–Region 9 & 3 register first wins

By Calvin Chapman
THE One Guyana President’s Cup football tournament got off to a spirited start last night at the National Track & Field Centre (NTFC), at Leonora, West Demerara, with a double-header featuring Region 6 versus Region 9 in a cracking opening match, which the latter won 5-4 before the official March Past and ceremonial kickoff.

Among notable attendees were H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Ministers Charles Ramson, Collin Croal and Kwame McCoy, along with GFF head Wayne Forde and Sir Clive Lloyd.

During his feature address, the Head of State mentioned that this tournament is a chance for the players to showcase their individual and collective effort.

He further shared that the Government of Guyana is backing the initiative, and “wants the players to have the best opportunity to get to the World Cup”.

Noting also that this tournament is the first step towards removing all barriers preventing the Golden Jaguars from delivering their best performances, President Ali hinted that the government is working on developing facilities in each administrative region in Guyana in an attempt to decentralise the sport and give each community equal opportunities to be able to compete.

Wayne Forde, during his remarks stated, “It’s a wonderful time for the beautiful game of football in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, in the first match of the tournament, Stephen McDonald created history with the first hat-trick of the tournament, which was instrumental in ensuring Region Nine secured three points in their first ‘Group A’ clash. Sherral Daniels scored a wonderful long-range strike to put Region Nine 3-0 up, while Matrim Martin netted once as well for the winners.

Region Six looked flat in the first 10 minutes of the game, but after going down 3-0, they managed to net two goals in the first half, through individual efforts from Leonardo Adams (32nd minute) and Keon Williams (45th minute) to end the first period of play 4-2. The comeback was on as Captain Dane Johnson (62nd minute) and substitute Allista Williams (84th minute) orchestrated the fightback.

However, with the score locked 4-4, McDonald completed his hat-trick in added time, with an expert finish after being released on goal.

In the second match, Region Three trampled Region One 6-0.

The One Guyana President’s Cup is a collaboration between the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation.
Matches continue on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various venues.