WHEN the championship kicked off on December 14, 2016 with 20 teams from five associations it was anybody’s guess as to which two teams would have been contesting the final.Well, as it has turned out, City sides Western Tigers and Santos, two clubs with a rich history on and off the field will battle for the top prize of $2M and the STAG Nations championship trophy.
It has been an extended journey due to the fact that the tournament had to be postponed due to consistent rainfall during the Christmas season.
The third-place match tomorrow features the Guyana Police Force against Riddim Squad, another all-Georgetown affair, with the winners set to receive $500 000 and the losers, $300 000.
Both Western Tigers and Santos comprise a number of young and exciting ball-weavers who no doubt would be going all out to ensure that their combined efforts deliver the winning prize for their club. But only one will walk away as winners. Fans can be assured of a riveting finale.
Western Tigers downed Police, Pouderoyen, and Flamingo on their way to the final while Santos took care of Riddim Squad, Uitvlugt and Herstelling Raiders en route to their final date.
This match would be a test for each team’s defence as well as their forwards as they must defend to the utmost, even as they come up with strategies to be effective in the attacking third.
The Tigers were pushed to the hilt in their semi-final match against arch rivals Police but held their nerves to beat the lawmen via sudden kicks from the penalty mark. Prior to that match, they were relentless against Pouderoyen, the match ending 9-1 while they were equally dismissive in their win over Flamingo, 8-0.
Santos have not been that efficient goal-wise but have been dominant; they needled Riddim Squad in their semi-final showdown, got past Uitvlugt 3-1 while trouncing Herstelling Raiders 4-0.
The Tigers start with the advantage of taking the crown but Santos will not be intimidated and are equally hungry for success as they both aim to start the year on a high. And what better way than a cheque for $2M compliments of Ansa McAl.
Randolph Wagner will lead the Tigers along with Rensford Coleridge, Shamar Wilson, Darren Benjamin, Anthony Sancho, Andre Webber, Dwayne McLennon, Joshua Britton, Troy Carrington, Jamal Pedro and Jorell Tyrell.
Santos captain Samuel Hunte will again lead from the front and would hope to stand firm as he marshals the defence with the hope that Job Caesar, Keith Cains and Delon David will hold their own when it comes to scoring goals.
Players who would be shouldering responsibility are Sheldon Profitt, Trevor Lewis, Omar Jones, Orin Yard, Ryan October and Lionel Holder, among others.
The third-place match tomorrow kicks off at 19:00hrs and would be followed by the final.