Three-time defending champion Showstoppers engages Up-Top-Bosses, while Ballers Empire tackles Brothers United in the semi-final round tonight, following quarterfinal wins in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Zone on Wednesday.
Showstoppers downed inaugural winner West Side Ballers 3-0 to clinch a record fifth consecutive semi-final appearance at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.
Stephon Jupiter opened the scoring in front of a large crowd in the 26th minute, after the first half ended scoreless.
The contest was then put to bed, as Marvin Josiah then recorded a ‘Guinness Goal’ [GG] [any goal scored in the final three minutes of regulation time and extra time, will be counted as two goals] in the 28th minute.
With the win, Showstoppers set up a rematch with Up-Top-Bosses from the initial ground stage, after the latter defeated Jetty 2-1.
Amaniki Buntin and Dellon Lanferman scored in the 14th and 26th minute respectively for the victor. For the loser, McKay Smith netted in the eight minute.
On the other hand, Ballers Empire created the biggest upset of the event, defeating highly favoured ESPN 2-0 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended scoreless.
They will now oppose Brothers United, who defeated Bagotstown Warriors 1-0 on sudden death penalty kicks, following a 0-0 score at the end of normal time. The four losing quarter finalists will match skills in the Plate Championship for $60,000.
Bagotstown will take aim at ESPN, while Jetty will lock horns with West Side Ballers. Both matches will be staged before the semi-final fixtures.
Winner of the event will collect $500,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will receive $250,000 and the corresponding accolade.
On the other hand, the third and fourth place teams will pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and a trophy. The other playing dates are February 6th, 8th, with the final pencilled for the 15th.
