History will firmly be in the corner of the Golden Jaguars today from 4:30 pm when they oppose Guadeloupe in the final round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup Prelims at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
In what will be the sixth meeting of the nations, Guyana possesses an undefeated record of three wins and two draws, with the previous fixture occurring in 2012.
Guyana defeated Guadeloupe 3-2 [2006], 4-3 [2007], and 2-1 [2012], while 2-2 [2003] and 1-1 [2010] stalemates highlight the drawn encounters. Overall, Guyana has tallied 12 conversions at a rate of 2.4 goals per match, whilst allowing nine concessions at an average of 1.8 per fixture during the aforementioned period.
The Golden Jaguars, who sport an undefeated record in 2023 in completed international fixtures, earned their place in the final round of the Gold Cup Prelims, after prevailing 5-3 on penalty kicks after normal time ended 1-1 against Grenada on Saturday evening.
The Guyanese also defeated Bermuda 2-0 before playing to a scoreless affair against Montserrat prior to entering the Gold Cup preliminary tournament.
Although Guadeloupe crushed Antigua and Barbuda 5-0 in their prior fixture, it was only the first win for the ‘Gwada Boys’ in 2023 in three matches. Guadeloupe lost to Antigua and Barbuda as well as Cuba 0-1 respectively prior to entering the Gold Cup Prelims.
If successful, Guyana will advance to group D alongside Canada, Cuba and Guatemala. They would open their campaign on June 27th against the Canadians before battling Cuba on July 1st. Their final group stage encounter will occur on July 4th against Guatemala.
The Golden Jaguars, which features eight locally born or based players, comprises Goalkeepers Akel Clarke (locally born/based), Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Renell McKenzie-Lyle; Defenders Samuel Cox, Kadell Daniels, Jeremy Garrett (locally born/based), Liam Gordon, Jonathan Grant, Jalen Jones, Marcus Simmons; Midfielders Elliot Bonds, Neil Danns, Daniel Wilson (locally born/based), Curtez Kellman (locally born/based), Leo Lovell (locally born/based); and Forwards Kelsey Benjamin (locally born/based), Trayon Bobb (locally born/based), Stephen Duke-McKenna, Omari Glasgow (locally born/based), Callum Harriott, Tre Mitford, Deon Moore, and Emery Welshman.
