With only four teams left standing, two intriguing matchups will highlight the semi-final round in the third annual Stag Beer West Demerara Independence Knockout Cup today at the Leonora Sports Facility.
In the feature contest of the night, hosts Slingerz FC will renew their budding rivalry with Georgetown- based unit Pele FC from 21:00hrs. Slingerz FC sealed their spot in the final four following a 2-0 victory over Grove Hi-Tech of East Bank Demerara.
Dwain Jacobs and Captain Tichard Joseph were on target during the victory and will be expected to lead a star-studded offence including the likes of Vurlon Mills, Dexroy Adams and Clive Nobrega when play commences.
Defensively, the hosts have yet to be breached in the tournament and will hope to maintain that record led by their formidable rear-guard of Colin Nelson, Joshua Browne and Solomon Austin.
Pele on the other hand, was made to work in their 2-1 win over Uitvlugt Warriors in their previous engagement. Omallo Williams was the saviour for the Georgetown side with a double and will be called upon to ignite the offence once more in conjunction with Okeene Fraser and Jamal Cozier.
On the defensive end, the Georgetown giants will need a disciplined and resolute display from the likes of Shemroy Arthur, Joshua Kamal and Keoma Gravesande alongside Devon Charles between the uprights, if they are to emerge victorious.
The opening matchup at 19:00hrs will pit unlikely semi-finalist Ann’s Grove United against the youthful Fruta Conquerors FC. While they might not possess the household names of their foes, the East Coast Demerara unit sealed their place in the final four stage with a gritty 2-1 win over Den Amstel.
They will require another determined collective performance if they are to overcome their capable foes. However the Tucville-based unit will be brimming with confidence following their 2-1 win over Pouderoyen.
Jermin Junior led the offence in the previous win with a double and will be needed once more alongside the trio of Dwayne Lindy, Travis Thornhill and Delon Williams. Defensively, Raphael Edwards will lead the developing backline as they aim to seal a clean-sheet and a place in the finale.
The winner will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy while the second, third and fourth-placed units will receive $300,000, $150,000 and $100,000 correspondingly and the respective accolade.
Financial incentives will also be given to the bottom four finishers, with the resulting fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth-positioned teams walking away with $75,000, $60,000, $50,000 and $40,000 correspondingly.
