By: Madi Senghore
Determine Girls have retained the Liberian Upper Women’s League title after securing a goalless draw against closest rivals Shaita Angels on Saturday, with Gambian trio Ruggy Joof, Mbassey Darboe and Catherine Jatta playing key roles in the historic achievement.
The result was enough for Determine Girls to clinch their sixth consecutive league championship, extending their dominance in Liberian women’s football.
Gambian defender Ruggy Joof and midfielders Mbassey Darboe and Catherine Jatta all started and completed the full 90 minutes for the champions, contributing to a disciplined performance that frustrated Shaita Angels.
For Shaita Angels, Gambian forward Kumba Kuyateh featured in the match before being substituted, while Salimata Saidykhan remained on the bench and Kaddy Jarju was not included in the matchday squad.
Joof delivered another impressive defensive performance, leading the backline with confidence and making important interceptions and clearances to deny Shaita’s attacking moves.
The former GAF FC defender also played a key role in initiating attacks, taking responsibility for goal kicks and set pieces from deep positions.
In midfield, Darboe and Jatta controlled possession, connecting defence and attack while contributing to Determine Girls’ overall team organisation.
The match produced limited clear opportunities, with the best chances coming during the final stages of the encounter after 10 minutes of stoppage time were added.
Shaita Angels came close to breaking the deadlock when Celestina Boye sent a dangerous cross from the left across the face of goal, but Sarah Abrafi could not arrive in time to convert.
Determine Girls nearly secured victory moments later when Darboe made a strong run down the right flank and delivered a left-footed cross into the penalty area. After the Shaita defence failed to clear properly, Louise Brown’s attempt was blocked before substitute Mabinty Camara fired the rebound narrowly wide.
The final whistle confirmed the draw, allowing Determine Girls to retain their crown and make history by winning the Liberian Upper Women’s League for the sixth successive season.
The achievement further highlights the growing influence of Gambian players in regional women’s football, with Joof, Darboe and Jatta becoming important figures in Determine Girls’ continued success.