Tourney heavyweights will collide when the semi-final round of the 25th edition of the Kashif and Shanghai football championship commences today at the Demerara Cricket Club ground in Queenstown.
The feature showdown at 20:30hrs will witness former winners facing off when Alpha ‘the Hammer’ United tackle arch-rivals Pele FC. Due to their exploits throughout the event, Alpha United will start the matchup as the clear favourite to progress to the final.
In the attacking front, the ‘Hammers’ led by the likes of Gregory `Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Manasseh Primo and Travis Grant among others, have certainly been menacing recording seven goals in two matches which translates to 3.5 goals per game.
Five of their registered conversions came in their 5-0 quarterfinal drubbing of Georgetown Football Club which also is the largest recorded score line of victory to date in the tourney.
On the defensive side, the national giants, due to the likes of Ronson Williams, Jamaal Smith, Quincy Madramootoo and Chris Camacho, have yet to be breached in two matches, further illustrating their dominance within the tournament.
While their path to the semi-final might not have been smooth sailing, traditional knockout specialist Pele FC is expected to be a sterner test for Alpha United.
A 1-0 win over Grove Hi-Tech in their opening fixture might not have displayed their attacking capabilities but the one-time winners responded with aplomb in their quarterfinal showdown, coming from a goal down to defeat Winners Connection 3-1.
Konata Manning has been the catalyst for Pele going forward with a highlight reel of three goals while the duo of Omallo Williams and Okeene Fraser have been brilliant in periods.
Defensively, Pele will prove to be a challenge to unlock for their free scoring opponents as they have only been breached once in two matches. In the opening semi-final matchup, West Demerara giants Bakewell Slingerz FC will match skills with Riddim Squad from 18:30hrs.
A battle tested campaign has typified the Vergenoegen side’s tourney to date as they have contested two 120-minute encounters against former champs Victoria Kings and Fruta Conquerors.
Offensively, Slingerz have netted a decent four goals over two matches through the exploits of Devon Millington, Dexroy Adams, Dwayne Lawrence and Anthony Abrams, all of whom have scored once.
However, on the defensive side of the ball, the Vergenoegen side has conceded two goals in as many matches. In both of their matches, they were breached despite seizing the early lead and as
such, will need an improved showing from the entire rearguard.
Similar to their foes, Riddim Squad’s passage to the final four has been achieved by a tested approach.
A 2-0 extra-time win in their opening game over New Amsterdam followed by a 4-1 penalty kick victory over Western Tigers following a scoreless assignment highlights a team that has struggled to find the back of the goal.
Much more will be expected from the combination of siblings Amos and Lyliton Ramsay alongside recruits Jahaal Greaves and Reshawn Sandiford.
From a defensive perspective, the Mocha-based outfit has been excellent, securing two clean sheets over the course of their two matches. Kester Alleyne and Ron Liverpool have led the backline with distinction and will be required to marshal the troops once more if they are to secure the result.
Winner of the event will receive the championship trophy and $2,000,000 while the runners-up will collect $1,000,000 and the respective title. The third and fourth placed teams will receive $500,000 and $250,000 respectively with the corresponding accolade.
Individual prizes will also be awarded for the most valuable player, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper.
