GFF, KS inaugural Futsal KO tournament

Dec 16, 2021 Sports

Venezuelans Vengy FC show skill to advance to next round
Alexander Village, California Square, Team Cruel,Renegades also advance

By Sean Devers

Kaieteur News – In the most exciting game of the opening night of the GFF, Kashif &Shanghai’s inaugural 5-a-side Futsal tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana based Venezuelan side Vengy FC, outclassed Stabroek Ballers 6-3 to advance to the next round.

Vengy FC scores one of their six goals against Stabroek Ballers. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Alexander Village, California Square, Team Cruel also advanced in a tournament, which has prize money of $1 Million for the winner, $500,000 (2nd), 300,000 (3rd) and 200,000 (4th).
The skilful Venezuelans, led by a hat-trick from Alberto Hernandez, a brace from Jose Vazquez and a goal from Angelo Rojas, produced plenty of entertainment for the large gathering which included Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, Kashif Mohammed, Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle, Olympian Boxer Keevin Allicock and large contingent of Spanish speaking fans which included many females.
The KS Organisation hosted their first football tournament in Linden in 1990 but this was first time Futsal has been included in the yearend extravaganza and the opening game compensated for the close to an hour late start.
Stabroek Ballers had the first shot on goal; in the opening second when a powerful kick from the right flank thudded off the cross bar, while both teams had shots to goal but both Custodians saved well.
Hernandez drilled a right footer into the back the net for the opening goal before Mark Jhalu netted the equaliser and Shemar Welch scored minutes later as Stabroek Ballers took an early 2-1 lead.

Vazquez levelled the score at 2-2 before Hernandez made it 3-2 for Vengy. The SB Keeper was again beaten but the ball bounced off the uprights, however, Rojas scored to make it 4-2 before Vazquez beat the ‘wall’ and the keeper as he made it 5-2 with a skilfully executed spot kick and at half-time Vengy were leading 5-2.

Shem Porter scores Alexander Village’ opening goal against Avocado Balllers. (Franklin Wilson photo)

The intensity increased in the second stanza with Vengy dominating possession with skilful dribbling and accurate passes. They shot thrice to goal early in the second half but the ball was brilliantly saved.

Jhalu scored SB’s third goal as the hectic pace heated up in the hot ‘Sports Hall’ but they missed a spot kick opportunity due to excellent defence from the Venezuelans.
Vengy continued to test the SB Keeper with some good shots to goal before Hernandez scored his third goal to give his team a 6-3 lead.
SB missed a penalty when their player kick went high and wide after Rojas was given a yellow card and when the final whistle blew Vengy had moved a step closer to the grand finale which is scheduled for January 8, 2022.
In the second game Alexander Village wasted several opportunities to score but dominated the game to win 4-2 against Avocado Ballers, another Guyanese based team of Venezuelans; this was after Avocado Ballers were leading 2-1 at half-time in another entertaining contest.
Shem Porter scored twice and was supported by goals from Anton Porter and Rolan Junior, while Antony Carreno and Endrrick Peiez were the goal scorers for Avocado Ballers.

– Action in the Agricola vs Renegade, main event. (Franklin Wilson photo)

With their exit from the tournament, which will be played on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the Spanish speaking fans exited the stands leaving the venue, which had sponsors names, including premier sponsor KFC, on advertisement boards around the Court, sparsely populated.
In the third games between Generation FC and California square, Brandon Solomon, Wesley Greenidge, Levi Canterbury, Tevin Campbell, Antowne Vasconcellos and Meshark Baratt, each scored as California square romped to a 6-3 win.
Josh Parvattan netted a brace, while Clancy Babb scored the other goal for Generation FC.
Generation FC keeper was constantly pressured and was eventually beaten as California Square took the lead and soon extended it to 2-0 as the keeper got little support from the defenders and half time it was 2-0.
At one stage California square were leading 6-0, but while the scoreline suggested it was poor goalkeeping, this was not the case as the keeper made some brilliant saves and was arguable one of the best custodians on the opening night.

California Square opens proceedings against Generation X FC. (Franklin Wilson photo)

In the game between Team Cruel and Globe Yard, Team Cruel lived up to their name and was very Cruel to their opposition; demolishing them 9-nil with eight of their goals coming in the second half.
Tyrice Dennis, who scored four goals, Jemar Harrigan, who netted three times, Steven Miller and Jerome Harrigan, were all in demolition mode.
Renegades beat Agricola 4-3 in last game last.
Only fully vaccinated persons were allowed entry into the venue and wearing masks once inside was mandated.
The DJ, who played pulsating music throughout the night, regularly reminded the spectators that the Covid Task Force was in the building.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport has also provided tremendous support for the tournament which continues today from 7pm.