NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U11 League: Friendship upset Kick Start; Swan, Fruta and Santos through
The semi-final die has been cast for the 2022 edition of the National Sports Commission (NSC)/East Bank Football Association (EBFA)/Ralph Green Under-11 League following four breathtaking quarter-final match-ups on Saturday at the Agricola Ground.
While Fruta Conquerors scored all the goals in their 6-1 triumph over Eagles FC of Stewartville, West Demerara, the upset of the day was Friendship All Stars’ 1-0 win over the previously-undefeated Kick Start Academy of Den Amstel.
Swan FC and Vengy FC during their quarter-final match at the Agricola Ground on Saturday
Qualifying as the second-best team from Group A, behind winners Santos, the East Banks lads knew that the task of holding off Group B winners Den Amstel would have been a tough one, but they showed up on the day and delivered the knock-out punch to the unsuspecting West Demerara team.
In their three wins, Kick Start Academy scored well over 10 goals, more than doubling Friendship’s four in their three matches. But on Saturday, goals dried up for Kick Start Academy owing to some solid defending by the Friendship team.
Dane Vancooten (right) and Dontey Kowlessar of Fruta Conquerors FC
When it seemed like the game was heading to kicks from the penalty mark, Shameer Azeem had other ideas, and his shot just outside the goal area on the left side squeezed into the back of the nets to the shock of the Den Amstel-based team, but to the delight of the Friendship players. The winning goal came in the 29th minute.
It was a tough day at the office for the West Demerara-based teams, as neither of them was able to advance. Pouderoyen went down to Santos FC 0-2 with goals either side of play from Aaron Vasconcellos and Malachi Alleyne.
The Linden-Soesdyke Highway-based Swan FC continued their unbeaten run with another impressive win, turning back the challenge of Vengy FC, 5-0. Eleon James and Stephon Singh scored a double apiece, with the other off the boots of Kevon Charles.
Friendship All Stars in control against the previously-undefeated Kick Start Academy of Den Amstel
Fruta Conquerors, riding on a five-for from the dominant Dane Vancooten, brushed aside Eagles FC of Stewartville, 6-1, the other was scored by Dontey Kowlessar; Eagles’ lone response was an own goal, which was scored by Vancooten.
Teams are now focused on the task of winning their respective semi-final matches, which will be contested on Saturday at the Agricola Ground. This is the first time that an entire age-group tournament is being played at this venue, and the community is very grateful for the opportunity afforded them.
