Queen’s Park Rangers and Happy Hill Football Club will go head-to-head in the final of the GFA U19 Tournament after each sealing victory in the semifinals. Despite multiple delays due to the pandemic, the semifinals were contested over the weekend at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. In match one, Queen’s Park Rangers U19 defeated Paradise FC International U19 4-1 in a high energy keenly contested match.
The first half remained goal less until QPR’s Benjamin Ettienne converted in extra time at 45+1 minutes. Ettienne who featured prominently in the Men’s Senior National team and the National U20 Men’s team made it a double in the 82nd minute.
Adding to QPR’s tally was Trey John in the 57th minute and Darryl Phillip in the 90+3 minute. The lone goal for Paradise FC International came from the boots of Kanye Mark in the 55th minute.
Reflecting on his performance QPR right winger Benjamin Ettienne said, “It felt good to score two goals to help put my team into the finals. We will work on scoring more goals and holding onto the ball.”
QPR U19 Coach Joachim Wilson praised his team’s performance and said, “for the finals we need to be more clinical in front of the goal and take more chances when they appear.”
In match two, Happy Hill FC overcame a strong challenge from Hurricanes SC to win 3-2. Hurricanes SC was first on the board with Azim Francis converting in the 54th minute followed by Cody St. Louis in the 71st. For Happy Hill, a brilliant hattrick from Erasto Ross sealed the match in their favour with a penalty in the 58th minute and goals in the 73rd and 85th minutes.
An elated Happy Hill FC right back Erasto Ross said it felt great to be back on the field after a long time and his team had fun. He looks forward to, “scoring more goals in the final.”
Happy Hill FC Coach Carlson McQueen commended the GFA’s effort in hosting the tournament saying, “It gives players more opportunities for development and chances to be noticed for a spot on the national team.”
The final of the GFA U19 Tournament is carded for Thursday December 16 at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium at 5:30pm. The 3rd place match between Hurricanes SC and Paradise FC International will kick off at 3:00 p.m.
