The new era of the Golden Jaguars got off to relatively positive note as Guyana held Dominica to a nil-all draw yesterday in their CFU Cup Qualification tourney opener at the Warner Park Sporting Complex in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Christopher Matthias during an invited comment said “From the information I would have received from St. Kitts and Nevis, I am extremely proud of this young team.”
He added: “All praise to the most high God for taking them safely and for allowing us at the GFF the opportunity to expose new, fresh and young talent as we seek to develop Guyana’s football.”
Starting with an eleven consisting of Walter Moore, Quincy Adams, Steffon Ramsay, Delroy Fraser, Eusi Phillips, Delroy Fraser, Oswald Cornette, Joshua Browne, Eon Alleyne, Shaquille Agard and Jahaal Greaves, Guyana would fashion the best chance of the first half through a Delwyn 32nd minute effort.
Racing into the penalty area, the wily wideman would unleash a powerful attempt that seemed destined for goal, only to come cannoning off the woodwork. Resuming in the second period, Dominica’s Kevin Lawrence missed a great chance to break the deadlock in the 66th minute, lashing his effort into the stands after latching onto a poor clearance from a corner by the Golden Jaguars defenders.
The Dominicans would continue to dominate the second period and almost took the lead once more in the 79th minute, only to deny through a great save by custodian Oswald Cornette in a one-on-one situation with the opposing striker, following a counterattack.
Dominica was then gifted a great opportunity to walk away with all three points as they were awarded with a penalty kick, after Steffon Ramsay was sent off in the 88th minute for a rash challenge inside the area. However they would fail to capitalize on the spot-kick as Kenny Jean Baptiste sent his effort well wide of the mark. Guyana would eventually hold on for the remaining minutes playing with 10 men to secure a very valuable point.
They will continue their campaign tomorrow when they come up against St. Lucia at the same event. They will then conclude their tourney against the host nation on Sunday in their final group fixture.
