Flamingo and New Amsterdam (NA) United secured berths to the round of 16 stage, defeating Mahaicony Thunder-Hawks and Golden Stars, respectively, when the Stag Beer Nations Cup commenced on Wednesday.
Staged at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara, Flamingo downed Thunder-Hawks by a 1-0 scoreline. The showdown was settled in the 13th minute by veteran sharpshooter Shem Porter in a sublime manner.
Racing onto the ball on the left side of the field, Porter unleashed a thunderous left foot strike from 25 yards away, which sailed into the top left corner despite the goalkeeper getting his fingertips to it.
Flamingo will now oppose Western Tigers in their next contest on Sunday 18th, at a venue to be announced. On the other hand, NA United overcame home side Golden Stars 4-3, on sudden death kicks, after the normal and extra time periods ended scoreless.
NA United will now lock horns with two time defending champ Grove Hi-Tech in their next match, on Friday 23rd, at the Diamond ground.
Prior to the commencement of the games, Director of Sports Christopher Jones officially opened the event with the ceremonial kickoff.
The event will resume today at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, with a doubleheader. In the opening fixture at 18:30hrs, Young Achievers will oppose Northern Rangers, while at 20:30hrs, Kuru-Kururu Warriors will tackle home side Den Amstel.
