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NAMILCO One Love Football Classic…GDF and Alpha to clash for 1.2M first prize
Defending champions Guyana Defense Force (GDF) and multiple national champions Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United have earned the right to face off for the 1.2 million first place prize in the final of the 7th NAMILCO One Love Football Classic knockout tournament.
The two sides earned contrasting wins in their respective semi-final matches which were contested on Wednesday evening last at the Georgetown Football Club ground.
One down! Sheldon Holder (3rd right) scores Alpha’s opening goal against Fruta Conquerors in their quarter final clash.
Alpha were 3-2 winners over a young and stubborn Fruta Conquerors unit while the Army boys prevailed over Riddim Squad 2-1 in extra time, all the goals scored from the penalty spot.
Alpha started their quest for victory very offensive minded and if that stance were to intimidate the Fruta side, they had to think again. The young Conquerors side was up to the task of taking on the highly rated Alpha side much to the delight of the fans from both teams.
Alpha cantered into the lead when the game was just 6 minutes young compliments of a Sheldon Holder strike. Ten minutes later, Conquerors, attacking the North Road goal was awarded a free kick just outside the area on the right side.
Ian Allen was entrusted with the shot and was clinical in beating the wall and goalie Ronson Williams to neutralize proceedings. Alpha was keen to restore the advantage and that was achieved in the 18th minute when Mark Miller netted the first of his double which he completed in the 23rd minute to give Alpha a two goal cushion, 3-1.
On the stroke of half time, Conquerors narrowed the advantage when Daniel Favourite found the back of the nets. The final 45 minutes did not produce more goals and the game ended 3-2 in Alpha’s favour.
GDF are very lucky to have won their match after squandering multiple chances while Riddim Squad did not make use of the opportunities that came their way.
Even when the GDF were reduced to 10 men following the expulsion of their Captain Kevin Agard late in extra time for his second bookable offense mere minutes apart (90+16 and 90+28), Riddim Squad could not capitalize on that advantage , losing a tough game.
The first 45 minutes went by without the deadlock being broken as both teams were focused more on playing compact in midfield as they sought to keep each other at bay. But as the game matured, the offensive runs became more prevalent.
With activity being increased in the attacking third and the increasing physical nature of the game between two sides boasting stocky players, the chances of penalties increased and that is how the game panned out.
GDF’s Royann Morrison (left) keeps a close eye on Riddim Squad’s Teon Jones who has control of the ball.
It was the GDF that would have been awarded the first kick in the 53rd minute and Eusi Phillips made no mistake as he buried his shot past custodian Dorville Stewart. Happy feelings began flowing in the Army camp and naturally so.
But six minutes later, the momentum shifted to Riddim Squad when they won a kick from the spot. Dependable scorer and Captain Sceyon Hope put the ball into the back of the nets. The remaining minutes of regulation time failed to see either team going ahead, GDF missing many chances, Riddim Squad, a few.
Well, the pattern of scoring in regulation time was continued in extra time, 11 minutes into the first period, GDF were awarded another spot kick, Phillips again stepped up and made no mistake, it was the 101 minute.
The final and third place games will be played on Sunday April 27 at the GFC Ground with Alpha taking on the GDF for the top prize of 1.2M cash, the loser is guaranteed $600,000; Conquerors and Riddim Squad will clash in the third place game with the winner taking home $400,000 and the loser, $200,000.
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