In Bong County, District Six, led by captain Tony Lucas Sumoward, dominated their path to the title. Sumoward netted twice in their 4–0 opening win over District Five and played a pivotal role in their penalty shootout victory (4–3) against District Three to reach the final.
In Sunday’s final at the David Kuyon Sports Stadium, District Six struck early against District Seven. Although District Seven equalized, District Six regained the lead and held firm for a 2–1 win, claiming the county championship and a $1,000 prize. They will join Nimba’s representatives for the finals in Ganta.
In Grand Bassa County, District One secured their place in the finals with a commanding 3–1 victory over District Four at the Doris Williams Stadium in Buchanan.
Elijah Reeves was the star of the match, scoring a hat trick for District One. Samuel Moses and Joseph Barnard found the net for District Four. District One now advances to Ganta for the championship finals, scheduled for December 3–7, 2025.
ArcelorMittal Liberia has committed $6,000 in cash prizes for the district competitions and provided all 21 participating districts with $400 in preparatory support, two sets of branded kits, and 25 pairs of boots. Each county champion receives $1,000, while the overall AML Cup winner will take home $2,000. The runners-up will earn $1,000.
