Slingerz FC was crowned the inaugural West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) ‘Commander Cup’ Champion, edging Pouderoyen 1-0 in the dying embers of a pulsating final Friday evening at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
In front of a mammoth crowd, Slingerz FC, who was reduced to 10 men after Ricardo Halley was issued a red card in the 73rd minute after picking up his second bookable offence, grabbed the winning goal in the final moments under fortuitous circumstances, after the fixture seemed destined for the extra time interval. The conversion emanated from a counterattack following an initial Pouderoyen corner-kick. The initial strike from the counterattack was denied by the goalkeeper, with the resulting effort striking the woodwork, and falling fortuitously into the path of the unchallenged Holder inside the penalty area, who made no mistake by slamming his effort into the back of the net. Prior to the eventual conclusion, the Pouderoyen outfit was presented with the perfect opportunity to seize the lead, as they were awarded a penalty kick in the 81st minute following an infraction inside the penalty box.
Tasked with the responsibility was forward Matthew Chidune. However, the usually composed Chidune failed to convert from the distance as goalkeeper Shawn Adonis denied the right footed attempt diving to his left.
Due to the outcome, Slingerz FC pocketed $500,000 and the championship trophy, whilst the runners-up walked away with $250,000 and the corresponding accolade. Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force defeated Den Amstel 1-0 in the third place playoff. Dexroy Culpepper separated the two sides with a 69th minute goal. With the result, the lawmen walked away with $150,000 and the third place accolade, whilst Den Amstel pocketed $100,000, and the corresponding trophy.
