Vessigny back in South Zone final

But they will have new opponents in the title match as defending champions Fyzabad were unable to pull off the upset this time against Naparima as the "Big 5" champions came away winners by a similar 1-0 margin.

In the first match, Vessigny made a lone goal by Kiel Williams stand while their defence withstood some desperate attacks by St Benedict’s to hold on for victory.

During the first 20 minutes of the encounter, both teams appeared to be feeling each other out with only a few harmless chances being created.

Then, as if out of nowhere, in the 22nd minute Williams, after receiving a throw from the right side, turned past two defenders and released a perfectly placed left-footed shot straight into the "vee" of the Benedicts’ goal.

The shot left custodian Jeremy Tenia with no chance as he made a stumbled diving attempt at the ball. Jan Steadman’s men were more penetrating in the second half and came agonisingly close to the equaliser in the 65th minute but Silas Spann’s floating header from a left-side cross hit the top of the crossbar and went out of play.

The Vessigny defence continued to hold their nerve and when Matthew Bartholomew’s injury time free kick sailed wide it was all over for the La Romain boys.

In the second half of the double-header, Fyzabad fought like true champions and competed with Naparima attempt for attempt almost all the way.

Their flamboyant attacking style entertained the crowd and had the Naps defence on their heels. For a moment, the league champs may have been wondering if an early exit from Intercol was on the cards for a second straight year.

Captain Sherrick Hilaire erased all fears, however, in the 83rd minute when he converted on a free kick to put his team ahead.

Hilaire curled the right-footed attempt around the Fyzabad wall and into the back of the net leaving the keeper frozen still like a statue, in awe of what just took place.

Seven minutes later the final whistle blew extending Naparima’s season long unbeaten streak to 16 matches and booking their place in Monday’s final.

In the East Zone reigning champions St Augustine will defend their title against San Juan in Friday’s final.

In the semi-final double-header yesterday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, San Juan, who are favoured to add the East Intercol title to their Secondary Schools Football League East Zone crown, cruised past Malabar 3-0.

Earlier in the afternoon, the "Green Machine" St Augustine got the better of the "Blue Thunder" El Dorado 3-2.

Daniel Joseph, Lorenzo King and Elton John were the goal-getters for St Augustine while captain Keston Henry netted twice for "El Do."

The Central Zonal "semis" will take place at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva today with Chaguanas facing Marabella at 3 pm followed by the clash between favourites Presentation and Carapichaima.