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Guyana’s ‘top four’ collide in GFF Super 16 Semi-Finals
…Army to play Western Tigers, Slingerz to battle Police
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s domestic football season reaches an interesting crossroad as four of the country’s most accomplished clubs converge at the National Training Centre in Providence for the semi-finals of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super 16 Cup.
On Monday, from 6:30 pm, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF FC) will square off against Western Tigers, before Elite League champions Slingerz FC collide with the Guyana Police Force (GPF FC) at 9:00 pm in what promises to be a heavyweight double-header.
Jamaican Keemar Beckford about to score his beauty against Monedderlust. (Mansoor Cave photo)
Slingerz FC scorers (L-R), Kemar Beckford, Cardel Benbow, Raushan Ritch and Kelsey Benjamin.
All four teams arrive at this stage with authority, having casually brushed aside their quarter-final opponents to underline why they remain the benchmark of local football.
Unlike several teams who were forced to grind through an earlier qualifying round, Slingerz FC, GPF FC, Western Tigers and GDF FC were granted a bye straight into the last eight, receiving a nod to their standing, pedigree and recent consistency.
Western Tigers were ruthless in their quarter-final outing, dismantling football newcomers Zeelugt by a commanding 6–0 margin.
GPF FC, on the other hand, equally composed, eased past Santos 2–0, controlling the tempo and defending with the discipline that has become synonymous with the police outfit.
On the other side of the bracket, GDF FC delivered arguably the most emphatic statement of intent, demolishing Mahaica Determinators 7–0 on Saturday.
The soldiers were relentless, stretching the field and punishing every defensive lapse by the East Coast side.
Stephon McDonald opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, before Shemar Scott struck twice (40’, 61’). Makhaya Jarvis added his own brace (64’, 82’), while Jeffrey Pereira (75’) and Jaden Harris (79’) completed a rout that reflected total dominance.
Elite League champions Slingerz FC, meanwhile, rolled over Monedderlust 4–0 in a match that was comfortable on the scoreboard, even if it fell slightly short of the fireworks some fans anticipated.
Raushan Ritch (10’) opened the score for Slingerz, while Kelsey Benjamin (44’) doubled the lead just before the half.
Action between Mahaica Determinators and GDF FC in the GFF Super 16 Cup.
The second half saw goals from Slingerz FC’s Jamaican import, with Kemar Beckford (75’) scoring what could be the ‘goal of the tournament’; a Cristiano Ronaldo-like volley inside the ‘18’, while Cardel Benbow (85’) netting from the penalty spot for his first goal in Guyana.
However, Slingerz FC’s performance, despite coming out on top, came with critique.
With Omari Glasgow, Guyana’s all-time leading scorer in international football, added to an already elite squad, expectations were sky-high.
Glasgow, featuring as a guest player, made his first club appearance in Guyana since his move to Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire, drawing considerable attention. Alongside Benbow, also a guest player, the Vergenoegen-based club boasted a line-up brimming with pedigree and technical quality.
While Slingerz controlled both sides of the pitch and rarely looked threatened, the match perhaps lacked the sharp edge fans hoped for given the talent on display.
Still, there were moments of crisp passing, intelligent movement and a unique touch that continues to make Slingerz FC favourites in almost every tournament they enter. Even on an off night by their lofty standards, their depth and composure were evident.
Tomorrow’s semi-finals bring together the very best of Guyana’s footballing talent, national players, experienced campaigners and emerging stars, all sharing one stage.
GDF FC’s physicality and structure will be tested by a fearless Western Tigers side, while the clash between Slingerz FC and GPF FC sets up a fascinating contrast of flair versus discipline.
Despite the tournament being played largely in front of barely visible crowds so far, the magnitude of these match-ups should reignite spectator interest.
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