Sparta, Bent Street book final spots in ‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ tourney

Semifinal action in the ‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ tournament and the MVP Sports Female Championship commenced at the National Gymnasium on Friday, August 11, with spectacular performances from the players and jubilation from their supporters.
The GPF Women’s Team, with Shamiya Daniels playing an influential role, were dominant in the first semifinal of the night against Santos, and when Tanya Mohabir scored an unfortunate own goal against Santos, the GPF beleaguered that team, with Shanic Thornhill recording a hattrick of goals in the second half of play.

Guyana Defence Force looked to control the first half of the second game against Fruta Conquerors, but a freekick goal from Fruta’s Sandra Johnson caused a change in fortunes, and Fruta led the game at the end of the first half.
The army put up a fight in the second half, firing audacious shots sporadically, but the Conquerors keeper did well to keep a clean sheet, enabling her team to gain the victory.
In the Men’s tournament, Sparta Boss led 3-0 against Gold is Money in the first half, with Jermaine Junior, Curtez Kellman and Darron Niles scoring. Niles went on to complete his brace, while Kelsey Benjamin scored twice to extend their lead to 6-2. Ryan Hackett added their 7th goal, but they had already secured their spot in the finals.
Bent Street faced Back Circle in the other semifinal. Goals from Pernell Schultz and Colin Nelson for Bent Street, and strikes from Simeon Moore and Cecil Jackman for Back Circle caused the game to go into extra time. There, using tiki-taka play, Bent Street’s Schultz scored the winning goal in the 3-2 affair.
The Final of the Keep Your 5 Alive Tournament will be contested next Saturday, August 26, when Sparta Boss will take on Bent Street. In the MVP Sports Female Championship Finals, Police will battle Fruta Conquerors for top honours.