Annai regain confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash
After a stumble in their first game, Annai Secondary returned on day two to thump the Christianburg-Wismar side as Shiva Boys registered their second win.
Annai and Annandale Secondary were the ones battling for a win on Wednesday evening after registering losses on the first night of play. However, Annai Secondary were the only one of the two teams to get their redemption.
The Rupununi-based team made an excellent display of the skills that were expected to surface since their first 2-0 loss to Shiva Boys, putting their ever-dominant Linden opponents in a tight spot within minutes of the beginning of the game.
Annai got their work started early as Captain Orville Daniels stepped up to the plate to deliver an early goal in the fifth minute.
Needless to say, the Christianburg-Wismar side was stunned by Daniels’ flying kick at the net. Caught off guard, the Linden goalkeeper could not regain his composure which led to yet another brilliant goal, this time from Niazz Mohammed in the 12th minute. Visibly having a tough night at this point, Christianburg’s goalkeeper could not help but miss his mark for a third time, allowing Mohammed to net his second goal in the 35th minute.
Down by three goals, Christianburg-Wismar played a better second half, increasing their ball possession. However, their Region 9 counterparts were too quick for their tactics. In addition, the Annai goalkeeper kept his eyes open, scooping up every Linden attempt which resulted in their inability to muster a goal, paving way for Annai’s 3-0 win.
The last encounter of the evening saw Annandale Secondary coming up against a strong Shiva Boys squad. Minutes into the game, the rain began pouring and Annandale were clearly more acquainted with the slushy conditions than the Trinidadian visitors. Playing to their strengths, the East Coast team took control of the game in a brief moment of brilliance, but when the time came to score, a neat pass by Omari Glasgow was squandered just inches outside the goal.
When the rain ceased, the Shiva Boys showed their skill as they picked up the pace. Adika Ash was the first to secure a goal when he found the back of the net in the 17th minute after which the half passed quietly. Glasgow was the one to reply for Annandale in the 55th minute. The local team looked promising as their defence held off the Trinidadian boys, but their hopes of a win were crushed by Jason Bristol four minutes before regulation time.
The final day of the Petra-organised KFC Goodwill Tournament will be staged on Saturday, December 22. At the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Annai Secondary will come up against Annandale Secondary at 17:00h (5pm) and Christianburg-Wismar will take on the Shiva Boys Hindu College at 19:00h (7pm).
