Makeni-based Rising Queens Football Club have secured a spot in the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Berny’s Starlet from Lunsar.

The tense encounter, which took place during the National Women’s Division One playoffs, saw Rising Queens overcome significant odds to claim a well-deserved promotion to the country’s top-flight female football league.

Berny’s Starlet had entered the match as favorites, topping the playoff log with 9 points and an impressive goal tally of 17. A draw would have been enough to secure their own promotion, but Rising Queens had other plans.

Displaying remarkable determination and tactical discipline, the Makeni-based side executed a must-win strategy, edging out their rivals to claim the vital three points needed to qualify.

Rising Queens’ journey to the top wasn’t without setbacks. Their campaign began with a heavy 5-1 defeat to Ascentonians FC, the team that went unbeaten and finished at the top of the table.

However, Rising Queens regrouped, showing resilience in their next three matches to finish with 9 points, sealing their promotion to the 2024/25 Women’s Premier League.

This achievement marks a significant moment for both the club and the North-East Region, which will once again have two representatives in the Women’s Premier League.

Rising Queens take the place of Albitaya Queens from Kabala, who were relegated after failing to secure a single point in the previous season. Notably, Albitaya Queens had denied Rising Queens a spot in the league two years ago, but Rising Queens have now emerged stronger to claim their rightful place in the nation’s top tier.

Upon their return from Freetown, the team received a heroic welcome in Makeni, with jubilant fans lining the streets to celebrate their achievement.

The long parade reflected the pride and excitement felt by the community, recognizing the hard-fought victory that restored their region’s prominence in football.1ootball.