MONROVIA — Bushrod Queens have been crowned the inaugural champions of the Bettomax Women’s Championship Cup after defeating reigning Liberian league champions Determine Girls 4–3 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in regulation time at Tusa Field in Gardnersville.
By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected] | 0777898224/0886723075
The victory capped the first-ever women’s edition of the Bettomax Preseason Cup, an initiative established to provide top-flight Liberian clubs with competitive match preparation ahead of the new domestic season.
Bushrod Queens struck early in the first half, putting the underdog side in a strong position to pull off an upset. However, Determine Girls, eager to add the Bettomax trophy to their league silverware, fought back after the restart and equalized through substitute Delphine Glao.
With neither side able to break the deadlock before the final whistle, the decider went straight to a penalty shootout.
Bushrod Queens held their nerve from 12 yards out, converting four of their spot-kicks to claim the historic trophy.
The Queens had entered the tournament as late replacements after league runners-up Shaita Angels withdrew, citing player fatigue following a demanding campaign.
Bushrod Queens capitalized fully on the opportunity, opening their campaign with a 3–0 win over Senior Female Professionals before securing a 4–0 victory in the return leg to advance 7–0 on aggregate.
Determine Girls reached the final by edging World Girls 1–0 in the first leg, followed by a goalless draw in the second leg.
Speaking after the final, Bettomax Country Director Darren Glove commended both clubs for their performances and extended best wishes to Determine Girls as they prepare to represent Liberia in the upcoming WAFU Zone A Champions League qualifiers in The Gambia.
Glove praised the quality of football on display throughout the four-day competition, noting that the inaugural edition successfully proved the viability of an expanded platform for women’s football.
“I was totally entertained by the display of football here today,” Glove said. “It was a great game, and we hope to expand it next year to make it an even bigger tournament for the women. This was somewhat of a test run, but looking at the results, it was fantastic.”
Glove specifically highlighted Bushrod Queens’ tactical discipline, praising their possession-based style and attacking intent. He also lauded midfielder Bendu Yeateh, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for her work rate and playmaking ability.
“I was very impressed with Bushrod Queens because they were always looking to retain possession and push forward,” Glove noted.
“They are a very well-coached team and fully deserved this championship.”
The inaugural women’s tournament featured four leading clubs: Determine Girls, World Girls, Senior Female Professionals, and Bushrod Queens.
Hosted at Tusa Field from August 12–16, the tournament saw each participating team receive US1,000 in preparation fees,while Bushrod Queens took home the US6,000 grand prize as champions.
For Determine Girls, the tournament served as a crucial warm-up ahead of their regional assignment. The national champions are scheduled to depart Monrovia on August 20 for The Gambia to compete in the WAFU Zone A qualifiers.
Meanwhile, the men’s division of the Bettomax Cup remains ongoing. In opening-round action, Bea Mountain FC secured a 4–1 win over Discoveries Soccer Academy, while Paynesville FC and Watanga FC played out a goalless draw.
Subsequent fixtures saw LPRC Oilers defeat defending champions Heaven Eleven 1–0, while LISCR FC earned a 2–0 victory over Wologizi FC as preseason preparations continue across the country.
