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Chase’s Academic secures back-to-back KFC Goodwill Football titles
– As St Benedict’s hoist one over crossbar
Chase’s captain Bryan Wharton paying keen attention as he holds off Trinidadian striker during the goalless KFC Goodwill final on Sunday evening.
Kaieteur Sports – The 2025 edition of the KFC International Under-18 Goodwill Football Tournament concluded on Sunday evening at the Ministry of Education ground, with Guyana’s Chase’s Academic Foundation securing their second consecutive title after defeating Trinidad and Tobago’s St Benedict’s College 5–4 on penalties.
Chase’s Malcolm Hendricks secured KFC MVP award inclusive of a one to three-month stint in Brazil where he will train and play at a professional club in what is considered the mecca of Football.
The final ended goalless after regulation and extra time, with both teams producing disciplined defensive performances in front of a decent crowd. Chase’s Academic Foundation, the Republic Bank League champions, and St Benedict’s College matched each other toughness throughout the contest, limiting clear scoring opportunities and maintaining strong defensive organisation across the field.
In the first half, Chase’s Academic players Isaiah Ifill, Shaquan David and tournament leading scorer Bryan Wharton pushed forward on several occasions, but St Benedict’s defence responded effectively to deny any breakthroughs. At the other end, Chase’s goalkeeper Flavio LaRose made a number of important saves to keep the score level at the interval.
The second half saw similar patterns of play, with difficult weather conditions influencing the tempo of the match. The wet playing surface hindered ball movement to some extent, as passes frequently slowed in waterlogged areas of the field. Wharton was closely marked by the Trinidadian midfield, while Ruben Phillips and others found limited space to create scoring chances. Despite efforts from both sides, neither team was able to convert, and the match ended 0–0 after full time and extra time.
The penalty shootout reflected the evenly matched nature of the contest, as both teams converted their initial attempts. The shootout moved into sudden death before St Benedict’s Yaylon Carrington missed his effort, allowing Chase’s Academic Foundation to claim a 5–4 victory. The win made Chase’s Academic the first team to retain the KFC International Under-18 Goodwill title since the tournament’s inception six years ago.
St Benedict’s College finished as runners-up, earning US$1,500 and the second-place trophy for their performance. Kingston College secured third place and a US$1,000 prize following a 4–1 victory over Nickerie Technical Institute of Suriname in the playoff match.
The post-match presentation ceremony was held under the KFC Grandstand, where individual awards were also presented. Chase’s goalkeeper Flavio LaRose was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, while team captain Bryan Wharton finished as the tournament’s leading goal scorer with 11 goals in four matches. The final major award of the evening went to Most Valuable Player, Chase’s center-back Malcolm Hendricks, who was selected by Narada Wilson (Talent Scout) to receive an all-expenses-paid training opportunity with Brazilian club, Club Athletico Paranaense. Hendricks is expected to spend between one to three months training with the club.
Meanwhile, during an invited interview with the tournament’s MVP, Hendricks expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “Well, to me it means a lot because, well, it’s my first time playing for Chase and also my first time playing in KFC tournament. Though it wasn’t easy, we played against some tough opponents but my aim was to played and defend and I defended well. And I’d like to thank everyone who supported me through this journey, and I’m very happy with this result.”
Hendricks’ intentions are clear. When quizzed on what to expect from him when he leaves to train in Brazil, he explained, “I can’t really express how excited I am. But to tell you the truth, my aim is just to go there and put in the work and hopefully I can learn a few things that will help me develop my talent. So, at this time I just hoping for the best while I’m there.”
The tournament was made possible through the support of title sponsor KFC Guyana, along with partners including GBTI Bank, ANSA McAL Distribution (Lucozade), Demerara Mutual, SkyTec Enterprise, TransGuyana Airways, HJ 94.1 Radio, New GPC/Limacol, Royal International Hotel and Austal. Additional support was provided by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Chase’s Academic Foundation seals second consecutive KFC International Goodwill Football title, defeating St Benedict’s 5-4 on penalties.
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