Monrovia — Bea Mountain FC booked a place in the grand finale of the Bettomax Champions Cup on Tuesday, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with Watanga FC after defeating LISCR FC 3-1 in the semifinal at Tusa Field.
By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected]
The two sides will face off again on Thursday, just days after their Group A encounter ended in a goalless draw.
This time, however, there will be no room for a stalemate as both clubs battle for the Bettomax Champions Cup trophy and the US$12,000 grand prize.
Bea Mountain secured their passage to the final through a commanding attacking display.
Darius Garmondeh scored a double before Emmanuel Williams added a late third to seal the victory.
The Gold Boys controlled large portions of the contest and created several clear-cut opportunities. While LISCR had chances of their own, but they struggled to make them count when it mattered most.
Bea Mountain Start Brightly
Bea Mountain came into the semifinal with an aggressive approach, immediately putting pressure on the Shipping Boys’ defense.
In the 11th minute, Garmondeh came within inches of opening the scoring after finding space inside the box, but his low effort rolled narrowly past the upright.
The missed opportunity did little to discourage Bea Mountain, who continued to dictate the tempo and dominate midfield possession.
LISCR attempted to settle into the match but found it difficult to build sustained pressure against a well-structured Bea Mountain side.
Defensive Mix-Up Gives Bea Mountain Lead
The pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute. A severe communication breakdown in the LISCR backline created confusion inside the penalty area, allowing Garmondeh to pounce on the loose ball and poke home the opener to give Bea Mountain a 1-0 lead.
The goal settled the Gold Boys further into their rhythm. LISCR had brief openings to respond before the break, but poor final balls let them down.
Songo Keeps LISCR Alive
LISCR goalkeeper Tommy Songo Saveh played a crucial role in keeping his side in the tie.
In the 39th minute, Ralph Weah came close to doubling Bea Mountain’s advantage following a crisp passing sequence, but Songo reacted quickly to deny the forward.
Shortly before the break, Leo Zinnah nearly produced a moment of magic in the 43rd minute when his powerful, long-range free kick crashed off the crossbar with Songo beaten.
Bea Mountain went into the half with a deserved 1-0 cushion.
Garmondeh Doubles the Lead
Bea Mountain picked up right where they left off in the second half.
Their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Garmondeh completed his brace. The forward rose highest to meet a well-placed cross from his right-back, steering a firm header that Songo could not hold to make it 2-0.
The second goal forced LISCR to commit more bodies forward in desperate search of a route back into the match.
Kanneh Gives LISCR Hope
The Shipping Boys responded positively to the setback and began testing Bea Mountain’s backline.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 70th minute when Seklou Kanneh unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving LISCR renewed hope.
The goal briefly shifted the momentum, with LISCR throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer, but Bea Mountain stayed disciplined and threatened on the counter.
Williams Redeems Himself
Bea Mountain soon had a clear chance to restore their two-goal cushion when Emmanuel Williams broke free and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Songo, only to place his effort wide.
The miss threatened to haunt the Gold Boys, but Williams quickly redeemed himself in the 87th minute. Ralph Weah delivered a sharp, low cross across the face of the goal, and Williams was on hand to turn it home from close range, making it 3-1.
The late strike effectively ended LISCR’s campaign and sparked wild celebrations on the Bea Mountain bench.
Watanga Await in the Final
Bea Mountain will now face Watanga FC in what promises to be an explosive finale.
Watanga secured their spot in the title match after defeating LPRC Oilers 2-0 in the other semifinal.
Kindness Cole opened the scoring with a brilliant set-piece before Varney B. Varney added a second to preserve Watanga’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
Thursday’s championship match will be a direct repeat of their Group A fixture, which ended 0-0.
Bea Mountain eventually topped Group A with seven points from three matches, while Watanga finished second with three points following three consecutive draws.
Watanga Hold Historical Advantage
While their recent group-stage clash ended in a deadlock, the head-to-head history favors Watanga.
In 13 previous meetings between the two sides, Watanga have won six, Bea Mountain have won three, and four ended in draws.
Despite Watanga’s historical edge, Bea Mountain will draw confidence from their current form and clinical semifinal display.
Thursday’s clash gives them an opportunity to narrow that record while lifting a major silverware.
Second Final Appearance for Bea Mountain
This marks Bea Mountain’s second appearance in the Bettomax Champions Cup final. The club reached the inaugural final but suffered heartbreak against Heaven Eleven, losing in a penalty shootout.
Awaiting the winner is a grand prize of US12,000,in addition to the US2,500 preparation allowance awarded to each of the eight participating LFA First Division clubs.
After weeks of preseason competition, only two teams remain. With a clean slate, high stakes, and cash on the line, Thursday’s final promises a dramatic conclusion.
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