As the clock winds down on the third annual Limacol Knockout Football competition, it seems that the heat continues to rise. After a gruelling group stage and a highly competitive quarterfinal round, the competition is in its penultimate stage with four teams remaining.
The four remaining teams, namely: Police, Santos, Riddim Squad and Pouderoyen, are without a doubt four of the best teams in the competition, having advanced thus far; and luck had nothing to do with it.
The semifinal games being played at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, will see two matches beginning at 18hrs. The first will feature Police coming up against Riddim Squad, while Pouderoyen and Santos will play after that for their shot at the final.
Other than watching the other compete in the group matches, neither Police nor Riddim Squad have seen much of their opponent, since this will be the first time that they are facing each other.
Nevertheless, the youthful Riddim Squad will bring pace and attack to the playing field, as will the Police. Riddim Squad will be keen to better their defence as the game winds down, since Police are known for their last-minute connection with the goal.
It is no secret that the law enforcement team is a disciplined one, and Riddim Squad will look to take a page out of their book. The match-up will prove to be quite entertaining, as both teams possess strong determination.
The later encounter, which will pit Pouderoyen and Santos against each other, should seem familiar to loyal spectators, as the teams have played against the other before.
Hailing out of the same group, their first encounter went Santos’ way. Their striker, Keith Cains, had handed them the advantage by the 18th minute with a goal, and then repeated the feat in the 38th minute. Although Pouderoyen finally replied in the 80th minute on the part of Ashley Harding, it was too late for the West Bank team, who played valiantly till the last whistle was blown.
If the semifinal encounter is to be anything like their first encounter, Pouderoyen will look to better their attack and complete plays which can be rewarding in the form of goals.
On the other hand, Santos may be focused on their defence, as in the first game.
The first whistle will sound off at 18hrs, with the second match expected to begin at 20hrs. There will be an affordable entrance fee charged for the semifinal and final games at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.
