Last Saturday night at the Carl Ramos Stadium in beautiful Dangriga, FC Belize won the RFG Insurance Cup title with an aggregate score of 3-2 after playing the home team Wagiya FC to a 1-1 draw.

Wagiya FC conveniently gave home field advantage and lost the first leg of the championship series, 2-1, at the MCC Grounds in Belize City. And so, with their proverbial backs to the wall, it was an opportune time for Wagiya to win the RFG Insurance Cup title at home and in time to commence the celebrations to bring in the 19thfestivities. But that was wishful thinking, because FC Belize came to Griga to celebrate.

Wagiya FC was without the service of their star midfielder, Gilbert “Hoof” Swaso, who was serving a red-carded suspension. FC Belize saw the return from suspension of Jerome “Jarro” James, but had to do without several key players, including Vallan Symns, Marcos “Magoo” Souto and Ian “Coco” Henry.

Wagiya FC scored early in the match when FC’s defense failed to clear the ball from the 18-yard box. Robert Muschamp quickly squared himself and blasted a shot into the upper left-hand corner of the goal.

But things took a turn for the worse for Wagiya when Harrison “Cafu” Roches kicked Mark “Kelo” Leslie from behind and received a straight red. Wagiya was still pressing the action despite the one-man disadvantage. Wagiya almost got their second goal in the 19thminute of action. Julio Valle was fouled just outside the 18-yard box and the ensuing free kick hit the left upright.

But the momentum shifted midway through the first half, and Wagiya was forced to do some serious defending. Wagiya’s defense made a serious mistake when Dion “Pussy” Flowers was fouled inside the 18-yard box. Tyrone “T-Bone” Muschamp made the easy penalty conversion but the goal was waved off because FC was guilty of encroachment into the 18-yard box prior to the kick. Muschamp therefore had to re-take the penalty kick. As cool as the other side of the pillow, Muschamp once again scored the penalty, in the 35thminute of play, to equalize the score at 1-1.

In the 39thminute of play FC was reduced to ten players. FC’s defender Jose “Shaggy” Caseres received a straight red card for a hard tackle on Wagiya’s striker Dean Flowers. The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1.

The action increased significantly in the second half as Wagiya began to press for the go ahead goal to equal the aggregate score. In the 70thminute of play, the stadium erupted into a frenzy when Wagiya scored the go ahead goal. However, the linesman had signaled offside, therefore the goal did not count.

FC Belize then went into overdrive with the intention of ending the story once and for all. While on the attack with ten minutes to go in regulation play, Dion “Pussy” Flowers was fouled hard by Wagiya’s Hilberto Muschamp, who received his second yellow card and subsequent ejection. Wagiya fought hard as the match came to an end, and seconds after the final whistle the lights went out.

FC Belize broke out the champagne and celebrated their first title win in total darkness. Apparently, some disgruntled person had turned off the stadium lights. Fortunately for everyone, the night was not marred by any violence. When the lights returned, FC Belize was crowned as the RFG Insurance Cup champion, a title that they well deserve. For Wagiya, it was not meant to be.

Congratulations also to FC Belize striker Dion “Pussy” Flowers, who was chosen as the MVP for the finals. Flowers was nothing but amazing throughout the playoffs and even more so in the finals. He scored two goals in the first game.

And so, the veteran superstars – striker Tilliman Nunez and goalie Charlie Slusher win yet another championship. These two have aged like the best of wines. Maximum respect to them both.