Vitamalt/Aqua Mist sponsored WDFA KO Cup... Impressive Den Amstel should start as slight favourites against Slingerz

Vitamalt/Aqua Mist sponsored WDFA KO Cup… Impressive Den Amstel should start as slight favourites against Slingerz

Dec 25, 2014 Sports

Anthony Abrams

– Warriors looking for redemption against Pouderoyen

Despite advancing to the final in controversial circumstances, host Den Amstel should start as slight favourites to beat Slingerz FC in tomorrow’s championship game which will bring the curtains down in the Vitamalt/Aqua Mist sponsored West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Knockout Cup, at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.
In their respective semi-final matchups, Den Amstel seemed to be coasting to a comfortable win after leading Uitvlugt Warriors 3-1, before a lighting system malfunction brought the game to a premature end at half time, while Slingerz FC had to wait late before breaching the airtight defence of Pouderoyen who they eventually defeated 1-0 in a less than impressive display.
The host has looked far more impressive in this year’s competition than the star-studded Slingerz FC side that is regarded as the strongest team on the West Side with a string of former national standouts in their line-up.
However, Den Amstel has looked impressive throughout with their slick passing and deadly finishing and the in-form goal hungry Delon Lanferman, who showed no mercy for a hapless Wales unit will no doubt be aiming to end the tournament on a high with a solid performance against a team that has impressed defensively.
Lanferman will have as his supporting cast the likes of Travis Hilliman, Andre Hector, Morris Charles, Marvin Henry and Ryan Hunter, who are all capable of tilting a game in their favour in a flash.
On the other hand, the only consistent performance for Slingerz FC has come from the lethal feet of Tichard Joseph, who displayed his power in their last two fixtures and is definitely a serious threat to any backline even from 30 yards out.
Joseph’s goals have all been scored from long range and this bonus should draw close attention from the Den Amstel defenders, while it could also leave them short of markers to contain players the caliber of Devon Millington and the wily Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams.
These three players are a handful for any Head Coach locally and when you insert Joshua Brown, Colin Nelson and Les Charles Critchlow into the picture you can see why they are considered the best in the West and one of the most dangerous teams to go up against locally.
The two opposing goalkeepers have looked competent and they too played a great part in stopping opposing strikers which ultimately kept their respective teams in the game. In spite of playing at home, Den Amstel supporters will have to share the noise with Slingerz band of fans as they both enjoy sizeable support from their respective quarters and this could create the atmosphere for a riveting conclusion to the tournament. In the playoff for third place, Uitvlugt Warriors go up against Pouderoyen and while both teams may feel disappointed in not having the opportunity to play for the top prize there is still some consolation in the game. Pouderoyen is a team that prides itself on its defensive capability and opposing teams have experienced difficulty in piercing their well equipped fortress as Slingerz FC could attest.
They will be depending heavily on Adrian Giddings, Tenie Lopes, Clement Browne, Marvin Frank and the experience Delon Garraway to lead their quest for victory, while the Warriors will no doubt be aiming to gain solace for their disappointing semi final display. Another motivating factor for them could be to win back the support of their fans following their unceremonious exit in the semi-final against Den Amsel.
Whatever the outcome in both matches what is certain is that fans are in for a treat tomorrow at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.
Up for grabs will be $1million for the winner, $500,000 for the runner-up, while the third and fourth place finishers will take home $300,000 and $200,000 respectively.