Chase’s Academy makes history after tense penalty shootout

Chase’s Academic Foundation, on Sunday night, became the first school to lift back- to- back KFC Goodwill International championship trophies after getting the better of St. Benedict’s College on penalties for the second, consecutive year.

Chase’s Academic Foundation had sealed it; their second consecutive KFC Goodwill International football championship.

A replica of last year’s final between the Guyanese and Trinidadian sides; it was a bad case of déjà vu for the visitors who, again fought hard but lost it at the last moment on penalties.

Playing in slushy conditions following inclement weather early on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Chase had a number of early opportunities, but luck just wasn’t on their side.

First, captain Bryan Wharton’s freekick from just outside the 18- yard box hit the crossbar, ricocheting out to the goalkeeper while Isaiah Ifill’s shot from the left corner of the box also brushed the uprights.

For St. Benedict’s, Ruben Phillip was a force to be reckoned with but the defending champions’ defence worked overtime to ensure he was contained.

As such, the 90 minutes of regulation time and an additional 20 minutes of extra time expired with no goals being scored.

From the penalty spot, Chase’s Academy was flawless, finding the back of the net in each of their five attempts. However, just when St. Benedict’s was going goof, their fifth kicked sent the ball sailing high over the right corner of the goal, handing chase a 5-4 win.

After the match, Captain Bryan Wharton discussed his team’s outing in the final and their performance over this year.

“I think it was under difficult circumstances because the pitch was terrible and we had to adjust but nevertheless, we come out on top and I want to give God all praises for this victory,” Wharton told media operatives after the final.

“It really means a lot to we because we show our dominance at the international level to let people know that Guyana is a standout country with talent.”

“I think the hunger from the fellas and focus was good, everybody was focused and determined to win the major trophy, which was the KFC. So, we’re grateful for that,” the Chase forward went on to share about their various trophy- winning performances in 2025.

Prior to the final, Jamaica’s Kingston College secured the third- place trophy with a 4-1 defeat of Suriname’s Technical School of Nickerie.

For Kingston College, Jusiri Hussey registered a blistering hattrick with goals in the 12^th, 26^th and 63^rd minutes while Nthanda Scott had a solitary strike in the 51^st. Jonathan Gomes netted Suriname’s consolation in the 55^th minute.

When it came to the tournament’s individual prizes, Chase’s Academy claimed the lion’s share. Flavio La Rose was adjudged as the best goalkeeper, while Bryan Wharton was recognized as the highest goalscorer with 11 goals in the competition.

Malcolm Hendricks was the player to receive the golden opportunity of a training stint in Brazil next year, as he was hailed as the competition’s MVP.

Scout Narada Wilson justified his choice.

The Sport Consultant / Scout explained, “This MVP award is taking into consideration the five games that would’ve been played by Chase, reaching to the finals. Chase Academy had three guys on the radar but I must admit that Malcolm was an engine at the back there. I’ve seen all the other players, congratulations to all of you for winning. We also looked at Malcolm’s education, he’s on the right path, he has the support, I hope you continue to give him that support.”

“It will be 1-3 months in Brazil at a professional club to see where your standard is at and hopefully, he will return and shine more light to Guyana and it’s footballing community,” Wilson went on to share.

While Chase’s Academy copped a $2500 USD prize, St. Benedict’s had to settle for $1500 USD while Kingston College will take home $1000 USD.