A new champion will be crowned today in the Den Amstel Knockout Football Cup as Uitvlugt dethroned titlist Pouderoyen 2-1 on Friday at the National Track and Field Centre Leonora to seal a clash with Den Amstel in the final at 20:30hrs.
Uitvlugt took the lead in the 12th minute under fortuitous circumstances in the fixture which was a rematch of last year’s final as, a simple long ball from goalkeeper Shawn Brower, bounced over the head of Pouderoyen custodian Sherwin Bernard and settled into the back of the net, much to the amazement of the his teammates and the spectators.
Trayon Bobb doubled Uitvlugt’s lead in the 73rd minute, latching onto a pass from the right side before lashing his effort into the far corner from inside the right of the penalty box. Pouderoyen eventually recorded a consolation goal through Kevin Humphrey in the 90th minute, the player curling a free-kick from 30 yards out on the left side of the field, into the roof of the net.
On the other hand, Den Amstel secured their place in the final after downing Eagles FC 8-5 in the second semi-final matchup. Delon Lanferman netted five times in the third, 16th, 26th, 35th and 60th minute respectively.
He was assisted by Kester Jacobs, Quincy Ashley and Travis Hilliman who scored in the 44th, 45th+1 and 90th minute respectively. For the loser, Jeffrey Adams, Orette Stephenson, Daniel Clarke and Chris Macey netted in the 22nd, 57th, 84th and 90th+2 minute respectively. Adding to their tally was an own goal in the 57th minute.
The two losing semi-finalists will face-off in the third place playoff at 18:30hrs. Winner of the tournament will pocket $200,000 and the championship trophy while the runner-up will receive $100,000 and the corresponding accolade. The third and fourth placed teams will receive $75,000 and $50,000 apiece and the corresponding trophy.
Individual prizes will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Highest Goal Scorer (HGS), Best Goalkeeper, Most Disciplined Team and the Best Coach.
