Buxton Stars and Pele will contest the final of the East Coast Sweet 16 Football Championship following hard-fought semifinal wins at the Buxton Community Centre ground.
Meanwhile, Pele sealed their berth to the championship fixture with a 5-3 victory over traditional rival Santos after regulation time ended at 2-2. Prior to the aforesaid conclusion, Marvin Carter handed Santos the lead via a 10th-minute strike. However, Solomon Austin equalised for Pele two minutes later.
Santos immediately restored their one-goal advantage as Orwin Bishop found the back of the net in the 13th minute.
The score remained unchanged entering the halftime interval. However, the eventual outcome materialised after Justin Williams restored parity to proceedings for Pele in the 76th minute.
The hosts, Buxton Stars, edged Mahaica 2-1. Matthew Chidune handed the home side the early lead via a third minute strike. However, Kevin Sherwood provided the equaliser for the visitors as he slotted past the goalkeeper in the 45th minute.
Nevertheless, Chidune would seal the victory as he completed his brace in the 87th minute.
Complete Results
Game-1
Pele-2 vs Santos-2
Pele won 5-3 on penalty kicks
Pele scorers
Solomon Austin-12th
Justin Williams-76th
Santos scorer
Marvin Carter-10th
Orwin Bishop-13th
Game-2
Mahaica-1 vs. Buxton Stars-2
Buxton Stars scorer
Matthew Chidune-3rd and 87th
Mahaica scorer
Kevin Sherwood-45th
