by Rudolph “Bolo” McKoy

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Dec. 28, 2023

On Friday, December 22, an Over-40 football selection from the recently concluded Social Security Health & Wellness Over-40 football tournament at Berger Field, visited Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico to play a friendly match against a Mexican Over-35 selection from the Chetumal league.

The Belize delegation was made up of players from tournament finalists, Belize Defence Force Veterans and Yabra Kulture Over-40.

The game was played at the Diez De Abril stadium and started at 8:00 p.m.

The Mexican selection scored the first goal in the 22nd minute of the game. In the 27th minute the Belize selection tied the score with a wonderful shot from Chris Gilharry of Kulture Yabra. The goal was assisted by Juan Carlos Duran. The very exciting first half ended in a one-to-one tie, with both teams missing several opportunities.

The second half saw both teams attacking, but it was the Mexican selection in the 30th minute of second half that kicked in the second goal to seal the win for Mexico.

There was a huge fan turnout who celebrated the Mexico selection’s 2-1 victory.

The players from the Belize selection representing Kulture Yabra were: Chris Gilharry, Rudolph McKoy, Juan Carlos Duran, Mike Diaz, Dalton and Ramon Mendivar; and for the BDF – Victor Nunez, Daniel Harris, Lyndon Flores, Emelito Martinez, Freddie Roches and Erwin Flores.

There is a possibility of the Mexican team visiting Belize for a return match.