La Clery and Vieux Fort South have emerged as the finalists in the 2026 Blackheart SLFA Boys Under-20 Knockout Football competition, with the grand finals scheduled for June 20.
In an unexpected turn of events, both home teams, Soufriere and Gros Islet, were eliminated in last weekend’s semi-final matches.
On Sunday, La Clery demonstrated resilience, fighting back to draw 1-1 against Gros Islet at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. The match culminated in a thrilling penalty shootout, where La Clery triumphed 5-4.
After a scoreless first half, Gros Islet took the lead in the 70th minute through striker Rickelme Lionel, who received a good through pass from a substitute player in a move that paid off almost immediately.
However, complacency set in, and La Clery equalized with just four minutes left in added time. In the shootout, La Clery maintained composure, with their goalkeeper earning a clean sheet.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Vieux Fort South secured their place in the finals by defeating Soufriere 2-1 at the Soufriere Mini Stadium. Goals from Obafami Poyotte and Kelvin Sylvester proved decisive, overcoming Soufriere’s challenge.
Poyotte opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but Cassian Jn Baptiste equalized just before halftime.
In a tightly contested match, Kelvin Sylvester netted the winner with 13 minutes remaining, skillfully eluding the Soufriere goalkeeper.
Blackheart CEO David “Shakes” Christopher praised the semi-finals as a “superific weekend,” stating, “Unfortunately, though Soufriere lost, it was a real thrilling match against Vieux Fort South. And we witnessed La Clery edging out Gros Islet in a very tight, intriguing contest.”
The highly anticipated final will take place on Saturday, June 20, at Soufrière Stadium, where La Clery will face Vieux Fort South for the title and a $30,000 prize.
In the third-place match, Soufrière will compete against Gros Islet.
Christopher highlighted the positive reception to this inaugural 26th edition of the tournament in Under-20 format, noting, “It has been a good experience, a new vision. The response from the community has been overwhelming, with massive attendance in both Soufrière and Gros Islet. The future of football in Saint Lucia is looking bright, and it’s important that we continue to support these young athletes.”
He also called upon corporate sponsors in Saint Lucia to get involved by contributing prizes and support for the finals, stating, “Let’s come together to make this final a memorable event for the players and fans alike.”
[R.A].
