Defending champions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with military precision, marched into the quarter-finals of the NAMILCO Football Classic after eliminating their respective opponents on Sunday at the Fruta Conquerors ground. In the opening game of the sixth annual knockout tournament, dubbed the NAMILCO One Love Classic, the sharpshooters of the Police Force out gunned SeaWall United, five-four in a nail biting penalty shootout while the soldiers thoroughly outplayed Northern Rangers in a five-one ambush in the feature game of the double header.
With their respective victories, the footballers from the joint services moved one step closer to the 1.2M first prize.
A hat-trick by rampant striker, Marlon Benjamin (33rd, 35th and 90th) along with strikes from Clifton Garraway (47th) and Quincy Craig (91st) completed GDF’s mauling of Northern Rangers and avenged the GFA/Banks semi final loss the militia men suffered in December.
Omali Nassy scored the Rangers’ lone goal in the 41st minute.
After regulation and extra time, Seawall United and GPF failed to find the back of the net and were knotted nil-all which set the stage for a penalty shootout ending with a victory for the lawmen who were on target, hitting their mark on all five occasions.
Prior to the matches, the 16 teams decked out in their playing attire graced the field during the march past and saluted Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who delivered the keynote address of the opening ceremony.
Also in attendance were Mayor Hamilton Green, Managing Director of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO), Bert Sukhai, his financial advisor, Fitzroy McLeod, President of the Guyana Football Association, Vernon Burnette and his Vice President, Rawle Adams and GFF President (ag), Franklin Wilson.
The tournament’s action continues on Friday at the same venue. Winners of the 23rd Kashif and Shanghai Tournament, Buxton United will tackle Western Tigers while the host, Fruta Conquerors will take on Beacon FC.
Kick off time is 18:00hrs.
