Eagles FC and Amelia’s Ward Panthers sealed their semi-final berths in the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) leg of the NAMILCO u17 championship yesterday at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.
Eagles FC overcame Hi-Stars 1-0 with Omar Duke finding the back of the net in the 63rd minute.
Following a scoreless first half period, Duke recorded a brilliant individual effort, skipping past several challenges from the opposing players, before lashing his effort into the back of the net to seal the win.
Amelia’s Ward Panthers then needled fierce rival Topp XX 1-0. Chadrack McKenzie etched his name on the scorer’s sheet in the 34th minute.
In an invited comment James Trotman, Organizing Secretary of the UDFA said, “Some of the teams are more tactical than others even though you witnessing talent in all the teams. To be honest I am not satisfied with the quality, some of the teams have players who are on holidays and who are also working which has affected the quality of the games.”
The tournament is set to resume tomorrow [Friday] with the semi-final round of matches. Amelia’s Ward will now oppose Botofago at 13:00hrs while Milerock will match skills with Eagles from 15:00hrs.
Due to the persistent rainfall affecting the mining town, the UDFA decided to stage the tournament utilizing a knockout format instead of its initial league formula.
This was done to ensure a representative from the association is produced to feature in the National Playoffs.
All matches once deadlocked at the end of regulation time, will immediately progress to penalty kicks. The dates for the semifinal round will be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, the West Demerara leg of the event will resume tomorrow at the National Track and Field Center, Leonora. Den Amstel will oppose Wales in the lone fixture at 4:00pm.
On Sunday three matches will be staged at the same venue. Wales will battle Hurry ATE from 9:00am, while Den Amstel opposes Uitvlugt in the second encounter at 11:00am. The final match will pit Eagles against Pouderoyen from 1:30pm.
Complete Results
Game-1
Amelia’s Ward-1 vs Topp XX-0
Chadrack McKenzie-34th
Game-2
Hi-Stars-0 vs Eagles-1
Omar Duke-63rd
