St Stephen’s downed defending champs Stella Maris 3-1 on penalty kicks yesterday in a rematch of last year’s finale to clinch the 2nd Smalta/Ministry of Public Health Girls U-11 Football Championship.
With the score locked at 0-0 following normal and extra time, penalty kicks were required to decide the outcome in front of a sizable gathering at the Carifesta Sports Complex. Given the opportunity to take first strike, St Stephen’s made no mistake as they scored.
The holders quickly fell behind in the shoot-out as St Stephen’s’ custodian Odelli Straughn denied their shot at the goal. St Stephen’s then increased their lead in their second attempt, capitalising on the failure of the holders to score.
Sensing the title slipping from their grasp, the Woolford Avenue unit pulled within one of the score,