Pele play Renaissance; Flamingo oppose Camptown in today’s semis
THE battle for a place in tomorrow’s championship game of the inaugural Lens Craft Optical/Sunburst Orange Juice (OJ) Under-15 League will be intense as can be when those matches are played today at the GFC Ground from 09:00 h.
Renaissance, on account of drawing their final Group game against Riddim Squad yesterday, booked the last semi-final berth having ended on 5 points from their 4 matches (1 win, 1 losses, 2 draws).
In yesterday’s final game, Santos edged Fruta Conquerors 2-1 moving to 4 points, the same as Conquerors.
Santos had fielded an over-age player in their two opening matches which they won against Flamingo (3-2) and Renaissance (2-1), and, based on an investigation that was undertaken by the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), the organisers decided that Santos would forfeit the games they won but the outcome of the game against Riddim Squad (1-1) would stand since the player in question did not play.
Yesterday’s final day of preliminary action was exciting since the teams sensed that they all had a chance of advancing save and except Santos.
Conquerors tried their utmost for the win against Santos which took the lead in the 25th minute of play, Nevon Haynes netting the first of a double for his side. Conquerors, not to be outdone, responded through Keiron Campbell ten minutes into the second half (40th) and created other opportunities to take the lead.
Their lack of effectiveness at the top put paid to their chances of finding the winner. Santos, meanwhile, kept their nagging attack up and sealed the deal in the 51st minute, Haynes again hitting the network.
Despite the win, Santos bowed out of the competition knowing that they were well on course for the semis but for that blunder of playing an over-age player.
The Renaissance/Riddim Squad match-up saw action from the first whistle. Improving with every game, Renaissance were the first team to break the deadlock following 22 minutes of tight defensive work by both sides.
Kevin Butters was the player to break the deadlock when he pounced on a rebound from a penalty shot that hit the crossbar but his effort was cancelled out 10 minutes later when Wayne Halley drew Riddim Squad level.
Three minutes later, Renaissance restored their advantage when Jamiane Beckles scored. Just when it seemed like Renaissance were easing to victory, a fierce shot from Lawrence Benjamin sailed into the back of the nets for the equaliser in the first minute of added-on time.
The result was a deserved one for both teams but more so for Renaissance, who welcomed the one point that eventually sealed their place in today’s final four and a dream date with Pele FC.
The other match-up features Flamingo and Sunburst Camptown. While Pele and Flamingo might start as favourites to win, based on the level of play they have displayed to date, Renaissance and Camptown would be aiming to spring some surprises on their opponents.                 
Two exciting encounters are anticipated. Parents and fans are encouraged to come out and give support to the future of Guyana’s football. Admission is free.