…Top four virtually sealed
It’s down to a battle for pride when the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior Mean’s League, powered by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), resumes this Sunday at the Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence, EBD.
Two groups of six clubs each commenced the League in March, and it’s virtually now down to the top four, two each from Groups A and B, who will clash, come October 23, for the right to meet in the final, which will be contested on October 30th, all at the same venue.
This Sunday, however, St. Cuthbert’s Jaguars, in their first competitive tournament at this level under the Association, will contest their final match when they come up against fellow Linden Soesdyke Highway team Swan FC. Action will kick off at 13:00hrs.
The main attraction on Sunday brings together Friendship All-Stars and Soesdyke Falcons – leaders of Group B, and one of two unbeaten teams in the League. The league’s other unbeaten team is Agricola Red Triangle of Group A.
The Falcons have made a huge statement in this competition, as it is the first time in many years that they have been this dominant; and they would, no doubt, be seeking to go all the way. They have already handed Timehri Panthers the lone defeat they have suffered so far.
They are currently on 12 points, and boast the best goal difference of all 12 teams in the league to date. Even though the Falcons are already through to the final four, they will be aiming to end the group stage on a high note on Sunday against Friendship.
The layoff from active play could, however, have an impact on all the teams, so one must be cautious, as either team can walk the preverbal plank in losing.
Fans are looking forward to an exciting match-up, despite Friendship being fifth on the table. The Soesdyke fans will be out in their numbers for sure, so the Friendship team might be well advised to ensure their fans comes out in their numbers too, in order to counter the vociferous Falcons supporters.
Meanwhile, the final three group matches are set for Sunday, October 16, when Mocha Champs match skills with Samatta Point Kaneville from 10:30hrs, to be followed by a clash between Diamond United and Grove Hi Tech from 13:00hrs. The final match would see Timehri Panthers taking on Kuru Kururu Warriors from 15:30hrs.
The winner of the League will pocket $200,000, while the losing finalist would take home $100,000. A total of $50,000 is set aside for the third-place winner, and a trophy has been set aside for the fourth-place team. The top three teams would also receive trophies. The Most Valuable Player as well as the Highest Goal Scorer would each receive a pair of football boots, while the Best Goalkeeper would be presented with a pair of gloves.
Points Table
Group A
Team P W L D GF GA GD Points
Agricola Red Triangle 5 4 0 1 21 1 20 13
Grove Hi Tech 4 3 1 0 19 4 15 9
Herstelling Raiders 5 2 2 1 13 8 5 7
Diamond United 4 2 2 0 12 12 0 6
Samatta Point Kaneville 4 1 3 0 3 29 -26 3
Mocha Champs 4 0 4 0 1 15 14 0
Group B
Soesdyke Falcons 4 0 0 0 25 2 23 12
Timehri Panthers 4 3 1 0 26 5 21 9
Swan 4 2 2 0 9 19 -12 6
Kuru Kururu Warriors 4 1 2 1 9 11 -2 4
Friendship All-Stars 4 1 2 1 9 20 -11 4
St. Cuthbert’s Jaguars 4 0 4 0 5 24 -19 0
