Football fans can expect a scorcher when Guyana Defence Force (GDF) battle Beacons Football Club in the 5th Annual NAMILCO final this evening at the Tucville ground.
Both teams are hyped up and raring to go as they set sight on the $1 million top prize which is at stake.
The army boys did not have an easy march into the final but their upset 1-0 win over Fruta Conquerors in the semi-finals proved to be a decisive victory over tournament hosts, Conquerors.
The GDF also triumphed over Black Pearl 4-2 before squeezing past Santos FC 1-0 in their quarter-final showdown.
Coach and former national goalkeeper Denzil `Hunky Brains’ Thompson will be relying heavily on his potent strike force which will include Delwyn Fraser – who has scored two goals so far in the tournament – Delroy Deane, Rodwell Sandy, Marlon Benjamin and Desford Williams,
Beacons had easier route to the final following the withdrawal of defending champions Alpha United.
The Beacons side had beaten Northern Rangers 4-0 and got the better of Sunburst Camptown 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals.
They sat out the semi-finals in what would have been a keen contest against Alpha United.
The Beacons side will be looking to their in-form players Philip Rowley, Paul Giles, Dellon Cadogan, Jerome Richardson and Rensford Coleridge.
Forty three goals have been scored so far in the competition with Pernel Shultz of Conquerors being the leader with three goals followed by Fraser and Devon Forde of Camptown with two goals each.
Camptown and Conquerors will square off to decide the third place team in what is also anticipated to be another enthralling encounter between the arch-rivals.
The runners-up is set to receive $500,000 with the team finishing third taking home $200,000 and the fourth placed team, $100,000.
President of Fruta Conquerors Football Club, Marlan Cole, said the tournament was very competitive adding that spectators can look forward to two entertaining matches.
He expressed gratitude to National Milling Company (NAMILCO for sponsoring the tournament for another year and also identified several companies for their support including Banks DIH, Prudential Industrial Technology, Guyana Beverage Company Star Party Rental, Global Technology (scholarships for two promising players), Junior Jewelley and Gift Shop (Highest Goal scorer), 2 J’s General Store (Most Valuable Player, Bayridge Taxi Service (Best goalkeeper prize).
The third place match will start at 19:00 hours while the final will get cracking at 21:00 hours.
Cole said both government officials and members of the Opposition have been invited to view the two matches.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Managing Director of NAMILCO Bert Sukhai had met the teams on the opening night of the tournament two weeks ago.
