Annai Secondary retain Blue Water Shipping Girls U-15 National title

Annai Secondary have successfully defended their Blue Water Shipping Girls U15 National Championship title, edging out rivals Marian Academy 2-1 in a thrilling final at the National Training Centre (NTC) on Sunday.

The Region Nine champions reaffirmed their status as the powerhouse of Guyanese schoolgirls’ football, repeating their 2025 triumph against the very same opponents.

Annai had to dig deep just to reach the national stage, narrowly sneaking out of the Region Nine qualifiers on goal difference ahead of St. Ignatius Secondary.

Yet, when the lights shone brightest in the National Final Eight, they proved exactly why they are champions.

For Marian Academy, representing Georgetown North, it was déjà vu and heartbreak.

The urban side played with immense quality and consistency throughout the seven-week campaign but fell just short against a highly disciplined Annai outfit.

Despite the defeat, Marian Academy dominated the individual accolades, with Kaleigh Todd named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Skylar DeNobrega claiming the Golden Boot after netting a staggering 13 goals.

Annai’s Kesia Edward picked up the Best Goalkeeper award.

Elsewhere on the final day, drama unfolded in the third-place playoff where Waramuri Secondary held their nerve to defeat President’s College in a tense penalty shootout after a hard-fought draw.

The New Central High School secured fifth place ahead of debutants Mahdia Secondary, while Wauna Primary defeated Abram Zuil Secondary to claim seventh.

The tournament’s expansion has been nothing short of remarkable. A record-breaking 80 schools and roughly 1,600 girls featured in this year’s edition, up from 68 schools last year.

A total of 111 matches were played across 13 communities, with regional qualifiers reaching deep into areas such as Kabakaburi, Tapakuma, Aishalton, Katoka, and Nappi for the first time.

Speaking after the final, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde lauded the explosion of talent and outlined a grand vision for the youth game.

“The long-term goal is to have all secondary schools from every corner of Guyana participate,” Forde said, revealing that two dedicated girls’ academies are on the horizon. “The objectives are to create access, increase participation, promote development and discover talent—and we have achieved these.”

Richard DeNobrega, Senior VP of Sales & Development at sponsors Blue Water Shipping, echoed that optimism, telling the players: “Today we have 1,600 winners who are champions of football for Guyana. You are witnessing members of the Guyana National Team, who will be a part of future World Cups.” (Modified Press Release)