Football loving fans in Mabouya Valley got what they deserved on Sunday- A hell of a final between Aux Lyons United and RYO for the EC Global/Mabouya Valley Under-20 title. In the end it was Aux Lyons coming out on top in dramatic fashion.
Once again in football crazed Mabouya Valley, a large crowd turned out at the La Ressource Playing Field to watch two teams display a fierce determination to win. After 90 minutes it was stalemate with the scores tied 1-1.
Quantus Abbott gave Aux Lyons a 1-0 lead early in the first half. They had several opportunities to pad the score but came up empty.
Following a lack luster first half RYO turned it on in the second half. They eventually scored the equalizer when Mc Henry Alexander connected from close range following a free kick. With the game hanging in the balance both teams went all out for the go ahead goal, but were thwarted by a combination of good defensive play and not so good on the offensive side of things.
With nothing decided after 90 minutes penalty kicks eventually decided the outcome. Following the first five spot kicks the scores were level at 4-4. Finals MVP Duvaughn Augustin saved RYO’s fist spot kick while the RYO custodian saved Aux Lyons fifth spot kick. With the shootout going into sudden death, Augustin made two more saves and in the end Aux Lyons prevailed 8-7 in the penalty shootout.
Prior to the finals getting underway, there was the Third Place Playoff between Chesters and Survivals. Once again a penalty shootout decided the outcome with Chesters coming out on top 5-4.
Following the game there was a brief but entertaining prize giving ceremony. Offcials in attendance included Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Shawn Edward; CEO for EC Global, Lethan Khan; President of the Mabouya Valley Youth and Sports Council, Kendal Emmanuel.
Emmanuel thanked everyone who made the tournament a success in particular EC Global. He said “yet again they are ensuring their strength in our side when it comes to the development of our youth in the Mabouya Valley.”
Speaking on behalf of EC Global, Khan said: “I must say guys it has been such a wonderful evening for me to be here experiencing this. I just can’t find words to explain how satisfied I am with what I saw in this tournament and how it ended tonight. “
He thanked the organizers for a fantastic job and said “if you continue to do great, we will continue to support you. We have embraced this community and we want this community to embrace us.”
Minister Edward who is also the District Representative, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors for making funds available for the competition. Referring
to the fact that EC Global is committed to working with the Mabouya Youth and Sports Council he said “I am hoping the success we had in football with them will be replicated in other aspects of youth development.”
In addition to Augustin of Aux Lyons United being named the Finals MVP teammate Julius Louisy received a prize for the Most Goals.
