THE semi-final die is now cast, following the final quarter-final matches of the NAMILCO One Love Football Classic knockout tournament, contested last Sunday evening at the Tucville Playfield.Based on the pre-game hype, the scale was tipping in favour of wins for Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United and Slingerz but by the end of the evening, Alpha were through, yes, but it was the Guyana Defence Force who arrested Slingerz to book a semi-final date with Riddim Squad while Alpha will engage Fruta Conquerors.
Both Alpha and GDF were 1-0 winners over Western Tigers and Slingerz, respectively. Facing off in the main event, Slingerz and the GDF did not hide their intentions as they both went after each other in a fierce manner but within the confines of the laws of the game.
While the evening was cool, the on-field exchanges were hot, as both teams pressed each other and, like the first game, close marking was the order of proceedings. The fact that the game was decided by a single goal tells the story.
There was air-tight defence on both sides and when the Army were presented with the slightest possibility to score, they responded with glee. The opening 45 minutes was even in terms of returns, the boys from Camp Ayanganna were solid in defence as they kept the dangerous Anthony ‘Awo Abrams at bay.
Abrams’ reputation as a striker is well known and it was clear as day that the GDF did their homework in nullifying his strengths while unleashing a sleeping giant of their own in offence – the fleet-footed Delwyn Fraser.
Fraser was a constant bother to Slingerz’ defence, as Abrams was kept at bay also at the other end. Early in the second half however, Fraser ensured that he made Slingerz pay for allowing a bit too much latitude as he broke away from their defence to bang a well-directed shot past Jason Cromwell into goal.
The breakthrough came four minutes into the half and that was all that was needed to secure a place in the final four.
Even the likes of Devon Millington and Vurlon Mills in the Slingerz line-up did not intimidate the Army boys as they stuck to their game plan of not giving up too much space to the high-ranking and star-studded Slingerz.
It was almost the same script in the first game as Western Tigers too, kept on the heels of the Alpha United players as they matched them play for play.
The longer the game went without a goal being scored meant that the pressure was building more on Alpha. Their experience as the undisputed kings of the game in Guyana and their known exploits at the Caribbean and CONCACAF levels is what brought them through successfully.
Gregory ‘Jackie’ Chan tried his best to crack the defense of the Tigers but every time he looked like sneaking away, he was kept in check. His presence, however, kept the Tigers defenders and goalkeeper Derrick Carter alert always.
Carter brought off some stinging and pointblank saves early in the second half as Alpha stepped up the pressure. They attacked the northern goal. Incidentally, that was the goal where both games were decided.
With the game 64 minutes old, captain Dwight Peters, who worked overtime to give his side the advantage, aimed a powerful shot at goal which was partially blocked by Carter. The onrushing second-half substitute Sheldon Holder was alert enough to pounce on the ball and tuck it away to break the deadlock.
Tried as they may, neither team were able to be effective in the final third and the ended 1-0 in favour of Alpha who will now host team Fruta Conquerors in the feature semi-final tomorrow at the GFC ground.
Riddim Squad and GDF will square off from 18:00hrs in the first.