Digicel Schools’ Football Championships: Game of the tournament, as giant-killer Carmel upset Waramadong in semis

…St Ignatius book other final spot

By Jemima Holmes

In what was undeniably the greatest game of the 2023 tournament, Carmel Secondary scripted a major comeback in the first semi-final of the Digicel Schools’ Football Championships on Wednesday night, to secure their place in Sunday’s final. Defeating Region Seven’s DC Caesar Fox Secondary (Waramadong), it was the second, consecutive time in the tournament that Carmel ousted a regional champion, having conquered Georgetown champions Dolphin Secondary in the quarterfinals.
Alongside Carmel, St Ignatius Secondary will also have a shot at the 2023 title following an impressive performance in the semis.
In what is being hailed as the biggest comeback in the tournament’s semifinal history, Carmel Secondary found themselves three goals down at just 24 minutes into the encounter.

DC Caesar Fox Secondary appeared as though they had the win in the bag, with three goals in a six- minute span. Carrington Isaacs struck first in the 20th minute, followed by Ronaldo Johnson in the 22nd.
Bevon Jones made it a 3-0 game in the 24th and it was at that point that Carmel began to fight back. For the remainder of the half, Carmel managed to keep the Waramadong onslaught at bay, but in the second, it was the Georgetown team’s turn to fire back.
In the 55th and 59th minutes, spirited plays from Shem James assisted him in bamboozling the Waramadong keeper, on his way to securing Carmel’s first two goals.

A mass of confusion in front of the goal manned by Carmel’s custodian resulted in Anthonio Isaacs extending the lead to 4-2 in the 71st. However, the excitement was far from over.
It was Shem James again, this time receiving a well-placed pass from Daniels, who manoeuvred over the goalkeeper to net their third. Just in the nick of time, Daniels outfoxed the Waramadong defence, tucking the ball into the corner of the net in the 85th, for the 4-4 equaliser.
Carmel had the opportunity to wrap it up in the 90th minute, with another impressive shot from Daniels, but the ball was awry from the post.
In extra time, Waramadong struck first with a goal off the boots of Ronaldo Johnson in the 94th minute. Just when the Region Seven champions believed they had it in the bag, an infraction in the box gifted Carmel Secondary a chance at the equaliser. A composed Daniels went up to the mark and slotted the ball into the corner of the net to level the score in the 116th minute, 5-5.
At the penalty spot, there were missed chances and saves but Carmel eventually prevailed 3-2 to get one step closer to the Milo final.
St Ignatius cruised to victory in the following game. After a deadlocked first half, Romel Ernest and Morgan Taruma netted in quick succession in the 52nd and 55th minutes respectively, to give the Region Nine team the lead.
Waramuri’s reply came from Danesh Williams in the 68th minute, but St Ignatius’ Ernest found the back of the net once again in the 75th to seal the 3-1 win.

Venue change
Meanwhile, the grand finale of the Digicel Championships that were scheduled to be hosted at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), has now been shifted to the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground.
A missive from the Petra Organisation related, “We are excited to share a significant update regarding the highly-anticipated finals of the Digicel Schools’ Football Championship 2023. In response to an outpouring of requests and appeals from a wide range of stakeholders, including media, coaches, managers, spectators, teachers, and players, Digicel Guyana and the Petra Organisation have collaboratively made a decision that will undoubtedly enhance the event.
“With great consideration, we have decided to relocate the finals from the Leonora Track and Field Center to the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown. This strategic change has been meticulously planned to ensure a seamless transition, and every effort will be invested to render the facility fully prepared for this championship showcase.
“While we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this alteration may have caused, we are immensely pleased to have addressed the concerns and reservations raised by many. We remain committed to providing an exceptional experience for all participants and attendees.”
The Digicel Schools’ Football final is set to kick off at 19:00h on Sunday, with the third-place play-off scheduled for 17:00h.