St. Ignatius Secondary recorded a dramatic win over Waramuri Primary Top in a pulsating penalty shootout on Sunday evening to seize the championship title at the inaugural Guyana Football Federation-Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls’ National Secondary School Championship.
Fans at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara, on June 30 enjoyed an exciting day featuring six matches, highlighted by two semi-finals where St. Ignatius Secondary defeated Santa Rosa Secondary 1-0 with goal from Priya Leonard in the ninth minute.
Meanwhile, Waramuri Primary Top overcame Bartica Secondary 2-0. Allia Henry found the net in the 12th minute, while Keysi Austin contributed an own goal.
Waramuri Primary Top finished second overall (Photo: GFF)
The final, broadcast live on GFF social media platforms, delivered a compelling clash between the top teams from Regions One and Nine.
Despite a goalless draw at the end of the official 20-minute match time, both sides exhibited robust attacking and defensive tactics, with assured goalkeeping performances on full display.
However, St. Ignatius Secondary clinched a thrilling victory in a nail-biting penalty shootout, scoring three goals to Waramuri Primary Top’s two. Teammate Sonia Simon won the MVP award, while goalkeeper Shontell Jobe took home the Golden Boot.
In the contest for third and fourth place, Santa Rosa Secondary recorded a 2-0 victory over Bartica Secondary to secure the trophy. Veronica Chatta, who led the tournament with 19 goals, scored in the 16th and 29th minutes.
In addition to trophies and medals, the champions received equipment valued at over G$600,000, with Waramuri Primary Top and Santa Rosa earning football gears valued at just over G$450,000 and G$379,000, respectively.
Santa Rosa Secondary finished third overall (Photo: GFF)
During the brief awards ceremony, GFF President Wayne Forde commended all the participating teams stating, “You are all winners.”
He congratulated the champions and stressed that “we have witnessed weeks of exceptional football and a championship match that will be remembered for years to come.”
The top football official also thanked Blue Water for their ongoing support and acknowledged the Ministry of Education for embracing the federation’s vision for girls in football.
“Plans for a second edition of the tournament are already underway, with new schools expected to register from across Guyana.”
Blue Water Shipping Senior Vice-President Jennifer Falconer congratulated the GFF on the success of the tournament, stating that her company is “proud to have been the sponsor of this first historic championship with girls’ under-15.”
She shared that the global shipping brand will “absolutely be happy to participate” in the next nationwide championship.
Marti DeSouza, Deputy Chief Education Officer for Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, said he enjoyed the competitive level displayed during the championship match, highlighting that it “struck a balance” in showcasing top football players, as both teams originated from the hinterland region.
Meanwhile, Women’s Football Association (WFA) President Andrea Johnson disclosed that standout performers from the tournament have been identified to represent Guyana at the upcoming Concacaf Under-15 event in August.
“I am confident that they will make us proud.” Johnson also urged other teams to remain focused and “return next championship ready to battle again.”
Earlier in the day, the other four quarter-finalists competed for positions fifth through eighth. President’s College triumphed over Bush Lot Secondary 2-0 to claim fifth place, courtesy of goals from Kimora Edwards in the eighth minute and Rayanna Gounga in the 29th minute.
Tucville Secondary concluded the tournament in seventh place after prevailing over Queen’s College in a 2-1 penalty shootout.
The competition commenced nationwide on May 4, engaging over a thousand student athletes from 53 schools.
It marked the beginning of the competitive phase of the FIFA Football For School Programme (F4S), designed to foster life skills through football.
A total of 138 games were played, resulting in 325 goals scored.