Final shot for round-of-16 spots

Today marks the penultimate day for group matches in the sixth annual Milo Schools Football tournament and while some spots for the round-of-sixteen segment have been taken by the usual suspects, there are still a few openings up for grabs when play gets underway at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Three-time defending champions Chase Academic Foundation will have their clash with Annandale Secondary being replayed from noon after their encounter prematurely came to an end due to a power outage with Chase being 3-0 at half-time. However, both sides are certain of a spot in the next phase regardless of result.
The Bishops’ High School (BHS), however, are not certain where their future lies and first need to comprehensively dispose of School of the Nations in the second match of the day from 13:30h. The Carmichael Street unit have lost and drawn their two matches so far but will start as favourites today since Nations are yet to register a win.
Meanwhile, St Roses High who hold an edge of qualification ahead of Uitvlugt Secondary will need to defeat Sir Leon’s Lesson who have been unbeaten to date when they clash at 15:00h.
More so, given that Uitvlugt will be playing on Sunday from noon against Cummings Lodge who are yet to notch a win.
Christianburg Secondary will get in to action on Sunday as well from 13:30h and are already firmly assured of a spot in the knock-out phase unlike their opponents Ann’s Grove, who need a victory to stay in contention.
Runners-up in 2017, Morgan’s Learning Centre are strong favourites to finish the group stage unbeaten as they come against Pure Masters from 15:00h.
The match holds more significance for the latter who have to pay close attention to the BHS match as a huge loss could see them in the precarious position of qualifying as one of the four top third-placed teams.
The quest is to secure the first place prize of $500,000 which goes towards a school project. Second to fourth, will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively which also go towards school projects.
The under-18 tournament is a collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health under the theme, “there is no excuse for violence”.