Santos and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were the latest two teams to enter the quarterfinal round on Friday night at the Tucville playfield after defeating their opponents in the first round of the NAMILCO Football Festival which is organized by Fruta Conquerors.
GDF defeated Buxton Stars 2 – 1 in the feature match of the double header that had Santos stopping Top XX’s run by winning their encounter 2 – 0 in the opening match-up.
Tonight, host team Fruta Conquerors will go head-to-head with New Amsterdam United in the opening match of the double header while BV Triumph will clash with BK International Western Tigers in the feature showdown.
The Pele/Riddim Squad game which was scheduled to be played at 4pm was not contested because a few of the necessities for the game were not available at that time.
On Friday, GDF and Buxton Stars contested a tough game which had them deadlocked at one goal each at half time but GDF were able to regain the lead and defend it to claim victory.
Buxton put up a good fight for the entire match as both teams played at a very hot pace in the opening minutes.
GDF drew first blood in the 11th minute through a Devon Hinds strike from close range when the teams had a battle inside Buxton’s 18-ard box and the custodian was under fire.
Buxton equalized in the 39th minute, compliments of a Colwin Barnwell strike and the game was poised at 1-1 going into the final 45 minutes.
Although the Georgetown team dominated ball possession, Buxton still had a few good runs and open opportunities to score.
However, it was the superior experience of GDF that caused them to regain the lead as they switched their play to the overlapping right flank and stormed down on the goal keeper in the 62nd minute where Stellon David skillfully got the ball into the back of the net.
The Santos/Top XX match up saw the team from the mining town being put down by a goal in the 20th minute from a penalty kick which was taken by Michael Pedro, then they doubled their lead in the 79th minute when Trevor Lewis struck.
Top XX tried valiantly to get goals but were unsuccessful due to Santos’ resolute defence and the pressure being applied by the opposition which forced a few errors.
