The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) overcame Western Tigers 8-7 via sudden death penalty kicks to win the KFC League Cup on Monday evening at the Eve Leary Ground, Kingston.
Forced to utilise the penalty shoot-out realm to determine a winner, after full time ended 0-0, the first round ended 1-1, as the Western Tigers scored to commence the process, and the army unit also converted. The second and third rounds mirrored the aforementioned, as both teams netted to push the score to 3-3.
The drama then unfolded in the fourth stanza, as the Western Tigers converted, only for the GDF to miss from the distance in the form of Darrell George, who was denied by custodian Richie Richards to preserve the West Ruimveldt’s 4-3 advantage.
possession while being challenged
by Benjamin Opara of the GDF
Needing only to score at the start of the fifth round to secure the title, the Western Tigers handed GDF a lifeline, as William Europe was denied by goalkeeper Jamaine Cumberbatch. GDF quickly capitalised on their opponent’s misfortune, as Colin Nelson scored to level proceedings at 4-4 and push the fixture into the sudden death realm.
Both teams then displayed efficiency at this juncture, as the score skyrocketed to 7-7 following three conversions on either side. The Western Tigers then handed GDF an opportunity to secure the win following Jermaine Beckles failure from the distance after he was denied by Cumberbatch. Similarly, GDF spurned their chance at the title as Cumberbatch struck the woodwork to end the eighth round.
However, the GDF goalkeeper would make amends for his miss, as he denied opposing number Richards low to his right. Amos Ramsay then sealed the outcome as he slotted into the left side to spark celebrations in the GDF camp.
With the win, the army unit walked away with $1,500,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the loser pocketed $1,000,000. Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrested Buxton United 3-0 in the third-place playoff. The trio of Pernell Schultz, Neron Barrow, and Nicholas MacArthur found the back of the net in the 61st, 69th, and 86th minutes, respectively.
Due to the outcome, GPF received $500,000 and the corresponding accolade, while Buxton United received $250,000 and a trophy. On the individual side of the presentation, Chris Macey of GDF copped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, while teammate Cumberbatch walked away with the Best Goalkeeper title. The Highest Goal Scorer Award went to Randolph Wagner of the Western Tigers.
Complete Results
Final
Western Tigers-0 vs GDF-0
GDF won 8-7 on sudden death penalty kicks
3rd Place
GPF-3 vs Buxton United-0
Pernell Schultz-61st
Neron Barrow-69th
Nicholas MacArthur-86th
