Beckford’s header sinks GDF as Slingerz FC remain unbeaten in GFF Elite League
Jun 16, 2025
…Western Tigers, Police FC play to entertaining 1 – 1 draw
Kemar Beckford celebrates after putting Slingerz FC in the lead against GDF.
Kaieteur Sports – Slingerz FC edged past defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC 1–0 in a blockbuster showdown to wrap up Round One of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League at the National Training Centre, Providence.
The decisive blow came courtesy of Jamaican forward Kemar Beckford, whose well-timed header in the 35th minute, separated the two giants in a match dubbed the “must-watch clash of the season.”
With the win, Slingerz FC closed the first round with a perfect 9-from-9 record, sending an emphatic message to the rest of the league.
GDF, meanwhile, now sit fourth on the table with three defeats, a surprising slump for the back-to-back champions.
From the moment the players took to the pitch, the buzz around the venue made it clear that this wasn’t just another league fixture. It was a battle of titans, a tactical chess match between two of Guyana’s most respected minds, Jamaal Shabazz for Slingerz, and Joseph “Bill” Wilson guiding GDF.
The fans came for a show, and they got just that. Beckford thought he had opened the scoring early when he pounced on a loose ball in the box, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cancel celebrations. The crowd roared in disapproval, but the call stood.
Undeterred, Slingerz turned up the tempo, with Kelsey Benjamin running riot down the left flank. His trickery and precision eventually paid off when he whipped in a cross that found Beckford soaring above the GDF defence.
Slingerz FC’s Bryan Wharton going up against his former Chase Academy teammate, Shakeem Welcome.
This time, there was no offside, just a powerful, clinical header that sent the Slingerz faithful into a frenzy.
Despite GDF’s attempts to claw their way back, the Slingerz midfield and defence were unyielding.
The second half saw Slingerz in full control, dictating play, winning second balls, and peppering GDF’s box with dangerous incursions, though wasteful finishing kept the scoreline narrow.
A controversial moment came late in the game when the referee’s confusion saw Romain Brackenridge sent off after mistakenly being shown a second yellow card. It was later clarified he had only received one, but by then, Slingerz were forced to make quick tactical changes to see out the final minutes with ten men.
The result is a major shake-up in the race for the Elite League crown. Slingerz FC stand alone at the summit with 27 points, undefeated and seemingly unstoppable.
GDF FC, perennial contenders and two-time reigning champs, now face an uphill battle to defend their crown. Sitting in fourth with 16 points and already three losses, questions will be asked of their form and their ability to respond in the second round.
Before the main event, Western Tigers and the Guyana Police Force FC set the tone with an entertaining 1–1 draw.
Stephon Reynolds gave Western Tigers the lead just before halftime, but Neron Barrow’s 79th-minute equalizer ensured the points were shared.
The result kept Western Tigers in second place with 20 points, while Police FC trail closely behind in third on 18.
Both clubs have only tasted defeat at the hands of Slingerz FC, further underscoring the dominance of the Vergenoegen-based outfit.
Meanwhile, Round Two of the GFF Elite League will return on July 26.
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