By Emmerson Campbell
Back Circle Stallions (Team Guyana) trampled Team Antigua 5 goals to nil in their opening match of the three-night inaugural Guinness Caribbean Street Football Challenge last night at the National Park tarmac.
Double strikes by Daniel Favourite (fifth and 14 minutes), Bertie Pedro (eighth and 19th minutes) and a goal by Vincent Thomas on the stroke of half time (10th minute) completed the goal fest by the local side. With the victory, the Stallions earned three points and have inched closer to the first prize of the US$4000 and a complete Futsal hard court in their community.
In the first match of the evening, St Vincent edged St Lucia 1 goal to nil. A third-minute goal by Juma Jilkes was all St Vincent needed for the victory.
The results for the remaining games last night between Trinidad and St Lucia, Antigua and St Vincent and Guyana versus Trinidad will be carried in tomorrow’s edition.
Action will continue tonight with Antigua tackling Trinidad in the first match, St Vincent will take on Guyana followed by Antigua versus St Lucia, Trinidad will battle St Vincent and Guyana will then take on St Lucia.
After a round robin preliminary format, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-final. The winner of each semi-final will do battle in the final game which will be staged tomorrow night. The first, second and third runners-up will receive US$2,000 and a trophy, US$1,500 and a trophy and US$1,000 and a trophy respectively.
Banks DIH Limited outfitted all five teams with warm up and playing gear. Barclays’ Premier League, Stoke City striker and Guinness Street Football Ambassador Kenwyn Jones will grace the event tonight and tomorrow while Jamaican Reggae singer Bugle is expected to perform on the night of the finals.
Spectators are expected to flock the National Park in their numbers to witness history in this format of the game with the number of participating teams from abroad.
Kick off time is 19:00 hrs and admission is $500. Brief remarks were made by president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Franklin Wilson, Sales and Marketing Executive of Banks DIH Limited, Carlton Joao, Garret Geddes, Brand Manager for Guinness Caribbean and by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport Alfred King.
