IT TOOK extra-time goals for Riddim Squad to oust New Amsterdam United from the 25th Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament which kicked off last evening at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground. Rolex Smith and Rashawn Sandiford netted for Riddim Squad in their 2-0 win that will see them play the winner between Western Tigers and Hi-Stars on March 28 at the DCC ground.

Meanwhile, in the earlier exchanges, both clubs failed to produce any positive run on goal, leaving their respective supporters frustrated.
The play during regulation provided nothing to ‘cheer’ about, forcing it to extra time. It was then Riddim Squad seemed to find a ‘new gear’; pressing forward and forcing the Berbicians to be in defence mode.
The Mocha Arcadia-based club’s move eventually gave them success when Sandiford, a guest player, found the net three minutes into extra time (90+3 minutes).
Sandiford could have doubled the score shortly after but his attempt went sailing over their attacking goal.
With the score 1-0 in their favour, Riddim Squad found their second goal when Rolex Smith broke down the defence, and easily patted home the goal which put the game out of New Amsterdam United’s reach and Riddim Squad into the quarter-finals.
New Amsterdam United’s Leonardo Adams, seemingly out of frustration, forced referee Maurice Skeete to hand him a red card after his nasty and unsportsmanlike foul in the closing minutes of the game.
Meanwhile, the gala opening ceremony took place after the evening’s first game with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony officially declaring the tournament open.
Minister Anthony was joined by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, along with representatives from the various sponsors and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), to take the salute from the 16 participating clubs.
The final game on the tournament’s opening night was contested between Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Den Amstel but up to press time, results were not ascertained, and, as such, will be given in tomorrow’s edition.

(By Rawle Toney)