Slingerz vs Robin Hood

Robin Hood dominated possession from the outset, but Slingerz — the reigning Guyana Football Federation Elite League champions — held firm through a disciplined first-half defensive shape. The breakthrough came nine minutes before half-time when Adipi found space in the box and finished calmly to beat Slingerz goalkeeper Germaine Kabach.

Slingerz emerged from the tunnel with renewed energy after the restart but could not find an equaliser. Balotelli made them pay in the 59th minute, converting from close range to double the lead. Dimitrio struck seven minutes later with a well-placed effort, effectively ending the contest. Zijler put the result beyond doubt with 14 minutes remaining, rounding off a slick move.

Balotelli's goal in the 59th minute changed the complexion of the match. Until that moment, Slingerz had looked capable of clawing their way back into the contest after a solid defensive display in the first half. The second goal forced Slingerz to push forward, leaving gaps that Robin Hood's attack — led by the dangerous Zijler — exploited ruthlessly. Three goals in 17 second-half minutes turned a competitive quarter-final into a rout.

Ravello Zijler (Robin Hood) — Involved in multiple attacks, scored in the 76th minute and was a constant threat down the right flank. His pace and direct running troubled the Slingerz defence throughout.

Renske Adipi (Robin Hood) — Scored the crucial opener in the 36th minute, settling any early nerves for the Surinamese side. His movement off the ball created space for his teammates in the second half.

Leandro Balotelli (Robin Hood) — The experienced striker took his goal well in the 59th minute, demonstrating sharp instincts in the box. His physical presence occupied the Slingerz centre-backs and freed up space for Dimitrio and Zijler.

Germaine Kabach (Slingerz) — The Slingerz goalkeeper made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, particularly in the first half. Could do little about any of the four goals.

Player of the match: Ravello Zijler

Robin Hood's four goals came from an xG of roughly 2.8, suggesting clinical finishing rather than chance creation. The first-half pattern was tighter than the scoreline suggests: Slingerz conceded just once before the break despite facing sustained pressure. The second-half collapse — three goals in 17 minutes — reflects the gap in quality between a Surinamese top-flight side and Guyana's champions at this level of Caribbean competition.

Slingerz had scored eight goals in their opening two matches (4-0 vs SWA Sharks, 4-3 vs Prison Services FC) but failed to register a single shot on target against Robin Hood's organised defence.

The defeat ends Slingerz's debut CFU Club Shield campaign after an encouraging run that included victories over SWA Sharks (4-0) and Prison Services FC (4-3). The Guyana champions exit at the quarter-final stage, unable to reproduce the attacking form that had carried them through the earlier rounds.

Robin Hood advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for July 31, where they will face one of the remaining quarter-final winners. The competition serves as the qualifier for the 2026 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, with the champion and runner-up earning places in the regional tournament. Robin Hood, winners of the inaugural Concacaf Caribbean Cup in 2023, will be strong contenders to claim one of those spots.

A professional, efficient performance from Robin Hood, who waited patiently for their moment then struck decisively. Slingerz can hold their heads high after a competitive first-half display, but the gulf in experience at this stage of Caribbean competition proved decisive. The Surinamese side will take some stopping in the semi-finals.