Lannaman’s Prep players and coaches celebrate winning the Alberga Cup final against Emmanuel Christian Academy at Sts Peter & Paul Prep in 2022. Photo: Observer file
The semi-finalists of the JISA/Canopy Insurance Alberga Cup National Under-12 football competition will be determined today after the final set of quarterfinal matches unfold across Kingston and St Andrew.
In one of the closest competitions in recent seasons, at least nine teams will enter the final round of last-12 fixtures with a mathematical chance of progressing to the semi-final stage, which will feature the three quarter-final group winners as well as the best second-place team.
Defending champions Sts Peter and Paul find themselves in a situation where they will have to depend on the results from other matches if they are to continue their title defense beyond today, after a win and a loss in their two quarterfinal round fixtures to date.
The “Mighty Saints” defeated St Andrew 3-0 in their opener but lost 0-2 to Lannaman’s on Wednesday to give up control of the group.
They will face a tricky encounter against Cristel House at 11:30am today at Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory knowing that even a win may not prove enough to see them progress. Sts Peter and Paul sit third in quarter-final group A on three points and a goal difference of +1.
Their opponents, who held Lannaman’s to a 1-1 draw in their opener before clipping St Andrew 2-1, are also on a +1 goal difference, but are a point ahead and know – like Sts Peter and Paul – that a win with a big goal cushion is their best chance to get into the next round.
Quarter-final Group A leaders Lannaman’s Prep — four points and a +2 — hold the advantage, as they enter the round with a seemingly straightforward game against St Andrew (10:am at Sts Peter and Paul), who are still looking for their first win in this round.
In Group B, Emmanuel Christian Academy have the advantage after winning their two matches to date; 3-0 over Reach Academy and 2-0 over Liberty Academy and building up a healthy goal difference (+5). They face the struggling Vaz Prep, who have so far conceded nine goals in their two quarter-final matches. That match takes place at 10:00am at Liberty.
Reach Academy have three points to their name but with +3, also have the highest goal difference of all the second-placed teams coming into the round. However, they will come up against a tough Liberty Academy team at 11:30am, with the latter holding three points and a +1 goal difference.
Quarter-final group C is just as intriguing with three of the four teams still in with a chance of progressing.
Many-time champions Mona Prep lead the group with four points (+1) with Hillel Academy (+1) and Creative Kids (-1) following with three points apiece.
Mona, who defeated Hillel 1-0 in their opening group game, suffered a shocking 1-1 draw against St Hugh’s on Wednesday and with Hillel tagging Creative Kids 2-0 in their last match, it’s still all to play for in the group.
Mona will face Creative Kids at 11:30 am at Buttercup Park, while Hillel Academy will come up against St Hugh’s at 10:00 am at the same venue.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
St Andrew vs Lannaman’s — 10:00 am at Sts Peter and Paul
Vaz vs Emmanuel – 10:00 am at Liberty Academy
St Hugh’s vs Hillel Academy – 10:00 am at Buttercup Park
Cristel House vs Sts Peter and Paul – 11:30 am at Sts Peter and Paul
Liberty Academy vs Reach Academy – 11:30 am at Liberty Academy
Creative Kids vs Mona Prep – 11:30 am at Buttercup Park
