Latest update January 17th, 2025 6:30 AM
GDF and Alpha to clash in GFF Super League final
Thump Sunburst Camptown 3-0; Alpha edge Milerock 3-2 in extra time
Marlon Benjamin
Dwain Jacobs
By Franklin Wilson
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with rifles well serviced and to the ready fired their way past old nemesis Sunburst Camptown 3-0 in the feature semi-final of the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Super League sponsored by FIFA under the Win in CONCACAF with CONCACAF project at the Guyana National Stadium Providence on Sunday evening.
The first semi-final between Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United and Milerock saw the hammer falling on the latter in a hard fought contest which had to be decided in extra time 3-2 following an exciting 2-2 regulation score line.
The day’s first game, a female clash in the GFF Women’s National League ended in 3-3 stalemate between Linden and East Coast. Stacey Hope (14, 30 & 75) netted all the goals for Linden; Sasha Greaves (48 & 87) had a double for East Coast with the other off the boot of Ronelle Goring in the 36th minute. Georgetown won the League ahead of Lethem with Bartica 3rd and Linden 4th.
Shawn Bishop
Eusi Philips
Like he predicted before the game, GDF Coach Marlon Washington scored the first goal of the game even though it was some time in coming, fatiguing forward Delroy Deen finally broke the shackles that the Camptown back four had on him to bang the ball past custodian Riche Richards in the 53rd minute.
The first half ended without much fireworks in a contest which saw neither team giving up space in the attacking third. But the Army, the more focused unit, was finally able to break the deadlock after which they had no trouble in controlling the game the way they wanted. It was not long after they doubled the advantage as Camptown lost their concentration.
The petite but hard working Eusi Philips collected he ball just inside the final third weaved his way past two Camptown players before unleashing a well directed left foot shot to the far post at main pavilion end where the nets gleefully accepted the ball in the 62nd minute.
Delroy Deen
Up to this point, Camptown who had triumphed in the preliminary stage by a 2-0 margin against the Army still had thoughts of getting even but the Soldiers would not allow their opponents to get close as they kept at bay while keeping up the offensive.
Both sides injected fresh legs into the game at varying points in the second half but it was the Army that always looked the better oiled unit.
Both Camptown forwards Nigel Codrington and Telson McKinnon were kept out effectively and even the chances they created were not put away.
The deal was sealed beyond any doubt in the 82nd minute, Marlon Benjamin easing past the defence on the right side to finish in style. Camptown’s Troy Prescod was red carded by Referee Lancaster for spitting on an opposing player after the game which means he will miss his sides third place game against Milerock on Sunday at the same venue.
Milerock, following a determined display fell to Guyana’s top club, Alpha 3-2 in extra time, the winners maintaining their unbeaten and phenomenal record.
Linden’s top side matched the more experienced city side in every department but in the end, the never say die approach of the star studded Alpha made the difference.
Milerock went under 2-0 in the preliminary contest but were in no mood to allow Alpha to dictate the flow of the contest. Nineteen (19) minutes into the game the Linden side stunned the Cellink Premier League champions when Randy Jerome breached their defence.
But like a true top side, it did not take long for Alpha to neutralize the advantage, Anthony Harding finishing from a corner kick in the 23rd minute.
Derrol Dainty beat Guyana’s custodian Ronson Williams at the near post with a beauty in the 51st minute but like the first goal, Alpha quickly established neutrality when substitute Dwain Jacobs tucked his shot past Milerock’s man between the uprights, Michael Rose 3 minutes later.
Rose brought off some excellent saves for his team throughout the encounter including a point blank shot from Shawn Bishop inside the 6 yard box.
Bruising exchanges continued but no goals were scored resulting in extra time (30 minutes) where Alpha took the lead for the first time and eventually the game, Bishop finally being able to hit the network in the 115th minute.
Alpha will now face the GDF in the Million Dollar final set for Sunday at the same venue.
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