Defending champs Showstoppers through after hard-fought win

Two time defending champion Showstoppers, Hustlers, Admiral United, Brothers United, Mocha and Ballers Empire, secured hard-fought wins, when the 4th edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara/East Bank Demerara zone, continued on Friday.

Staged at the Pouderoyen Tarmac in front of a mammoth crowd, Showstoppers battled past Rising Stars 2-1 on penalty kicks, after regulation time ended 0-0.

Meanwhile, Hustlers edged Gas Team 1-0 compliments of a Jahaal Greaves strike in the 17th minute.

On the other hand, Brothers United downed Mocha-B 3-2 on sudden death penalty kicks, following a 1-1 score at the end of normal time.

Marvin Joseph handed Brothers United the lead in the eighth minute, while Rolex Smith equalised in the 12th minute.

Admiral United crushed Zeelugt Warriors 3-0. Emmanuel Thomas, Kevin Jones and Lexroy Manfield scored in the sixth, 10th and 12th minute each.

Mocha defeated Asylum Youths 2-1 to earn their berth in the next round. Lyliton Ramsay tallied a (GG) in the 18th minute. On target for the loser in the 14th minute was Christopher Fraser.

Ballers Empire squeaked past Agricola 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation time ended scoreless. With the win, Ballers Empire sealed their place in the knockout round.

In other results, Zeelugt FC edged Facebook Ballers 3-2. Jerron Carroll bagged a brace in the eighth and 20th (GG) minute to seal the win.

On target in the loss were Marvin Henry and Daniel Clarke in the fourth and sixth minute respectively.

Similarly, Harmony-A downed Veteran’s by a 1-0 margin. Sheldon Harris scored in the fourth minute.

Harmony Warriors downed Parfait Hardball 1-0 via a Gurmin Bynoe strike in the sixth minute. Goal-Getters dismissed Police-A 2-0.

Nikosie Holder scored in the seventh and 16th minute. West Side Ballers needled Young Ballers 2-1. Quessey Alleyne recorded a (GG) in the 18th minute.

Scoring for the loser in the 16th minute was Quincy Graham. Also, Jetty Ballers defeated Boom-Bang 1-0 on penalty kicks, after normal time ended scoreless.

The tournament will continue on Wednesday at the same venue with another round of group fixtures.

Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers from each of the eight groups, will advance to the knockout round. The Pouderoyen Tarmac will serve as the venue for the entirety of the championship.

Winner of the tournament will pocket $400,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runner-up will receive $200,000 and the corresponding accolade.

The third placed finisher will receive $150,000 and a trophy, whilst the fourth placed unit will walk away with $100,000 and a trophy.