CFU Caribbean Shield: Garcia's late strike sends Slingerz into quarter-finals after seven-goal thriller

Guyana’s Slingerz FC continued their impressive debut campaign in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Shield by securing a dramatic 4-3 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Prison Service FC on Saturday to book their place in the quarter-finals. Derrel Garcia was the hero for Guyana’s Elite League champions, striking in the 90th minute of a pulsating contest at the iconic Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain to snatch a memorable victory against a determined home side. The win sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against Surinamese outfit Robin Hood on Tuesday, leaving Slingerz just one step away from the final four. Jamaican striker Kemar Beckford once again proved indispensable to head coach Jamaal Shabazz, delivering a clinical performance to spearhead the Slingerz attack. Having netted twice in their opening victory against SWA Sharks, Beckford replicated that feat against Prison Service. He opened the scoring in the 17th minute to give the visitors an early advantage, before doubling his personal tally in the 58th minute to keep Slingerz firmly on the front foot. Neron Borrow, who also found the net in the tournament opener, added his name to the scoresheet once more in the 67th minute as the momentum continually shifted in the Trinidadian capital. With the match finely poised and heading into the closing stages, the tie seemed destined to go down to the wire. However, as the clock ticked over to the 90th minute, Garcia found the crucial breakthrough, firing home moments before stoppage time to break Prison Service hearts and hand the Guyanese outfit their second consecutive win of the tournament. The result is a testament to the resilience and attacking flair Slingerz have displayed throughout their maiden appearance in the competition. Having already made an emphatic statement on the regional stage, Shabazz’s men will carry significant momentum into Tuesday’s clash with Robin Hood as their quest for Caribbean silverware gathers pace. (Modified Press Release)