Mayor’s Cup knockout tournament:Who will be the semi-finalists?

Two exciting football matches are expected to take place this evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground when the quarter-finals of the Mayor’s Cup get underway to determine the teams meeting in the May 21 semi-final.

When action kicks off at 6 pm, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the third place finishers in last year’s tournament, will do battle against the enterprising Uprising line-up. Having reached the quarter-finals by upsetting Sunburst Camptown, the team is certainly endowed with great ability. Rensford Coleridge, Omali Nassay and Daniel Favourite are expected to lead the side with their experience. They will be hoping for support from Keith Fraser between the uprights along with Terrence Lewis, Devon Booker and Colin Clark.

Warren Gilkes will lead the quality GDF side with the attacking Stellon David and Telston McKinnon striking for the team.

Delroy Dean will be controlling the midfield and strong support is expected from players such as Sheik Kamal, Desford Williams and Trevon Lychott.

Alpha United, the runners-up in last year’s tournament, will be clashing against the confident Riddim Squad at 8 pm. While some may consider this to be a “David versus Goliath” clash, it has to be noted that since Riddim Squad’s introduction to the football arena they have been implacable opponents that have stood firm against every team, even when the odds were against them. The team is led by the Hope brothers-Steffon, Sceyon Sherwin and Sheldon.

So while, Alpha United may be considered as the favourites in this match-up, they should guard against overconfidence. Led by Dwight Howard, Alpha will feature a tremendous line-up that includes Elton Browne and Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, Shawn Bishop, Quincy Madramootoo and Seon Grumble to name a few.

The winners coming out this double-header will meet on May 21 in the second semi-final at the GFC ground.

Meanwhile, the other two quarter-finals games will take place on Wednesday, when Santos challenge Sea Wall FC and Western Tigers clash with Conquerors.  The winners of these matches will clash in the first semi-final on May 14.

The final is set for May 30 at the GFC ground.