Women’s Development League Playoff: GDF, Pakuri race into semi-finals

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club and the Pakuri Jaguars Football Club were both dominant in their respective quarter-final matches in the 2023 Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Development Football League Playoff.
In the first quarterfinals of the day, GDF FC defeated Foxy Ladies Football Club 12-1 at the St Cuthbert’s Mission Football Ground.
The emphatic score line was due to seven goals by Glenda Lewis and one goal each from Melinda Scott, Kellyann Niles, Zorina Ali and Yantra Kenswell and an own goal.

The GDF executed a strong attacking strategy, preventing their opponents from creating chances to get back into the game.
Striker Jenel Edmonson scored the lone goal for Foxy Ladies.
In the second playoff quarterfinal match of the afternoon, Pakuri Jaguars Football Club defeated Santos Football Club 9-0.
The home side gave fans and supporters something to cheer about with four goals, from Britney Poonsammy, two goals from Sabantho Simon and one goal each from Sabano Simon, Hilary Henry, and Ann Joseph.
Women’s Football Association (WFA) President Andrea Johnson congratulated the Guyana Defence Force Football Club on setting the record for the most goals secured in a single match in the 2023 playoff.
“We are seeing some very action-packed matches in the quarterfinals of the GFF Women’s Development Football League Playoff. Congratulations to all the teams. Congratulations to the GDF and the Pakuri Jaguars on their victories today and advancing to the semi-finals.
She added: “We are gearing up for a thrilling semi-final and championship match-up. I want to thank the GFF, the players, the officials, the communities and the fans, and our sponsor MVP Sports. We could not have done this without you. WFA remains committed to equality in football, that means more access to training programmes and community, regional and national tournaments.”

The 12-club playoff is sponsored by MVP Sports. The league was launched in June 2022 with 37 teams from across Guyana to give female players more match minutes.
The 12 clubs are Bartica All Stars FC, Potaro Strikers FC, Essequibo All Stars FC, Foxy Ladies FC, Milerock FC, Coomacka FC, Pakuri Jaguars FC, New Amsterdam United FC, Guyana Police Football Club, Guyana Defence Force FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, and Santos FC.
The semi-finals will see the Fruta Conquerors FC taking on the Pakuri Jaguars FC and the Guyana Defence Force will face the Guyana Police Force.