Celestine Chacon
February 17, 2025
Team Taliban emerged victorious in the 7th Mashramani Street Football Championship, securing a 4-3 win over North East La Penitence after a dramatic penalty shootout.
The finals, held at the National Park, saw intense action with both teams battling through regular and extra time before the game was ultimately decided by penalty kicks.
The match began with a strong start from North East, who took the lead in the 7th minute with a goal from Lennox Cort.
North East extended their lead to 2-0 with another goal from Calvin Moore, putting them in a commanding position.
However, Team Taliban fought back, and in the 18th minute, their top striker Nicholas McArthur found the back of the net twice, bringing the score level with less than 15 minutes remaining in regular time.
Despite both teams’ efforts in the final moments, no further goals were scored, and the match moved to penalties.
Taliban showed nerves of steel, winning the shootout 4-3 to clinch the championship title.
As champions, Team Taliban took home $500,000 and a trophy, while North East received $300,000 as runners-up.
In the semi-finals, Taliban had already shown determination, defeating Goal is Money to reach the final, while North East triumphed over defending champions Stabroek Ballers with a 3-1 victory.
Goal is Money secured third place with a $200,000 prize and a trophy, and Stabroek Ballers placed fourth, winning $100,000.
Carl Griffith was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, receiving $50,000 and a trophy, sponsored by J’s Chill Spot in Bent Street.
The tournament was supported by several sponsors, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Magnum Tonic Wine, Lucozade, MVP Sports, ENet, Corum Group, Starr Party Rentals, Fireside Grill, Cevons, TCL Guyana Inc., Trophy Stall, J’s Chill Spot, Nigel Hinds Financial Services, the Commissioner of Police, Sleep Inn International Hotel, and Secure Innovations and Concepts.