Kansas, USA: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars ended the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup by registering its first points in the tournament when they battled old rivals Trinidad and Tobago’s “Soca Warriors” to a 1-1 draw yesterday afternoon at the Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
Urged on by a near-capacity crowd which included a few dozen Guyanese and Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde and Executive Member Dion Inniss, the Guyanese proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that they belonged.
Neil Danns, the elder statesman of the Golden Jaguars at age 36 years, was again magical for Guyana when he broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with a well-orchestrated strike to beat Trinidad and Tobago’s custodian Adrian Foncette in the final match for both nations at the competition.
The first half of what was billed as the Caribbean derby, the penultimate match in Group ‘D’ action between the neighbours, was locked at 0-0 as both sides moved the ball from end to end in the middle third mostly and were not too eager to take the attack into the final third at both ends.
Ball possession at the end of the half was shared 46% to 54% with the Twin-Island Republic enjoying the advantage. The second half saw an increase in urgency by both teams, Guyana making two substitutions at the start, Anthony Jeffrey and Pernell Schultz were replaced by Callum Harriott and Brandon Beresford respectively.
The Guyanese, aiming to consolidate their advantage, made their final substitution in the 73rd minute when Sheldon Holder, who had scored against the Twin Island Republic when the two sides met back in 2017 (that match ending 1-1) made way for Emery Welshman.
Trinidad, unable to score in seven (7) previous matches, finally broke that drought and equalized in the 80th minute compliments of a Kevin Molino goal. Guyana’s goalkeeper Quillian Roberts, in his debut match had a fantastic game pulling off some wonderful saves, three in the first half and played a pivotal role in Guyana’s debut campaign at this level ending on a high.
Danns had a chance to put his country back into the lead later in the game but that was not to be even while being cheered on by the USA fans who were backing the ‘Golden Jaguars. Of note also was the fact that Guyana ended the group in third place ahead of T&T with a better goal difference.
Guyana scored three goals and conceded nine while T&T scored a single goal and conceded 11.
Head Coach Michael Johnson in his post-match press conference said that while he was disappointed with the result, he believes that it was a fantastic tournament for the team and it’s something to celebrate and enjoy.
