Airstrip pips RH Lions in sudden death penalty shootout

Defending champions Air Strip recaptured their Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Mahdia Inter-Block Football Tournament title after defeating Roger Hinds (RH) Lions on sudden death penalty kicks.

The tournament is usually played for trophies and bragging rights around the country, but businessman Hinds and the proprietor of Mandy’s One Stop Shop, all of the Mahdia area, together contributed $130,000 for the first and second prize money to add a bit more value to this year’s tournament.

RH Lions opened the score sheets 59 minutes into the game through Damous Prince but five minutes after Naquacy Leitch equalized for the champions.

The two sides played though regulation and extra time with the scored tied at one goal a piece and so the match went into penalty.

After 10 kicks, the scores were tied once again 3-3 and since it was a finals, the game went into sudden death to see who would take home the coveted trophy and money.

RH Lions shot first and missed their chance from the charity spot, but Airstrip made good of their kick and went home $100,000 richer, thanks to Roger Hinds.

The Lions had to settle for second place and $30,000.

The Sports Ministry’s Parliamentary Secretary Steve Ninvalle said that he was pleased with the level of competition shown by the players this year and also thanked the businesses who came out in support of the event.

He added that the Mahdia leg of the inter-block tournament was a part of Guyana’s Independence celebrations.