It was destined to be an intriguing matchup and the clash between Guyana and Cuba men’s team at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Hockey tournament lived up to the billing Sunday.
In scorching heat in the Dominican Republic, the Cubans overcame their Guyanese counterparts 5-3 and while it was the local boys third loss in their Group they took the fight to the pre-tournament favourites. Carlos Consuegra who netted a hat-trick in the fixture sent the Cubans into the lead in the 3rd minute of play when he converted a penalty stroke.
Jamarj Asannah equalized for Guyana in the 10th as penalty corner set plays proved to be a key weapon in the Guyana side’s artillery with all three of their goals being recorded from penalty corners.
Four minutes later Simeon Moore pushed Guyana further ahead from the circle but Freddy Duanny equalized for Cuba in the 22nd minute from a penalty corner. This was followed by Iraidys Calderon (24th) and a double strike from Cousuegra one minute apart in the 28th and 29th minutes to douse Guyana’s attack and provided a three-goal cushion by half time.
Guyana netted their third goal in the third quarter when Andrew Stewart who had also scored against Trinidad and Tobago found the back of the net in the 40th minute. The fourth quarter provided no further goals but paved the way for Cuba to advance to the knockout stage as the Pool leaders with nine points.
Guyana had earlier lost a hard 2-3 to the host nation, the Dominican Republic and succumbed to Trinidad and Tobago in their opening fixture 1-4. Team coach Robert Fernandes said the conditions were very humid but his young side showed sparks of brilliance especially in the first quarter and missed out on a few scoring chances in the final quarter.
Guyana will now play Jamaica today in the fifth-to-eight cross over to determine their final placing at the tournament.
