Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Western Tigers shock Slingerz FC to lift GFF Super 16 Cup
…Army overwhelms Police to finish third
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – Providence erupted in disbelief on New Year’s Day as underdogs Western Tigers stunned the star-studded Slingerz FC 1–0 in the final of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super 16 Cup at the National Training Centre.
It was a result few pundits saw coming.
Slingerz FC, dominant, disciplined and unbeaten for almost two years, arrived as overwhelming favourites. Western Tigers arrived with belief, and left with the trophy, $2 million in prize money, and the satisfaction of ending an era.
Jubilant moment for Western Tigers players, hoisting the GFF Super 16 Cup trophy.
The decisive moment came late, cruelly late, for Slingerz FC. In the 89th minute, Kevon “Showtime” Woodley lived up to his nickname, pouncing inside the box and hammering home from close range to beat goalkeeper Denzil Smith. Until that moment, the final was a tense affair filled with near misses and rising frustration.
Slingerz FC created the clearer chances and enjoyed longer spells of possession, but profligacy in front of goal proved costly. Shot after shot failed to find the net, either dragged wide, smothered, or denied by desperate defending and good goalkeeping from Western Tigers’ Joel Yhap.
Western Tigers goalkeeper, Joel Yhap, makes a save from Kelsey Benjamin in the second half of their Super 16 Cup finals.
Part of the action between GDF and Police FC in the third-place game in the GFF Super 16 Cup.
Western Tigers, meanwhile, absorbed pressure, stayed compact, and waited. When the opening finally came, they seized it with ruthless efficiency, showing a hunger that ultimately made the difference. The loss brought a dramatic end to Slingerz FC’s remarkable unbeaten run.
Slingerz FC’s season had been nothing short of dominant. GFF Elite League champions, conceding the fewest goals, winning 16 of their 18 matches and drawing the other two.
However, football’s unforgiving nature was on full display, dominance guarantees nothing in knockout competition.
For Western Tigers, the win on New Year’s Day capped a season of sharp contrast. Their Elite League campaign was underwhelming, finishing fourth and well off the pace. But the Super 16 Cup told a different story.
The West Ruimveldt side eliminated last season’s Elite League and Super 16 Cup champions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), with Woodley scoring in every match en route to the final. His performances earned him the tournament’s End-of-Year Most Valuable Player honour.
Earlier in the day, GDF claimed third place with a commanding 3–0 win over the Guyana Police Force.
Abumchi Opara struck twice in the 67th and 83rd minutes, while Jeffery Pereira added another in the 79th. GDF collected $750,000, with Police Force earning $500,000.
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