– Thrilling semi-final sets stage for GFF/K&S Super 16 ‘dream’ final

PRE-tournament favourites Western Tigers and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) prevailed in their respective semi-finals on Wednesday evening, to set up what many are calling the ‘dream’ finals of this year’s Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Kashif and Shanghai Super 16 year-end tournament, on January 1, 2022.

Playing at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, in front of capacity crowd managed by the country’s National COVID-19 Task Force, Western Tigers came from behind to defeat the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club (FC) 2-1, while GDF, similarly edged Den Amstel 3-1 on kicks from the penalty spot.

The opening game was a contest many local pundits had hoped for, taking into consideration that they are being coached by two iconic figures in Guyanese football.

Former National captain and Assistant National coach, Charles ‘Lilly’ Pollard, is at the helm of the West Ruimveldt outfit which boasts several of the country’s top national players, while GPF FC was coached by one of the most successful National coaches, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover; a proven and tested tactician who also had an abundance of talent on his roster.

As forecast, the game came down to the decisions made on the sidelines by the two coaches, just as much as it did on the pitch.

The gruelling contest between the two sides saw a goalless first half, until Jermain Junor broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful goal.

Several changes made by both coaches saw Pollard replace Andrew Murray, Kevon Woodley and Joshua Browne, with William Europe, Randolph Wagner and Ralph Edwards, while Dover inputted Darren Benjamin and Oswald Cornett for Trevon Pluck and Kevis Fraser.

The changes for Pollard proved to be fruitful, as Europe equalised in the 85th minute. Trayon Bobb’s goal two minutes later (87th) turned out to be the icing on the cake and just what Pollard needed to see – his team playing on New Year’s Day.

Meanwhile, Den Amstel backed by a vociferous home crowd, produced a stunning display of football, but, the 2019 Year-End Super 16 Champions, proved why they claimed the trophy on January 1, 2020.

Chris Macey sent GDF ahead on the stroke of halftime (45th) to give them a 1-0 lead heading into the final stanza.

However, back-to-back goals from Gideon Payne in the 51st and 59th minute provided the story-book comeback for Den Amstel and their highly enthusiastic fans.

But not to be outdone, GDF fought back all guns blazing and that resulted in Ian Dooker equalising in the 87th minute.

Several valiant efforts by Den Amstel were thwarted by resolute defending by the GDF.

The 2-2 score-line at the end of regulation forced extra periods to determine a winner, but with both teams holding their own at both ends of the pitch, it came down to kicks from the penalty spot.

Leo-Orion Lovell couldn’t connect for Den Amstel, while Sherwin Caesar scored to give the GDF the 1-0 advantage following their first kick.

Gideon Payne connected to level the score 1-1, but former National Youth captain and Collegiate football standout, Jeremy Garett, scored to keep the Army’s control on the proceedings.

Down 1-2, goalkeeper Keanu Lawrence missed his chance but luckily, GDF’s Jeffrey Pereira did the same.

The scores remained 1-2 with the GDF still in control. When Kevin Dundas missed his chance for Den Amstel and National defender Colin Nelson netted, the scores pushed to 1-3 for the Army who will make a return to their second year-end final in consecutive tournaments.

Coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson and his troops will now look to cash-in on the tournament’s $2M first-place prize, but in his way would be his former student, Charles ‘Lilly’ Pollard and a flamboyant Western Tigers unit.

They will meet on New Year’s Day (January 1, 2022), while the third-place game will see Den Amstel and the Guyana Police Force renew their rivalry for bragging rights and $500 000. Second-place will pocket $1M while $250 000 will go to the fourth-place team.