….men and women final today at Ayanganna

By: Ras Wadada

THE Guyana Defence Force can create history in Guyana’s football tonight when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) stages the finals of the Elite League Leaders competition and the Women’s Development League at Camp Ayanganna.
However,their opponents, Fruta Conquerors (men) and Paiwomak (ladies)who stand in their way are equally confident of prevailing and thus eliminating all hopes of an Army double-triumph on the eve of the arrival of the CONCACAF President for an official visit to Guyana.
Today’s action gets underway at 16:00hrs with the playing of the third -place play-off between Fruta Conquerors and St. Ignatius in the Women’s Development League, followed by the final which will feature the Army and Paiwomak of Annai Village in North Rupununi.
The main event is anticipated to be explosive, as the Bilaal Nantambu-coached soldiers go in search of their 7th consecutive win from as many outings this season;two of those victories have been against today’s rivals.
The spruced-up Tucville-based side feel they have the key to unlock the Army’s closed door and end their unbeaten run. They must,however,do two things: score when the opportunities arise, and have the physical strength to endure to the end.
“The fast-paced Army’s cohesive unit will continue to play in the same manner, and we get better with each game. I have no doubt that we will win”, Coach Nantambu told Chronicle Sport.
His opposite, Sampson Gilbert said, “ I am looking forward to a good game, but I am confident we will win.”
This third meeting, inside three months, of the top two sides in the country is being played at a 3rd different venue and with $1.5MGY on the line for the winner,fans can expect both sides bringing their ‘A’ game to the pitch this evening from the very first whistle at 19:00hrs.
The burly Jeffrey Perreira,who has scored thrice in the previous two meetings,will have to be closely marked by the Conquerors defence or he can yet again prove to be the match-winner.
The home side’s midfield will be led by the diminutive and elusive Eusi Phillips who is capable of scoring as well as creating goal-scoring opportunities. His main support will come from Jerome Richardson,along with Olvis Mitchell and Delroy Ferdinand.
The Conquerors’ attack will be led by the trio of Eon Alleyne, Jermin Junor and Pernel Schultz,with Konatta Manning and Jeremy Garrett controlling the midfield.
Solomon Austin and Delon Williams are the mainstay in defense, but the team will be looking to another superb night between the uprights from their captain and goalkeeper, Derek Carter. The former national custodian had an outstanding night last Friday that inspired and propelled his team into today’s final.
Tonight’s loser will cash in on $700,000. Kings,for placing 3rd, pocketed half-million while Buxton United earned $300,000.GY for finishing 4th.
Guyana’s top flight football kicks into second gear next Sunday with the start of the 2nd round of the 2016-17 Stag Elite League. The first round which climaxed last year December 12th, left GDF at the top of the six-pack on the maximum 15 points.
Conquerors occupy second position on 10 points and Devcon Victoria Kings third with 8 points. Fourth placed Buxton United has 6 points, followed by Monedderlust on three and propping up the bottom with a single point is Linden’s Topp XX.