Title favourites Region Four had their toughest battle in the ongoing One Guyana President’s Cup but still managed to eke a win and keep their unbeaten record intact.
In a key fixture to determine who qualifies for the semi-finals, Kelsey Benjamin’s goal in the 22nd proved to be the difference in the heated clash with Region Nine at the National Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara, on Friday evening.
Also victorious on the night was Region One, who dispatched Region Two 3-1.
Even though Region Four were down to 10 men after Reshwan Ritch was sent off in the 64th, the depth and experience of their squad proved good enough to withstand the pressure from the lads from Upper Takatu – Upper Essequibo, who needed a win to safeguard their spot to the next round.
Region Nine, on six points from their four completed group matches, will now have to hope other fixtures in the group go in their favour to qualify.
Meanwhile, a brace by Romario Welcome got Region One their first win at the expense of keeping Region Two winless.
Welcome scored in the sixth minute of injury during the first half, a minute after Randy DeJounge netted for Region Two.
Earl Gill etched his name on the score sheet in the 55th while Welcome had his second four minutes later.
Matches continue on Christmas Day with Region Seven hosting Region Eight at the Bartica Community Centre ground from 19:00h and Region Four clashing Region Six at Buxton Community Centre ground from 19:00h.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals.
For each win in the group stage, teams will pocket $200,000. If the game ends in a draw, the teams will share the spoils.
In the semi-finals, a win is worth $400,000. The winning team will walk away with $2M. Second place gets $1M.
