RIDDIM Squad created the second major upset in the Annual Mayor’s Cup knockout competition after outshooting pre-match favourites Alpha United by a 5-3 margin in a penalty shootout in the feature match following a goalless stalemate in regulation and extra time.
GDF outlasted Uprising 9-8 in a sudden-death penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, in regulation and extra time of the opening encounter when quarter-finals action got under way with a double-header on Friday  at the GFC ground, Bourda, which enabled both winners to secure their respective places in the semi-ifinals.
Meanwhile, the star-studded Alpha lineup were never able to find their rhythm despite resorting to an attacking style of play in the initial stage of the game.
Opponents Riddim Squad, with their occasional counterattacks and physical style, had on a few occasions unsettled Alpha’s back four without the services of captain Howard Lowe, but were unable to exert additional pressure from close range.
Both Anthony Abrams and Dwight Peters were guilty of over-dribbling, the latter providing ineffective crosses, in a dismal first half performance which ended 0-0.
At the restart both teams were locked in an intense battle for midfield dominance, in pursuit of securing the lead. Alpha had a greater number of chances, but were once again let down by poor finishing in addition to excellent defensive coverage that, on two occasions, deprived Abrams of shooting after breaking free.
With fulltime drawing nigh Alpha’s head coach Wayne Dover made full use of his team’s three substitutions but to no avail since they were unable to provide the match winner.
However, in saving the best for last Riddim Squad’s custodian Dorville Stewart, who was splendid for the entire 120 minutes, effected a brilliant save in the shootout to deny Alpha’s Kelvin McKenzie with his spot-kick.
One of his teammates shot wide of the mark, and the opponents converted all 5 of their penalty kicks for a memorable victory. Earlier, Norde McDonald after 24 minutes gave Uprising a slim 1-0 lead which they maintained at the interval.
Upon the resumption the army’s attacking mode paid dividends with Ryan Adolph accounting for the equaliser within 12 minutes. Thereafter no additional goals were scored, sending the match into extra time which failed to produce a winner.
An even 4-4 score line prevailed at the first round of penalty kicks, after both teams had a player failing to convert his spot kick, with Stellon David being guilty for GDF. In the second round the army went on to convert all 5 of theirs’ and Uprising missing their 9th spot kick.
The two remaining semifinalists will be decided on Wednesday at the same venue when quarterfinals action culminates with a double-header.