Top-of-the-table clash brings curtain down on Elite League

—Fruta Conquerors look to end tournament on a high

Newly crowned champion Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will tackle second place finisher Fruta Conquerors in a monumental clash today at 20:30hrs, when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Beer Elite League concludes at the Camp Ayanganna ground.

The fixture, which will have no significance on the points standings since  both teams have secured their respective positions, will be played for ‘bragging rights’.

GDF currently sits on an unassailable 27 points and will pocket the first place package of $6,000,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, Fruta Conquerors are on 22 points and will receive the runners-up bundle of $3,000,000 and  a trophy.

However, it will be seventh meeting of the teams in the tournament and although history favours Fruta Conquerors (3-2 record, with one draw), form and momentum make the hosts the firm favourite.

The army men are aiming to conclude the event with a perfect record and are undefeated in the prior two fixtures against the Tucville unit.

The numbers speak for themselves. A 3-1 win in the first round and a 2-0 victory in the ‘League Leaders’ tournament over Fruta Conquerors, highlight the dominance of GDF under the recent stewardship of Coach Bilaal Nantambu.

Offensively, the host possess the leading strike-force by a considerable margin compliments of 35 conversions in nine matches at a rate of 3.88 goals per contest. Sherwyn Caesar is the main threat with nine conversions.

Defensively, the army also unit possess sublime numbers with only six goals conceded, which is the joint best record in the event.

For Fruta Conquerors, the aim will be to end the tournament on a high note and return to winning ways against GDF. Prior to the recent struggles against GDF, Fruta Conquerors won three out of the first four meetings in the league.

From the attacking perspective, 23 goals have been scored in the campaign at an average of 2.55 per fixture, which is the second best record. Eon Alleyne leads the way with six goals. On the defensive end, the Tucville giant has let in six goals, a record shared with the army outfit.

Meanwhile, the battle will resume for the third and fourth place packages of $2,000,000 and $1,000,000 respectively. At 16:00hrs, fourth placed Victoria Kings will engage cellar occupant and relegation bound Monedderlust.

The second showdown at 18:00hrs will pit third positioned Buxton United against fifth placed and relegation confirmed unit Topp XX.