RFA Champions League…
After a thrilling battle with the Paiwomak Warriors Football Club at the Wada’apna Sports Complex in Lethem last Saturday night, Tabatinga Football Club (Tabatinga FC) emerged victors in the Rupununi Football Association’s (RFA’s) Championships. They literally played their hearts out on the field, and ultimately triumphed over their rivals after 90 fast-paced minutes plus stoppage time.
The Gladiators FC scorers. From left: Vandette Henry, Taina Barjoan, Keziah Muffet and Vanessa Adolph
They bested their North Rupununi rivals by a single goal, scored at the beginning of the second half. The win will see the Tabatinga Football Club representing the Rupununi at the upcoming Indigenous Heritage Games slated for September.
Paiwomak Warriors started strong, dominating possession in the first 20 minutes and managing to get shots out, but most of them were off target. They favoured a counter-attacking tactic, releasing players down the wings to throw balls into the 18-yard box.
Tabatinga FC, however, remained compact and defensive, cutting off space for shots on target. They gained momentum in the last part of the first half by pressing higher up the pitch, winning back possession and looking to take control.
Although competitive, the first half of the game saw no team finding the back of the net. Tabatinga were more attacking, but failed to capitalize on opportunities to take the lead before the end of the first half.
Paiwomak Warriors remained disciplined, and tried as much to counter attack with stout defence until the half-time whistle.
The second half began with Tabatinga FC redoubling their efforts and pressing Paiwomak Warrriors aggressively. Their strategy was reward in the 49 minute when they earned themselves a corner kick. A poor clearance by the Paiwomak Warriors defence sent the ball wide and back to the feet of a Tabatinga player, who sent the ball back into the penalty box. The cross found the head of Zaulo Bronze, who headed it past the keeper to the great delight of the Tabatinga FC fans, who erupted in rapturous celebration.
Paiwomak Warriors found themselves in deeper trouble when Orlando Allicock was sent off in the 58th minute, after hitting the face of Tabatinga player Jonathom ‘Alex’ Lima and picking up a second yellow card, which earned him a red.
As time progressed, Tabatinga exploited the extra-player advantage by dominating the game and enjoying much of the possession. Undaunted, the Paiwomak Warriors managed a few counterattacks, but ultimately failed to mount a comeback.
As the game approached 80 minutes of active time, heavy rainfall probably assisted the Tabatinga FC to hold on to their lead until the final whistle.
On the female side of the competition, Gladiators FC ran away with the finals by netting four goals against the Paiwomak Warriors FC females, who disposed of last year’s winners, Guyana Rush Saints, in the semifinals. The Paiwomak Warriors could manage only one consolation goal before the final whistle was blown.
The result means that Gladiators FC are the new female RFA Champions, and will be joining Tabatinga FC in representing the Rupununi at the upcoming Indigenous Heritage Games.
Awards of the Females’ Best Goal Keeper and Females’ Most Valuable Player went to Vanessa Adolph and Vandette Henry respectively, both of Gladiators FC; while the Best Goal Keeper Award went to Dexter Mentore (Tabatinga FC), and the most Valuable Player Award went to Zaulo Bronze (Tabatinga FC).
The RFA wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors and stakeholders of the tournament: Guyana Football Federation, Imon Wirelesss, Sonja and Jude Abraham, Lynkon Trading Inc., Lillian and William, Dayan James, Curtis Charles, Miss Celita, Miss Fay, G & T Store, Andrew Mangroo, Lethem Town Council, Shivon Farias, Paul Williams, Lethem Public Hospital, Referees, Lethem Police Force, former executive members of RFA, and all club members of the RFA.
