One Guyana President’s Cup: Goal fest as Region 9, Region 3 take 1st wins

…President Ali reaffirms football development

President Dr Irfaan Ali got in the game last Sunday evening, making the official kickoff of the One Guyana President’s Cup tournament at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara (WCD). But that wasn’t the only fireworks as two scorching opening games took place.
Commanding victories from Region Nine and Region Three headlined the opening of the One Guyana President’s Cup tournament, where President Ali recommitted to the development of the unifying sport.

The football action was punctuated by an official march past featuring the 10 teams that represent Guyana’s administrative regions. It was then that the President spoke of the talent on display and his intention to develop the sport locally, before making the official kickoff.
“And do not doubt yourself, the first game that we saw today shows us the diversity of talent we have of football in this country. And I think, with continued partnership between the Government, corporate Guyana and the Football Federation, nothing else would occur other than football being the grand winner,” the Head of State shared with players, officials and spectators on Sunday night.
“And that is what we want, football being the grand winner.”
On the topic of development, he noted, “This is a sport that brings us together, like many other sports; but football is an energetic sport and our country is on an energetic pathway to development. We want you to know that we’re working with the Football Federation in developing facilities all across Guyana.”
The first game of the national leg of the tournament saw fireworks from Region 9 and Region 6, but Region 9 prevailed in the final moments of the match.
The Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo side was off to a flying start with goals from Stephen Mc Donald and Sherral Daniels in the 5th, 17th and 21st minutes. It was then that Region 6’s first goal came off the boots of Lenardo Adams in the 32nd, but Matrim Martin was almost lightning fast with the reply, further extending Region 9’s lead in the 38th minute. Region 6’s Keon Williams struck in the 45th, leaving the halftime score at 4-2 and the fans wanting more.
In the second, one goal each from Dane Johnson (62nd) and Allista Williams (84th) for Region 6 levelled the scores, 4-4, in exhilarating fashion.
In the 90+4, Stephen McDonald completed his hat-trick, by striking the game winner for Region 9.
Region 1 suffered a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Region 3 in the following game. A double from Malcolm Miggins in the 33rd and 85th minutes, along with one apiece from Junior Redman (42nd), Trayon Bobb (47th), Leo- Orion Lovell (56th) and Colwyn Adams (63rd) spurred Region 3 to victory.
The tournament continues on Wednesday, December 14 at the Leonora Track and Field facility. (Jemima Holmes)