With only a mathematical chance of qualifying for the second round of the CFU Caribbean Cup Guyana will require a win against host nation St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) in their final matchup today at the Warner Park Sporting Complex to keep their hopes alive.
Beaten by the 138th-ranked (FIFA ranking) St. Lucians 2-0 in their second group fixture, the 153rd ranked Golden Jaguars
will now match skills with the group leaders who are currently ranked 159th.
The host nation, by virtue of their 5-0 demolition of 168th ranked Dominica in their second match, go into the fixture against Guyana as favourites and require only a draw to automatically qualify for the second round.
A win for the Jaguars by any margin will give them a statistical chance of qualifying from the group as one of two top sides, depending on the other result from the St. Lucia/Dominica fixture.
A Dominica win would be the ideal situation for Guyana due to their horrendous goal difference. The possibility almost exists for Guyana to qualify as the best third placed team and as such, a win would be able to create that avenue pending the result of the other matches.
Attack
Offence is the best form of defence and at this juncture it certainly is Guyana’s Achilles heel. Throughout the event the inability to score goals has been the team’s major downfall. This is evident by the fact that the Jaguars are yet to score a goal after two matches.
While the attacking build-up and pattern has been cited as sloppy and disjointed at time, the chances have been created but not capitalised on by the forwards. A switch to a more attack minded approach and formation is required with qualification to the next round on the line.
A possible start for Clarence Huggins alongside Delroy Fraser and Shaquille Agard might be answer to that issue. Huggins, who is known for his deceptive pace and technical ability, could factor in a front three with the aforementioned duo to give Guyana a little more firepower in the final third.
They could then be supported by Delwyn Fraser and Eon Alleyne in the wider positions to create the necessary width. Whereas sacrificing one of the midfield pivots could be a hindrance on the defensive end, the objective in the final matchup is goal scoring and well worth the gamble.
The only way Guyana can progress to the next round whether as one of the automatic group qualifiers or the best third ranked team is to win. The only way they will be able to achieve that goal is to simply score goals.
Defence
With the struggles clearly on the offense radar, Guyana’s showing in the defensive zone especially between the uprights has been positive. Undersized compared to the other units, a dogged showing is needed in the final matchup to help facilitate progression.
With the equation simple, win and possibly go through or lose and definitely head home, responsibility will be on the captain Walter Moore to marshal the rearguard in attempting to secure another clean sheet.
The Golden Jaguars have already shown the ability to be able to keep a clean sheet following their nil-all draw with Dominica in the opening match.
The conceding of the early goal against St. Lucia changed Guyana’s initial tactics. This brought about a change in mindset, knowing that they would have to chase the fixture to salvage any possibility of a result. This eventually led to the conceding of the second goal in the last minutes.
However this will be a difficult but not impossible task. Atiba Harris of MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes will be the main threat for the hosts alongside Romaine Sawyers. Both found the back of the net during their 5-0 defeat of Dominica and will be eager to add to their tally.
Current Group-6 standings
Team Games Wins Draws Losses GS GA GD Pts.
St. Kitts and Nevis 2 1 1 0 5 0 +5 4
St. Lucia 2 1 1 0 2 0 +2 4
Guyana 2 0 1 1 0 2 -2 1
Dominica 2 0 1 1 0 5 -5 1
Current Ranking of Third Placed Teams
Team Games Wins Draws Losses GS GA GD Pts.
Puerto Rico 2 0 1 1 3 4 ?1 1
Suriname 2 0 1 1 3 4 ?1 1
Guyana 2 0 1 1 0 2 ?2 1
Dominican Republic 2 0 0 2 1 3 ?2 0
