TWO of four quarter-final clashes in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/KFC U-20 Independence Cup National Playoffs yesterday saw Upper Demerara FA champions Botofago FC and East Coast Demerara outfit, Dynamic FC, book semi-final spots with wins in their respective fixtures.

Playing in the first match of the day at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara, Dynamic took on New Amsterdam United and came out on top in a relatively one-sided affair with three second-half goals ensuring they will feature in the semi-finals next weekend.

While the first half went by goalless, Abguyi Aewery opened Dynamic’s account in the 78th minute before Shamar Dublin in the 86th and Keon Williams in the 90th minutes put their side firmly into the semis.

Meanwhile, in the second and final quarter-final fixture of the day, Botofago needed a goal in the closing stages of their match against Timehri Panthers to go through.

 It was an action-packed game with Botofago taking the lead in the first half as Andree Mayers struck in the 42nd minute to put his team 1-0 up at halftime. However, the Panthers levelled in the 66th minute through the boot of Ernest McLean and just six minutes later (72nd minute) they went 2-1 up when Shanon Samnauth scored.

Botofago had other ideas though and Jamiane Kingston drew his team level in the 77th minute before Leon Jones netted in the final minute (90+1) to break the Timehri Panthers’ hearts and seal a semi-final berth for his side.

Matches continue today at the same venue when Georgetown Association runners-up Santos FC clash with Strikers FC at 13:00hrs.

Georgetown Association champions Fruta Conquerors will tackle Buxton United in what is set to be one of the tournament’s most exciting clashes at 15:30hrs.

Winners of the tournament will pocket $500 000 plus a trophy and medals while second-placers will collect $300 000, a trophy and medals.

For their efforts, third-place finishers will receive $200 000, a trophy and medals while fourth place will collect a prize, a trophy and medals.

The semi-finals are set for next Saturday with the third-place and final on July 1. (Michelangelo Jacobus)