Guyana’s unbeaten streak came to an end in the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Women’s Challenge Cup when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in their final preliminary match yesterday at the Deodoro Hockey Complex in neighbouring Brazil.
Guyana and Uruguay will now meet in the final later today after the Guyanese edged out Brazil on goal difference to book a place in deciding match.
The Brazilians defeated Paraguay 4-1 but had to win the encounter by four clear goals to unseat Guyana, which they failed to do.
That score line was 1-1 at half time.
The Guyana/Uruguay encounter proved a prelude to the final as the unbeaten Uruguay team took the lead as early as the fourth minute when Karina Bisiginano converted from a penalty corner.
The Guyanese fought gamely after the initial setback but Uruguay netted their second goal in the 22nd minute when Iroe Gorozurreta scored a field goal. It was a good showing for the Guyanese against the marauding Uruguay who won handsomely against their opponents in the preliminary competition.
Guyana will now be looking to stop Uruguay in the final to win the gold medal.
Uruguay topped the round robin standings with 12 points while Guyana and Brazil both ended with seven points followed by Paraguay on three and Bermuda ending the competition without a point.
Brazil will take on Paraguay for the bronze medal.
Uruguay and Guyana by virtue of claiming the top two spots are now eligible to compete in the Pan American playoff of the 2013 World Cup qualification competition.
They will join the United States, Chile, Argentina, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico to identify the Pan American region top two teams for the World Cup.
