The undefeated Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was crowned the KFC Elite League Football Champion, defeating fierce rival the Guyana Police Force (GPF) 4-1 on Saturday evening at the National Training Centre, Providence.
Stephen McDonald gave the army unit the perfect start, as he headed the ball into the back of the net in the fifth minute. The lead was then doubled in the 11th minute, as Ryan Hackett uncorked a powerful left footed shot from outside the penalty box into the right corner.
The lawmen responded in the form of Nicholas MacArthur, who halved the deficit in the 21st minute. However the two goal advantage was restored in the 29th minute following a Kelsey Benjamin conversion. McDonald then completed his brace in the 58th to seal the result.
“In retrospect, I must say that the work on the field is a reflection of what happens behind the scenes. I thought that the players were committed, I thought that the support was there and that’s what showed out in all 9 games in the league,” GDF Head Coach Joseph Wilson said during a post-game comment.
He further added, “The players were determined, the players actually gave up their stint in the national team training programme to be part of this success, because the players see it as an important part of their future going forward.”
GDF ended the event with a record of eight wins and one draw to conclude on 25 points. Western Tigers and GPF round out the top three on 22 and 21 points respectively.
On the individual side, MacArthur finished the league as the Golden Boot recipient following 18 conversions. He was also adjudged the Most Valuable Player. Similarly, GDF’s Jamaine Cumberbatch walked away with the Golden Glove after only conceding a goal in nine fixtures.
Meanwhile, Den Amstel overcame a 0-2 first half score to defeat Fruta Conquerors 4-3. Stephon Jupiter, Cleavon Murray, Malcolm Dainty, and Andre Hector scored in the 55th, 56th, 64th, and 72nd minute respectively for the victor. On target in the loss was Dennis Edwards, Samuel Garnett, and Deandre Linton in the 12th, 41st, and 83rd minute apiece.
Complete Results
Game-1
Fruta Conquerors-3 vs Den Amstel-4
Den Amstel scorers
Stephon Jupiter-55th
Cleavon Murray-56th
Malcolm Dainty-64th
Andre Hector-72nd
Fruta scorers
Dennis Edwards-12th
Samuel Garnett-41st
Deandre Linton-83rd
Game-2
GDF-4 vs GPF-1
GDF scorers
Stephon McDonald-5th and 58th
Ryan Hackett-11th
Kelsey Benjamin-29th
GPF scorer
Nicholas MacArthur-21st
