The ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championship exploded into life on Friday evening with a goal-scoring frenzy at the Retrieve Hardcourt, featuring dominant victories for defending champions YMCA A, Stabroek, and Young Gunners.

The opening night set a high bar for attacking football, though the action was broken up by one thrilling, hard-fought draw.

Stabroek delivered the most comprehensive performance of the night, mauling Fearless 19-4. Bevney Marks was the star, netting an incredible eight goals, while Shaka Lewis added four goals (a helmet-trick) to complete the rout.

Defending champions YMCA A started their title defence strongly, crushing HH Ballers 10-2, with five different players—Kevin Gittens, Jonah Simon, Jamal Bentick, Ryan Noel, and Jermaine Padmore—all bagging two goals each.

In the final lopsided result, Young Gunners blew past Westside Ballers 10-1. The scoring was spearheaded by Dwayne James and Tyrese Lewis, who both secured respective helmet-tricks (four goals apiece).

The most balanced fixture saw Hardball Management stage a superb comeback to earn a valuable 3-3 draw against Bombers. Hardball Management battled back from a three-goal deficit, relying on a brace from Kareem Mervin to snatch a point. Bombers’ scoring was led by Dequain Samuels’ double.

The championship features 16 teams divided into four groups. The top two finishers from each group will progress to the quarter-final segment.

Beyond the top prize of G$1.5M, the eventual second, third and fourth-place finishers will pocket GY$750,000, GY$350,000, and GY$200,000, respectively.

Individual accolades include a motorcycle for the Most Valuable Player and a GY$300,000 economic grant awarded to a player or fan to aid their academic development.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Steven Jacobs, conducted the ceremonial kick-off.