The semi-final round in the third annual Greatest Guinness of the Streets East Coast of Demerara tourney will commence today at the Haslington Market Place tarmac.
In the feature showdown of the evening, former holders and undefeated Plaisance-A will lock horns with the always dangerous Beterverwagting (BV)-A unit from 22:30hrs.
History will be on the side of the former winners during the matchup as they have defeated BV-A 2-1 at the same stage in the inaugural edition of the event. In the shape of Warren Gilkes, Plaisance-A possess the tourney’s top scorer with four goals in as many outings.
Gilkes’ goal-scoring exploits, alongside Carlos Matthews and Kester Green’s contributions of two goals apiece earned Plaisance-A the title of the best offence with nine goals to date. On the defensive end, Plaisance-A have been notable, conceding only once during the tourney.
However, BV-A will not be a walk in the park for the Plaisance unit due to their all-round numbers. From an attacking standpoint, BV-A have recorded a capable six goals to date over their four matches.
Delroy Dean leads the way with three goals while Akin Curry has netted twice and Quacey Price once to round out the dangerous trident.
Despite suffering a loss in the group stage via the penalty kick route, their defensive numbers are also impressive as they have yet to be breached in the tourney. The opening semi-final matchup of the night at 22:00hrs will witness a battle of the unlikely contenders when Melanie-B faceoff with giants killers Nabaclis.
An upset 1-0 victory over holders Melanie-A in the quarterfinal round paved the way for Nabaclis to reach the semi-final round for the first time in event’s history.
Although their offensive abilities have been noteworthy with six goals netted compliments of two goals each from Carlos Kingston and quarterfinal hero Akamo Jack, defensively Nabaclis have been inconsistent.
Their rear-guard has been breached four times currently which translates to conceding a goal every match. An improved outing will be needed for them to clinch their berth to the final.
Whilst they might not possess the offensive numbers of Nabaclis, the Melanie-B unit has been a revelation defensively as they are yet to concede a goal in the tourney over the course of four matches.
To date they have netted three goals, with defender Amoniki Rodgers being the top scorer with two. However, if they are avoid the fate of their more storied comrades Melanie-A, another stellar performance from the backline will be needed.
Winners of the event will receive $300,000 and the championship trophy while the second place side will collect $150,000 and the runners-up accolade. The third and fourth place finishers will collect $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.
Upon the completion of the event, the top two teams in the tourney will represent the region at the national tournament to be hosted later in the year.
