In a dramatic evening of football at the Grande Riviere Playing Field, defending national club champions GMC United and Bay Bay Cup holders Northern United FC both registered their first tournament victories on Wednesday, February 4th.
GMC United, fielding a significantly transformed lineup since their 2025 championship win, dominated their local rivals Dominators FC with a commanding 4-0 victory in the Grande Riviere derby. After a scoreless first half marked by physical play, the match exploded in the 53rd minute when Mekhi Stanislaus broke the deadlock. The momentum continued just sixty seconds later as Under-16 striker Shaquil Martelly—the smallest player on the pitch—delivered an spectacular long-range strike that electrified the crowd. Tonius Simon sealed the comprehensive win with two additional goals within a five-minute span.
Head coach Daren Gaspard acknowledged the challenging first half: “We started a bit slow in the first half, [and] Dominators were a bit physical, due respect to them, we played on their home ground.” He credited the team’s second-half transformation to tactical adjustments made during halftime: “We went in with a plan for the second half, and we executed properly. You could see the changes had an impact on the game.”
The victory carries emotional significance for GMC United, who have persevered through the tragic losses of players Sherman Augustin and Ajani Lebourne in 2025, along with several transfers that necessitated relying on younger talent like Martelly and goalkeeper Jahim Henry. New acquisitions including Trevon St Prix have provided much-needed stability as the team prepares for a crucial Sunday showdown against group leaders New Generation FC.
Meanwhile, Northern United FC kept their semifinal hopes alive with an emphatic 7-1 rout of Gros Islet Veterans. The team established a formidable 4-0 halftime advantage through a brace from Lyndon Constantine complemented by goals from Devonte Herman and Nicholas Lawrence. Although veteran international striker Earl ‘Ball Hog’ Jean converted a penalty for the Vets after the break, Northern United responded with three additional goals from Kenrick Antoine, Thierry Morille, and Samiel Louisien to secure second place in Group B on goal difference.
The tournament continues on Sunday, February 8th at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds with critical matchups featuring Northern United against Police at 5pm, followed by the highly anticipated clash between GMC United and New Generation FC at 7pm.