Defending champion Bent Street, Sparta Boss, Leopold Street, Broad Street and Melanie secured berths to the knockout round when the NSC/Magnum Futsal Championship continued on Saturday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
However, the evening was marred by the non-appearance of the Guyana Football Federation [GFF] referees, forcing the organizer to solicit the services of a former official and player to officiate the matches.
This was in spite of the federation sanctioning the tournament. The subsequent non-appearance of the referees forced proceedings to commence three hours later than its 20:00hrs start time.
Nonetheless, the late start did not deter the large fan-base and the teams, who waited patiently to witness and contest several high profile matches.
According to the organizers, it was never indicated that the officials would not have been present at the venue nor was any reason given for their non-appearance.
Meanwhile, Bent Street downed Kingston 2-0. Pernel Schultz and Sheldon Profit scored in the fourth and ninth minute.
Also, Sparta Boss defeated North Ruimveldt 1-0 in the feature affair. Recent recruit Ryan Hackett scored in the fifth minute.
Broad Street defeated Ol Skool Ballers 2-0. Rocky Gravesande and Ray Smith scored in the sixth and 13th minute. On the other hand, Leopold Street made light work of Agricola by a 6-0 scoreline.
Okeeny Fraser recorded a hat-trick in the fourth, 10th and 13th minute, while Darren Benjamin added a brace in third and 11th minute. Scoring a goal in the 12th minute was Mark Jhalu.
Melanie overcame Avocado Ballers 2-1. Rondel Assanah and Anil Hernandez scored in the fifth and 13th minute apiece. For the loser, Dexter Marshall scored in the eighth minute.
In other results, North East La Penitence and Stabroek Ballers defeated BV-B and California Square via respective walkovers.
Ansa McAl All-Stars and Albouystown battled to a 1-1 stalemate, while Buxton Diamond and Future Stars played to an identical scoreline.
The Rhythm Ballers and Silver Bullets clash was deemed a no-contest, as both teams failed to take the playing area.
The tournament continues tomorrow at the same venue. Below features the fixtures for the opening night of the knockout round.
Winner of the tournament will pocket $600,000, with the second and third place receiving $350,000 and $200,000 respectively. The fourth place side will collect $100,000.
Round of 16 Fixtures-Tuesday-19:00hrs
1. Ansa McAl vs Buxton Diamond
2. Showstoppers vs Tigerbay
3. Sophia vs Broad Street
4. Gold is Money vs Melanie
5. Bent Street vs Stabroek Ballers
6. Back Circle vs North Ruimveldt
7. Leopold Street vs Future Stars
8. Sparta Boss vs North East La Penitence
