Guyana’s search for their first win of 2017 in international football will continue as they to host nation Indonesia 2-1 yesterday, in an International Friendly at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Indonesia.
In what was the first ever meeting of the nations and Guyana’s maiden trip to South East Asia, the Golden Jaguars fielded a starting XI, comprising of Andrew Durant, Jelani Smith, Dwain Jacobs Jake Newtown, Chris Bourne, Daniel Wilson, Trayon Bobb, Anthony Belfield, Brandon Beresford, Daniel Jodah and Shaquille Agard. The decision quickly bore fruit as Shaquille Agard handed the visitors the lead in the ninth minute, uncorking a right foot strike from 35 yards out into the back of the net.
The goal stunned the partisan capacity crowd, while adding a spring in the step of the 165th ranked Guyanese unit. However, Guyana’s attempt to build on their momentum was thwarted, as the 154th ranked Indonesia equalised in the 37th minute via the penalty mark. Burly forward Ilija Spasojevic, converted with a right foot effort into the roof of the goal. Spasojevic returned in the second half to haunt the visitors once more, sealing his double and the resulting victory in the 76th minute.Latching onto a pass from Febri Haryadi, Spasojevic unleashed a powerful strike from 37 yards out in the centre of the field, which settled into the bottom right corner.
Making substitute appearances in the clash for Guyana were Curtez Kellman, Kelsey Benjamin, Devonte Small, Denzil Fordyce and Anthony Abrams. With the loss, the Golden Jaguars record for the year currently stands at two losses (1-0 Grenada) and as many draws (1-1 Trinidad and Tobago and 0-0 Martinique
