Traditional rivals will lock horns today when Western Tigers battle Santos in the grand finale of the ‘Stag Nations Cup’ football tournament at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda from 21:00hrs.
The contest is a clash of contrasting methods, effectively pitting offence against defence and experience against youth with the victor pocketing $2,000,000 and the championship trophy while the runners-up will receive $1,000,000 and the corresponding accolade.
Tigers earned their place in the championship match after surviving the ever-improving Guyana Police Force (GPF) via a sudden death penalty shootout in the semifinal stage.
On the other hand, Santos punched their ticket to the final after edging Riddim Squad 1-0. For many pundits though, the West Ruimveldt unit is the favourite. In terms of their numbers, the Tigers are the event’s leading strike-force with 18 conversions accumulated following lopsided wins over Flamingo and Pouderoyen by 8-0 and 9-1 margins respectively and the 1-1 stalemate with the lawmen. This translates to an impressive six goals per match.
Randolph Wagner and Dwayne McLennon are the main threats with a tourney leading four conversions each while the versatile Darren Benjamin has scored two goals.
Supporting the trio will be the capable cast of Joshua Britton, Jorell Tyrell, Andre Webber, Anthony Sancho, Jamal Pedro, Joshua Ramotar, Rensford Coleridge and Shamar Wilson, scorers of one goal each.
On the defensive end, the Tigers have shipped in two goals. However, both conversions occurred in their previous two matches, a trend they will need to end if they are to secure the title.
Santos are polar opposites to their opponents with an emphasis on defence being their guiding light throughout the competition.
Examination of their defensive numbers highlight a team that has only conceded once, which is the best record in the tournament.
Vassel Cantzlaar, Troy Lewis and Samuel Hunte lead a rearguard effort which secured wins over Herstelling Raiders and Uitvlugt Warriors respectively in the initial stages. An identical display will be needed to stop the rampant Tigers.
With regard to their attacking capabilities, Santos has recorded eight goals at a healthy rate of 2.6 goals per game.
Rising star Keith Caines leads their young contingent with three goals while star midfielder Job Caesar and the underrated Orin Yarde have etched their names on the scorer’s sheet twice, alongside a solitary strike from Dellon David.
In the third place playoff at 19:00hrs, Riddim Squad will battle GPF, with the winner walking away with $500,000 and a trophy. The loser will pocket $300,000 and a trophy.
