Latest update April 7th, 2025 6:08 AM
Alpha goes down to President’s X1 in practice match
Marlon Benjamin
By Franklin Wilson
Alpha United went down to a President’s X1 combination primarily made up of under-21 players playing in the Georgetown Football Association Premier League and Milo competitions.
Club President Odinga Lumumba in an invited comment said the result of the game does not mean anything since it was mainly their bench players who were given the opportunity to play with the club less than a week away from their opening home and away first round tie in the Caribbean Football Union’s Club Champions Cup clash against Tempete FC of Haiti at the same venue on Saturday.
The President’s X1 winning goal was netted five minuets before the half time break by Marlon Benjamin.
As expected, the young President’s team with many players aiming to make their mark and sound the call for a place in the senior Golden Jaguar’s side proved that they are not far away from achieving that aim.
They gave a good account of themselves even as Alpha were experimenting with players as they seek to get the right combination for what is anticipated to be a stern test by the Haitian club side.
Haiti, the first nation in the Caribbean to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, Germany 1974 who also won the Digicel Caribbean Championship then Digicel Caribbean Cup in 2007 by defeating host Trinidad and Tobago 2-1, continues to be force to reckon with in the Caribbean and Alpha’s clash on Saturday is expected to be
Alpha’s expected main starting line-up which will be in action on Saturday, will look similar to this one pictured.
no different. Lumumba disclosed that their clash this evening against Pele in the 2009 Mayor’s Cup knock-out competition is a critical game for them since it will be used to try out their starting team for Saturday’s big game.
“This game is a serious one for us as we aim to finalize our starting line up for the Tempete game. At least eight of the players starting tonight will be more or less permanent starters for the CFU competition.”
He also disclosed that they are currently working to have Grenadian striker Kithson Bain for the game on Saturday. Bain, played for Alpha in the last Kashif and Shanghai competition and created quite a stir during his short stay scoring three goals in two matches.
The two Brazilians contracted Lumumba said, are very skilful, exhibiting very good touches but are not fully match fit.
In the ensuing days, the leading local club will focus on fitness and getting the right starting combination.
Lumumba said he is satisfied that they have a rock solid defence led by Captain Charles Pollard and his defence twin Howard Lowe. The midfield is good but they are still looking for more punch in the strike line.
The entire football fraternity is encouraged to come out and support Alpha as they represent the Golden Arrowhead in the CFU Club Champions Cup. Alpha will face Tempete F.C of Haiti on Saturday at the GCC ground Bourda with the return game set for Haiti on March 25th.
The Haitians are expected to arrive in Guyana on Wednesday evening.
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