Opara nets hat trick as Riddim Squad seals semis spot

Georgetown Football Club (GFC) whipped Riddim Squad 5-2 to seal their semi-final berth when the Corona Beer Invitational Football tournament continued Sunday at the GFC ground, Bourda.

The margin of victory for the home side should have been greater but they spurned several opportunities on either side of half-time.

The contest was effectively over at the end of the first half as GFC secured a commanding 3-1 advantage.

Benjamin Opara started the rout in the fourth minute with a well-placed shot from the right side of the box.

Teon Jones (left) of Riddim Squad in hot pursuit of a GFC during their quarterfinal showdown in the Corona Beer Invitational Football Championship.

Moments later (fifth minute) the hosts added to their lead as Opara made his presence felt once more, directing a powerful header into the right side of the net  after receiving a cross from a left side corner-kick.

The visitors reduced the deficit in the 31st minute when Kevin Gordon struck the ball with the outside of his right boot into the top right hand corner.

However, GFC restored their two goal advantage in the 42nd minute with Joel Humphrey’s header into the left corner on the second attempt after his initial header was parried into the air by the goalkeeper.

The Bourda unit built on their lead in the 50th minute when Dwayne Robeiro slotted home into the empty net after an earlier strike from the left side, was deflected into his path.

Sceyon Hope pulled one back two minutes later for the Mocha based unit, blasting into the lower right corner from inside the box. Nonetheless, the game was put to bed in the 72nd minute with Opara sealing his hat-trick by dribbling the goalkeeper and finishing into the empty net.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) edged Santos 2-1. Quincy Holder bagged a brace in the 57th and 77th minute for the lawmen. On target in the loss was Sherwin Skeete in the 55th minute.

The tournament will resume on Sunday the same venue with the semifinal round. Northern Rangers will oppose GFC at 19:00hrs while Western Tigers will engage GPF from 21:00hrs.