‘Keep Your 5 Alive’: Final spots booked after action-packed semis

The semifinals of the ‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ tournament and the MVP Sports Female Championship were played at the National Gymnasium on Friday, August 9th, and spectacular performances were recorded from the players and jubilant supporters.
The Police Women’s Team showed dominance in the first semifinal of the night – against GDF ‘B’ – to advance, with goals coming off the feet of Tiandi Smith in the 3rd and 10th minutes in the first half of play. In the second half, Shamya Daniels converted one goal to secure the Police Women’s place in the finals.
Guyana Defence Force ‘A’ attempted to control the first half of the second semifinal against Fruta Conquerors as they showcased their freestyle ability, with Glendie Lewis and Jalade Trim converting goals in the 6th and 9th minutes respectively. In the second half, Sandra Johnson and Glendie Lewis extended the GDF lead, as they each scored once, in the respective 11th and 15th minutes.
The Men’s tournament was filled with excitement, and Back Circle emerged victorious in the first semifinal against Gold is Money. Back Circle led 2-1 in the first half, with Simeon Moore finding the back of the net in the 14th and Stephan McLean also scoring. Randolph Wanger of Gold is Money gave his team a glimpse of hope by scoring in the 20th.
In the second half, Gold is Money took control and the lead in the game, as Shamar Koulen and William Europe scored once, in the 21st and 23rd respectively, which forced Back Circle to keep their composure and break defensive lines. Jamaine Beckles pulled one back in the 34th to secure the equalizer, while, seconds later, Simeon Moore netted the winning goal for Back Circle in the 40th.
Winning goal-scorer Simeon Moore, while speaking to media operatives, divulged that their fans have motivated them towards the win, and after scoring the deciding goals, the feeling is great.
“Well, it was very, very nice, and it wasn’t nothing easy coming down to the bottom; because we all know we always got to fight to make it right. Yeah, it’s motivated me a lot, because everyone is depending on me to put in the hard work and score the goals again.
Asked if they were moving on to the final, he said, “Well, we need to do a lot more work, because, going into the game, I think we…didn’t play well,” Moore said.
Sparta Boss, known for their dominance, secured a nail-biting victory against Stabroek Ballers in the closing semifinal, despite Stabroek Ballers converting the first goal of the game. That goal came off the feet of Derwin George in the 5th as Sparta Boss’s Darron Niles held his composure from the edge of the penalty box to bury the equalizer in the 8th minute. Then Mark Jahlu managed to lead the game for Stabroek Ballers, scoring in the 11’.
Sparta Boss remained focused on the prize, as Solomon Austin found a way to the back of the net in the 15th and Curtez Kellman managed to send his team through to the finals by scoring in the 18th.
Sparta Boss Captain Curtez Kellman, also speaking to media operatives, explained that the game was tough but his team kept their composure. He commended the team for the victory.
Kellman said, “First off, I want to congratulate my team on the performance. It was a tough battle, but we dug deep in the end, and everybody who knows Sparta always knows Sparta fights deep and always meets in these phases of the tournament, which is a final. So, I think we’re well prepared and we’re just focused now on achieving the goal.”
The winning team would receive $300,000; while second, third, and fourth-placed finishers would cart off $150,000, $75,000 and $32,500 respectively.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, one of the main sponsors on board, would be offering every winning team on each playing night $20,000 as part of their agreement with the organizer.
Additionally, one lucky fan would ride off with a motorcycle, compliments of Rock Auto Transportation.