Former Golden Jaguars captain Samuel Cox has declared that he is disappointed in Guyana being unable to progress to the second round of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Playoffs following their lopsided loss to Guatemala on July 3.
In a brief interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday the English-born defender, who was a surprise non-selection for the squad averred that the Central American nation was the superior side during the contest although Guyana can be proud of their efforts during the fixture.
He further stated that team applied themselves as best as they could but Guatemala’s overall quality was the difference in the end. “I am utterly gutted for the boys because I know that everybody gave everything they had and left everything on the pitch which they can be proud of, but ultimately Guatemala on the day were too strong for us.”
Guyana suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Guatemala on July 3 in the first round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup Playoffs at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The defeat was Guyana’s fourth in five matches, with their only victory during the aforesaid window occurring against the Bahamas in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
According to Cox, “It’s utterly disappointing to see that we won’t be advancing to the next phase of the Gold Cup. Once again disappointed because we know as a collective that it could have been so much more.”
The Golden Jaguars recorded their maiden appearance in the 2019 edition. The Guyanese finished third in their pool, following a record of two losses and a draw. Guyana lost to hosts USA 4-0 in the opening match, before suffering a 4-2 loss in their second outing against Panama. The team would eventually secure a 1-1 draw in their final fixture with Trinidad and Tobago.
