GFF-NAMILCO U17 Playoff: Thrilling weekend sees Bartica, Georgetown, Berbice win

Fans savoured four thrilling matches on Saturday and Sunday, witnessing unforgettable victories by Bartica, Georgetown and Berbice Football Academies in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff.
Saturday, November 18, saw the Rupununi Football Academy clinch a win against Essequibo Football Academy through two stunning goals: one by Shavez Moses in the sixth minute and another by Adrian Carbal in the 89th minute.
Rupununi’s defence remained impenetrable throughout the entire match in Essequibo.
In another intense match, but this time in Berbice, East Coast Football Academy lost 3-2 to Berbice Football Academy courtesy of Shamar Johnson’s goal in the 64th minute and Tyrone Delph netting two goals in the 67th and 80th+4 minutes.
In an attempt to equalise, Shaquan David scored two goals in the 17th and 77th minutes for East Coast Football Academy.

Both teams showcased strong strategic play, but Berbice Football Academy secured the victory in the final moments.
In Georgetown, on Sunday, November 19, Georgetown Football Academy triumphed over the Under-15 National Team 2-1 in an enthralling opening match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Joshua Bentick of Georgetown Football Academy kick-started the scoring with an electrifying goal in the eighth minute, followed by another from teammate Charles Austin in the 48th minute.
Despite a late comeback attempt by Under-15 National Team’s Jade Adonis with a goal in the 65th minute, the outcome remained unchanged.
In the second game on Sunday in Georgetown, Bartica Football Academy applied relentless pressure on Rupununi Football Academy’s defence, resulting in a commanding 2-0 victory.
Ian Gomes stole the spotlight, netting goals in the 66th and 80th minutes of the match.
The NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff is a vital component of the Academy Training Centre programme, which focuses on nurturing the talents of boys aged 14 to 17 years old. This programme holds the prestigious status of being an approved ‘Generation Next’ FIFA development initiative.
The participating teams have been strategically organised into two groups. Group A includes Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank, the National Under-15 Team and Berbice, while Group B features Upper Demerara, Essequibo, Bartica and West Demerara.
GFF President Wayne Forde, who was present at Sunday’s games which were held at the Georgetown Football Club on North Road, emphasised that the academies and players’ commitment to grassroots development deserved significant applause.
“We witnessed yet another thrilling weekend of games from the Under-17 teams across the region. Fans had the opportunity to see these future stars battling it out in this prestigious tournament, shining a spotlight on our upcoming football talent.
“I once again thank NAMILCO for supporting our grassroots vision and applaud all the academies and players for their dedication to grassroots development as we continue to prioritise and focus on nurturing talent at the foundation level. This is an opportunity for fans to witness the emergence of Guyana’s future football stars.”
Following the round-robin phase, the most outstanding teams from each group will advance to the championship round.
These teams will fiercely vie for the esteemed title of national champions, promising an electrifying showcase of emerging football talent.
The playoff continues on Saturday, November 24.