‘Champion of Champions’ Futsal
Gold is Money and North East La Penitence will contest the final in the inaugural Chung Global ‘Champion of Champions’ Futsal competition tomorrow evening following contrasting semifinal victories on Wednesday night at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
West Front Road-based outfit Gold is Money thrashed Stabroek Ballerz by a 4-0 score. A double from Shemar Koulen led the rout. Koulen broke the deadlock following an eighth-minute effort into the left side of the net.
He then doubled his team’s advantage as he sealed his brace with a 21st-minute conversion. The experienced Andrew Murray Jr. then etched his name on the score-sheet in the 26th minute, slamming his effort into the left corner from inside the penalty area.
The result was then completed in the 30th minute as Jamal Pedro uncorked a powerful left-footed strike down the centre of the goal after cutting in from the right flank.
On the other hand, North East La Penitence squeaked past North Ruimveldt 1-0. Joshua Browne, who previously represented North Ruimveldt in past tournaments, proved to be the difference on the night as he found the back of the net in the 17th minute.
The losing semifinalists will contest the third-place playoff.
Tournament Coordinator Troy Lambert said, “After a gruelling five days, we are down to two teams, one of whom, in the form of North East La Penitence, are first-time finalists in a major futsal tournament, and traditional giant Gold is Money. This tournament has delivered everything, especially exciting matches and unexpected results, evident by the fact that major teams like Sparta Boss, Bent Street, and Back Circle failed to make the final four.”
He further said, “I’m proud that this tournament was controversy-free and very refreshing to the fans who witnessed numerous unexpected outcomes, which makes it one of the most competitive events in recent memory. I’m excited for the final because two major communities will be represented, one that is essentially a newcomer and the other that is a storied brand in this format.”
The winner of the event will pocket $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000 and the corresponding accolade, respectively.
On the individual side, prizes will also be given to the highest goal scorer, most valuable player, best defender, and goalkeeper, respectively. Below is the complete list of results.
Complete Results
Game-1
North Ruimveldt-0 vs. North East La Penitence-1
Joshua Brown-17th
Game-2
Gold is Money-4 vs. Stabroek Ballerz-0
Shemar Koulen-8th and 21st
Andrew Murray-26th
Jamal Pedro-30th
