THE country’s top club football team, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) put in a valiant effort on Friday evening in Curacao but fell away in the latter stages to suffer an embarrassing 6-2 defeat to Grenades FC of Antigua and Barbuda in the 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield championship.

Abumchi Benjamin dazzled after the opening whistle to put the opposition in defensive mode. He would get his chance as he came within striking distance in the 16th minute but was fouled by Jordan Britto.

Kelsey Benjamin then was presented with a golden opportunity to score after the referee awarded the penalty kick to Guyana.

Benjamin would run up to the spot and with a right footed strike in the uprights, converted the chance to give Guyana the lead in the 20th minute of the contest.

Grenades FC’s Sherman Augustin leveled the scores after tapping in a loose ball in the 35th minute.

On the resumption Ryan Hackett came tantalizingly close to burying a free kick only to be denied by Grenades FC custodian Zaieem Scott with a tip out the net.

Scott was fabulous on the night as he withstood several attempts from GDF FC. GDF would prove unrelenting and continue to test their opponent in the 30 yard circle throughout the game.

Grenades FC strike in the 65th minute off of Barrington Blake gave them the lead for the first time and seemed to have put the team into second gear, as Malcolm Stewart added his name to the scoresheet in the 71st minute soon after.

As the Antigua and Barbuda side took a 3-1 lead the floodgates opened and they played with more purpose and freedom.

Goals followed from Luis Labrada 74’, Rakeem Henry in the 78’ boosted the advantage, 5-1.

GDF Shemar Scott then emerged to try and save his team with a goal in the 82nd minute to make it 5-2 as they pulled back the lead.

Grenades FC Daryl Massicot completed the rout in added time as they capped off a come from behind victory 6-2.

The win sees them advance to play Bonaire club SV Real Rincon in the Round of 16 today.

Meanwhile, CCCUL Dublanc FC from Dominica will move on to the Round of 16 after they defeated Junior Stars FC of Sint Martin 2-0