The first semi-final in the second annual Bakewell Buxton Stars-organized Mackeson Stout/Digicel-sponsored Sweet 16 football tournament kicks off today at the Plaisance Community Centre ground from 20:00 hrs.

A masters’ match involving Rastafarian Patriots and East Bank will precede the first semi-final between last year’s runner-up Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who have found their path to this stage of the tournament a relatively easy one to tread, and Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United.

Defending champions Sunburst Camptown and Cougars from Berbice will meet in the second semi-final at the same venue on Thursday, following another masters’ encounter between Upper Level Barber Shop and Sweet Point.

GDF who lost 2-1 to Sunburst Camptown in last year’s final will be looking to book a place in the final for the second time, following convincing victories over Mahaica Determinators and BV/Triumph United respectively.

They were led by Gavin Wilson, Warren Gilkes, Eusi Phillips, Stellon David and Marlon Benjamin with skipper Selwyn Isaacs with ample support from Devon Harris, Sheik Kamal and custodian Dellon Younge in the defence.

But Alpha United who recently represented Guyana in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club championship, albeit with moderate success, are a different kettle of fish in comparison to BVTU and Mahaica Determinators, both of whom were defeated 4-0 by GDF.

They will be led by Guyana’s Inter-Guiana Games skipper Andrew Murray Jnr and Elton Browne at the top with ample support from Shawn Bishop, Leon Grumble and Quincy Madramootoo in the middle.

Even though former national captain Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard is not available for ‘The Hammers’ tonight, the defence is still a formidable one, being managed by Howard Lowe who will be receiving worthy support from Gordon Henry and Anthony Harding, with Shawn Johnson performing duties between the uprights following Ronson Williams’ expulsion in the first round victory over Victoria Kings.

The final is set for Sunday.