By Emmerson Campbell in St Lucia
Needing to beat host St Lucia in their final Group Two Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Cup game by at least three goals, the Guyana Jaguars did just that and roared to victory at the Beausejour Stadium last night.
Inspired by a lunch time motivational speech by legendary commentator and sports administrator in the Caribbean, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, the Guyana Jaguars brushed off two lacklustre performances to beat St Lucia three-nil and book their place in the next round of the tournament in Trinidad and Tobago next month.
A double by striker Vurlon Mills (14th and 33rd minutes) and a goal by Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson (36th minute) put paid to the St Lucians and their hopes of qualifying for the next round.
Guyana will tackle Trinidad, Cuba and Surname in the next group stage which kicks off on November 14.
The Jaguars started the game aggressively, fighting for loose balls and dominating possession. This relentless pressure paid off when Walter Moore from just outside the 18 yard box, sent a perfect free kick to Mills who headed in the first goal to put the visitors up. Mills would again score in a similar fashion, heading home an assist from Richardson to quiet the crowd and further increase their lead.
Three minutes later, Mills returned the favour to Richardson by sending a pin- point pass to his boot. Making no mistake, Richardson sent a right-foot screamer that found the back of the net.
After half time, both teams would create chances to score but mistimed shots coupled with brilliant saves from the goalkeepers kept the score at three-nil.
At the post match press conference, Coach Jamaal Shabazz lauded his charges for keeping their composure and performing under pressure.
The other Group Two team to qualify for the next CFU round is St Vincent and the Grenadines.
In the other two CFU games, Guyana lost to St Vincent 2-1 in their opener on Sunday and won against Curacao, 2-1 on Tuesday.
Guyana’s starting 11 comprised Captain Chris Nurse, Richardson, Mills,Trayon Bobb, Ronson Williams (goal keeper),Charles Pollard, Konata Mannings, D
St Lucia’s 11 comprised Burton Emmanuel, Thadius Francis (goal keeper) Magnam Valcin, Kurt Frederick, Pernal Williams, Rickson Augustin, Guy George, Eden Charles,Romiel Felix, Everton Lambert and Tremain Paul.
