Latest update April 7th, 2026 12:30 AM
Penalty drama defines classic GFF Super 16 semi-Final double header
…Slingerz FC and Western Tigers to clash in January 1 final
Kaieteur Sports – Football fans at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre, Providence on Monday evening, were treated to an unforgettable night of drama, tension and elite goalkeeping as both semi-finals of the GFF Super 16 Cup were decided by penalty kicks.
When the dust finally settled, Elite League champions Slingerz FC and Western Tigers emerged as the last teams standing, booking their places in the New Year’s Day final after two nerve-shredding encounters that ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time.
Slingerz FC players showing appreciation to goalkeeper Denzil Smith after his heroics against GPF FC.
Trinidadian Kevon “Showtime” Woodly, on the attack, against GDF FC Collin Nelson in their GFF Super 16 semi-final.
The double header delivered everything supporters crave; pace, physicality, quality attacking play and heroic moments between the posts. Indeed, it was by far the best match-day of the tournament, highlighted by outstanding goalkeeping performances from Western Tigers’ Joel Yhap and Slingerz FC’s reliable custodian, Denzil Smith.
The night’s opening encounter saw Western Tigers edge Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC 5–4 on penalties after a tightly contested battle.
GDF FC struck first in the 19th minute when Ian Dooker found the back of the net to give the Army side a deserved early lead. However, Western Tigers responded through Kevon “Showtime” Woodley, whose equalizer restored parity and injected new life into the contest.
Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner through regulation or extra time. The match ultimately hinged on penalties, where Joel Yhap set the tone with a crucial early save. His teammates showed remarkable composure from the spot, converting all their kicks to send the West Ruimveldt-based club marching into the final.
If the opener was intense, the second semi-final between Slingerz FC and Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC raised the entertainment level even higher.
Played at a blistering pace, the match was a tactical and physical chess match, with both teams testing each other’s defensive resolve.
GPF FC enjoyed significant control in midfield, particularly with Curtez Kellman missing from Slingerz’ starting line-up, only coming on as a second-half substitute due to an injury.
The pairing of Marcus Wilson and Ryan Hackett dictated tempo and distribution for the lawmen, with Hackett once again justifying his “Boom-Boom” moniker.
Jamaican Kemar Beckford gives a listening ear to the “booing” GPF FC supporters, after equalizing. (Super 16 photo)
Just before the stroke of half-time, Hackett unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area that swirled into the net with unstoppable power, one of the finest goals of the tournament. It was the kind of effort that would have probably beaten even the world’s best goalkeepers on any given day.
Slingerz FC responded with urgency after the break, creating opportunities of their own, but GPF’s defence held firm. The breakthrough finally came in the 70th minute when Slingerz talisman Kemar Beckford rose perfectly to head home the equalizer, reigniting the contest.
What followed was a gripping stretch of near-misses, brave blocks and last-ditch defending through regulation and extra time, forcing yet another penalty shootout.
That was when Denzil Smith seized the spotlight.
The Slingerz goalkeeper produced two crucial saves, while another GPF effort sailed over the bar. Only Nerron Borrow managed to convert for Police FC.
At the other end, despite Darron Niles’ effort drifting inches wide, Curtez Kellman, Bryan Wharton and guest player Omari Glasgow held their nerve, converting to secure a 3–1 shootout victory and send the Vergenoegen-based club into the final.
With Slingerz FC and Western Tigers now set to collide on January 1, 2026, the stage is perfectly set for a thrilling New Year’s Day finale.
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