Bolívar make history as women’s league champions and earn Libertadores place

Bolívar have won Bolivia’s Women’s League for the first time, overcoming Astor FC on penalties in Sunday’s final in Tarija. The victory also secured the La Paz club a place in the women’s Copa Libertadores.

Bolívar took the lead in the fifth minute when Brazilian player Clenilda da Silva supplied the cross for Colombian forward Danelly Angulo. Astor created chances through Argentina’s Yanina López, but Bolívar goalkeeper Camila López kept out her efforts.

Bolívar pressed for a second goal, with María Cristina “Coquito” Gálvez forcing a save from Flavia Morales. Astor continued to attack after halftime, but López again denied Yanina López in the 65th minute.

Astor finally equalized in the 89th minute. Ana Huanca’s free kick was not cleared cleanly by Camila López, allowing Jhenifer Cuba to score. The match ended 1-1, sending the final to penalties.

Bolívar won the shootout 4-3. Nicol Cruz, Nashmi Segovia, Maya Siles and Clenilda da Silva converted, while Selin Zurita missed. Astor scored through Jhesica Tórrez, Huanca and captain Wendy Baltazar, but Camila López saved Cuba’s attempt and Yanina López shot wide. Astor have now finished runners-up five times in a row, after losing the previous four finals to four-time champions Always Ready.