The 2019 National Sports Commission (NSC)/Magnum Mash Cup reached its semifinal stage on Thursday evening at the National Gymnasium, and now just two nights remain before edition two comes to a close.
On Sunday, Back Circle, Gold is Money, Sparta Boss, and inaugural champions Bent Street will clash for a spot in the grand finale.
Back Circle was the first side to make it into the final four with a hard-fought battle against ANSA McAL, which ended 2 – 1 on penalty kicks. A first half goal from Selwyn Williams (7th) gave Back Circle the lead, but the opposition equalised in
the second when Akin Curry struck in the 20th minute.
After that the game was sent to a penalty shootout, wherein ANSA McAL was defeated.
Gold is Money were the next to advance with a commanding 4 – 1 win over Tiger Bay. They were led by a double from Colin Nelson (16th, 19th) along with a goal each from Randolph Wagner (15th) and Hubert Pedro (23rd), while Tiger Bay’s lone goal was scored by Deon Alfred in the 21st minute.
The defending champions moved one step closer to a successful retention of the title when they steamrolled Sophia 3 – 0. Job Caesar got the scoring going in the 7th minute, before Sheldon Holder recorded a brace when he scored in the 8th and 19th minutes.
And, of course, Sparta Boss, being slated to contest the final match of the night, made it look bleak for Future Stars, who lost 0 – 2. Jermin Junior (7th) and Sheldon Shepherd (19th) accounted for the goals, which propelled one of the country’s top futsal sides a round further.
This now means Back Circle will battle Bent Street in the first semi, while Gold is Money test their power against Sparta Boss in the other showdown.
The tournament winner will cart off $600,000; while second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.
