Despite defeating Port Layola 2-1 in game two of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) finals on Sunday, December 8th, the San Pedro Pirates could not secure the league’s opening season championship. Port Layola, having achieved a 4-2 aggregate score after their 3-0 victory over the Pirates on December 7th, won the championship for the second time, claiming the 2024-2025 opening season trophy.
The decisive match was held at the Marion Jones Stadium, where San Pedro’s Keydenshaay Bowen scored an early goal in the third minute. With a 1-0 lead, the island squad pressed offensively, finishing the first half ahead. However, it was not enough to secure an overall victory.
The Pirates continued their aggressive play in the second half, with Bowen scoring his second goal in the 55th minute. Despite their efforts to increase their lead, the Pirates were unable to find the back of the net again. Instead, Port Layola reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute with a goal from Rene Leslie. This goal brought Layola to a comfortable aggregate score of 4-2, securing the championship. No further goals were scored, and at the sound of the final whistle, Port Layola emerged victorious.
Port Layola has won the PLB championship for the second time. In May this year, they defeated the powerhouse Verdes to claim victory in the closing season. The team will now defend their title in the 2024-2025 closing season.
The San Pedro Pirates have announced their plans to regroup and prepare for the upcoming season. As the island’s premier football club, they have previously been PLB champions. In May 2019, they triumphed over the Belmopan Bandits at the Ambergris Stadium, winning with a 2-1 aggregate score. This marked a significant historical moment, as the island team had only joined the national tournament in 2017. Since their championship win, the Pirates have remained a strong team but have been unable to replicate that success. However, the management has stated that they will continue to work hard in the upcoming seasons to deliver the big win that island football fans have been eagerly anticipating.
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