LBDI wins 2024 Pennoh W. Bestman Memorial Football Tournament

The 5th Edition of the Pennoh W. Bestman (PWB-5) Memorial Football Tournament ended on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) etched its name in the annals of the PWB Tournament by defeating Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) 1 - 0 in the finals at the Willis D. Knuckles Sports Stadium in Zubah Town, Paynesville, outside Monrovia.

LBDI's Zayzay Gizzi scored the game’s opener in the 50th minute during the finals from a pass given by his teammate, Prince Harrison.  LRA exerted pressure on LBDI to change the direction of the game, resulting in a penalty in its favor during the 2nd half. 

However, LRA failed to convert the penalty opportunity due to a spectacular save from goalkeeper Forkpah Brown of LBDI.

In prior games of the tournament, Game 1, LRA defeated Liberia Black Star in post-match penalty kicks, 5 – 4, to advance to the finals.  Kelvin Sebwe, Liberia’s midfield maestro, former professional, and former player of Liberia Black Star, scored his team’s lone goal in the 6th minute. 

LRA, not deterred with big names, and with focus and determination, equalized in the 25th minute from a goal by Julius Nah.  In the post-match penalty kicks, Liberia Revenue Authority defeated Liberia Black Star 5 – 4.

In Game 2 of the tournament, LBDI proved athletic superiority over United Bank for Africa in the Clash of the Titans between the banking sector heavyweights by defeating UBA 2 – 0. 

LBDI scored its first goal in the first half by Prince Harrison followed by another goal in the second half by Zayzay Gizzi. 

Two kickball exhibition games were played on the same day.  In the first kickball game, Girls of Black Star defeated Liberia Broadcasting System Falconets 9 – 0 in a lopsided match during four innings.

Also, the kickball team of Liberia Revenue Authority defeated United Bank for Africa 2 – 0 in an exciting kickball match during three innings.  

However, with heightened interest between LRA and Girls of Black Star supported by popular demand, a special kickball game was readily organized between the two winners from the prior exhibition kickball games.

In the special and must-watch kickball game between the two winners from the exhibition games, neither team secured victory as the game ended in a tie: LRA, 2; Girls of Black Star, 2.

At a program held prior to the finals,

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to recognize partners (LBDI, ADAH Chapter #4, Izetta Wesley, Alpha Oldtimers, and Blazing Star Lodge #17). 

Certificates of Participation were also awarded to UBA, LRA, LBDI, and Liberia Black Star.

Finally, Liberia Black Star extends appreciation to its members (local and international), participating teams, and partners for ensuring the success of the 5th Edition of the Pennoh W. Bestman Memorial Football Tournament.