Alpha battles Pele as GFF Elite League resumes

The continuation of a fierce rivalry will highlight the resumption of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Beer Elite League when Alpha ‘the Hammer’ United tackle Pele today at the Camp Ayanganna ground.

It will be the third showdown of the clubs when they face-off from 20:30hrs, with both teams claiming a single victory alongside a drawn encounter.

The first showdown ended in a 2-2 result while Pele secured the second contest via a 3-0 margin. Alpha United exacted revenge in the third meeting as they won 3-1. In terms of the numbers, Pele has outscored Alpha United six goals to five in the rivalry.

However on current form, the third placed ‘Hammers’ will start as the favourite. On the attacking side of the ball, Alpha United possess the third best offence with 12 goals across the six fixtures. The likes of Delon Lanferman, Dwight Peters and Daniel Wilson have been responsible for their goal scoring threat.

Defensively, they possess the joint second best record with five goals conceded. On the other hand, the fifth placed Pele unit has struggled throughout the event and it’s evident by their statistics.

From the attacking perspective, they possess the joint worst record with only four goals registered in six matches. To make matters worse, they will have to make due without the services of talisman Gregory Richardson who is suspended for a receiving a red card in their previous fixture.

With the absence of Richardson, the veteran duo of Travis Grant and Konata Manning will have to shoulder the responsibility. On the defensive end, the numbers are a little encouraging as they are jointly the second best rearguard with five goals shipped in.

Meanwhile in the opening contest at 18:00hrs, league leaders Slingerz FC and their all-star roster featuring Vurlon Mills, Trayon Bobb, Devon Millington, Tichard Joseph and Julian Wade will tackle sixth placed Buxton United and their youthful contingent led by Denver Dennis and Clive Andries.

Upon the conclusion of the League Finale round, the top four finishers in terms of points will face off against each other in single knockout format to decide the winner of the round.

The semi-final round will commence on May 12th while the finale and third place playoff will occur on May 23rd. The point’s leader will face-off with the fourth placed side while the second positioned club will tackle the third positioned unit at a venue to be announced.

Winner of the League Finale round will pocket $4,000,000 while the second, third and fourth place teams will collect $2,000,000, $1,000,000 and $500,000 respectively. Similarly, the point’s leader prior to the knockout stage in the League Finale round will pocket an additional $1,000,000.