It was night of red cards in Linden, as defending champion, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) defeated Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) All-Stars 3-0 on Wednesday evening in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Kashif and Shanghai Super-16 Championship.
The return of football to the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden, witnessed the issuing of three red cards for the UDFA, which certainly extinguished any hopes of the home side dethroning the current holders.
The first expulsion for the hosts occurred in the 26th minute, as Trevon Archibald was sent off by the official for a two-footed challenge on an opponent. Despite the numerical advantage, the army unit failed to capitalise as the score-line remained unchanged at 0-0.
The second red card transpired in the 67th minute and was issued to Jamal Haynes. The versatile attacker was given his marching orders after striking an opponent with the elbow after losing possession of the ball. Once again, dogged defending, this time with nine players, ensured the second half finished scoreless.
Nonetheless, GDF broke the deadlock in the 91st minute of extra time, as Sherwin Caesar stabbed his effort into the back of the net, after an initial strike was parried into his path by the custodian.
The second conversion quickly followed as Ian Dooker recorded the first of two eventual goals in the 98th minute. Collecting the ball on the left side, Dooker, upon cutting onto his right foot, uncorked a powerful strike into the far corner.
Dooker then completed his double in a similar fashion in the 109th minute. On this occasion, the conversion emanated from the right flank, as the wily attacker raced into the final third and thumped a left-footed effort into the back of the net.
The final newsworthy moment of the clash transpired one minute later as the third red card was issued by the referee. This time, Qualon Andries was the recipient of the expulsion for showing dissent and directing abusive language at the official, as UDFA All-Stars ended the contest with eight men.
GDF will now oppose Milerock in the quarterfinal matchup, after the latter overcame the East Bank Demerara All-Stars 2-0. Rajon Ramdehall and Colwyn Drakes secured the result with conversions in the 45th +2 and 75th minute respectively.
A brilliant individual effort broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime, as Ramdehall curled a right footed free kick into the top right hand of the net from outside the left of the penalty box.
Drakes then sealed the outcome 15 minutes before the conclusion of normal time, racing away from the defender, before slotting past the goalkeeper following a one-on-one situation.
The tournament continues tomorrow with two fixtures at two venues. The lone fixture at the Bartica Community Centre will pit Western Tigers against the Bartica All-Stars from 20:30hrs. Ann’s Grove will engage the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at 20:30hrs at the Buxton Community Centre ground.
The winner of the tournament will pocket $2,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up will collect $1,000,000. The third and fourth place finishers will receive $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.
