15 goals were scored across the two matches that kicked off the inaugural One Guyana President’s Cup at the National Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara, on Sunday evening.
Those victorious were Region Nine and host, Region Three as the fight begins for a spot in the January 1, 2023 final.
The opening encounter between Region Nine and Six proved to be the most thrilling of the night with the lads from Upper Takatu – Upper Essequibo edging out East Berbice – Corentyne with a 5-4 win which was accomplished in injury time.
Stephon McDonald was the man with the winning goal, scoring in the 4th minute of the six additional minutes of injury time. It meant McDonald finished with a hat trick after goals in the 5th and 17th.
Sherral Daniels (21st) and Matrim Martin (38th) were the other men on the scoresheet for Region Nine.
For Region Six, their valiant comeback after a dodged start was led by Leonardo Adams (32nd), Keon Williams (45+2), Dane Johnson (62nd) and Allister Williams (84th).
In the other encounter for the night, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) hammered Region One (Barima-Waini) by a 6-0 margin.
A brace by Malcolm Wiggins (33rd, 85th) led the charge and valuable support came from Junior Redman (42nd), Trayon Bobb (47th), Leo-Orin Lovell (56th) and Colwyn Abrams (63rd).
The action is scheduled to continue on Wednesday evening at the Georgetown Football Club, Bourda, with the ENet-sponsored Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) side and Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) battling from 18:00h followed by Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) facing Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) at 20:30h.
Apart from the $2M up for grabs for the winner, each player will pocket $80,000 per match.
The team captain will receive $100,000. The head coach of each team will collect $100,000, while members of his coaching staff are to receive $80,000.
Each team advancing to the quarter-finals will pocket $200,000, and each semi-finalist will collect $400,000.
The second-place team will get $1M and third $500,000.
