It was the changing of the guard as Slingerz FC were crowned the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF) season champions, edging Alpha United 1-0 on Sunday at the Leonora Sports Facility.
The matchup which was decided by a moment of individual brilliance from substitute forward Devon Millington, was needed to decide the overall winner of the Stag Beer Elite League.
Slingerz won the League Genesis title following a 3-2 win over Alpha United while the latter edged the former via penalty kicks to lay claim to the League Finale accolade, setting up what was the 11th meeting of the clubs.
Following a scoreless opening period, Millington came off the bench to make his presence felt in the second as he scored in the go-ahead winner in the 73rd minute.
Racing down the right side, the nippy forward skipped past the challenges of defenders Chris Camacho and Solomon Austin, before striking his effort from the top of the area across the body of custodian Richie Richards into the left corner, sending the sizeable crowd into a frenzy.
Due to the win, Slingerz FC earned the automatic berth to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship. For Alpha United, it was their first loss in a national league championship following five consecutive titles in the previous GFF National League.
On the other hand, the defeated side clinched the second berth to the Caribbean tournament after having the most accumulated points in both rounds exclusive of the eventual season champion.
Meanwhile in the opening exhibition encounter, Western Tigers and Den Amstel battled to a 1-1 result. Kevaughn Ward scored in the 55th minute for Den Amstel while Jamal Haynes equalised in the 73rd minute.
