Fruta Conquerors will tackle the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) today in the final of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) League Leaders tournament at the Camp Ayanganna ground from 19:00hrs after the defeated Devcon Victoria Kings 1-0 in the semi-final Friday.
The conditions certainly influenced proceedings at the Victoria Ground as both teams struggled throughout the fixture with a soggy surface and heavy wind making their presence felt.
The visitors recorded what proved to be the eventual winner in the fifth minute when Jeremy Garrett unleashed a powerful shot over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net, after cutting into the centre of the field.
However, the home side had several opportunities to fashion the equaliser as the visitors struggled significantly more in adapting to the conditions.
Aubrey Gibson was denied in the 22nd minute at point blank range as his right foot volley from inside the six yard area, was tipped acrobatically over the crossbar by custodian Derrick Carter.
The veteran midfielder, Gibson, forced another brilliant save from Carter in the 36th minute and his powerful left foot strike from outside the box was tipped around the left upright.
An unchallenged header from Gibson in the 41st minute was placed wide of the left corner, after latching onto a cross as Kings continued to craft the better chances with Conquerors content to sit back and defend.
The second half was all about the hosts as they bombarded the Fruta Conquerors backline with wave after wave of attempts in an effort to restore parity to the proceedings.
Gibson was once again denied by Carter in the 63rd minute, curling free-kick from outside the left of the box, which was parried acrobatically by the diving Carter at full stretch to his left.
Despite all their possession, Kings were held at bay by the determined Fruta Conquerors backline which led to the issuing of two red cards in the space of seconds for the hosts as the contest got heated in the dying stages.
Sherlock Dowden was sent off in the 90th+3 for striking an opponent during a tackle while Sherwin Skeete was given marching orders for throwing the ball into the face of Jermin Junior moments later.
With the result, Fruta Conquerors will battle GDF in a rematch of the earlier round which was won by the latter 2-1 for the top prize of $1,500,000 and the championship trophy. The loser will receive $700,000 and the corresponding accolade.
Victoria Kings will now tackle Buxton United in the third place playoff, which is also rematch of the event’s first elimination fixture. The winning team will walk away with $500,000 while the loser will pocket $300,000.
Meanwhile, Rupununi teams Piawomak FC and St. Ignatius FC will meet in the final of the Women’s Developmental League today at the Camp Ayanganna ground, following walkover semi-final wins. Piawomak gained a walkover from Fruta Conquerors and St. Ignatius from the GDF.
