Guyana’s Under-17 men’s national football team wrapped up their Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers campaign with a resilient 1-1 draw against the British Virgin Islands in Costa Rica on Sunday evening.
The result ensured that Guyana exited the group stage unbeaten, finishing with one win and three draws—a remarkable achievement given the tough competition. Drawn alongside regional powerhouses Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago, the young Golden Jaguars defied expectations with impressive performances, holding their own against higher-ranked opponents.
Their campaign was highlighted by a historic feat: remaining undefeated against both Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago, a milestone for Guyanese U-17 football.
In the final game against BVI, Jaden Harris put Guyana ahead in the 53rd minute, but a stoppage-time equalizer from Luca Stuttard of the British Virgin Islands denied them a victorious conclusion to their campaign.
Despite their slim chances of advancing to the next round, Guyana’s performance showcased the team’s growth and potential. The tournament saw Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Haiti secure berths for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
In a press release, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) attributed the team’s success to its partnership with Spanish club Racing Madrid, which facilitated the appointment of head coach Marco Bonofiglio and a new technical staff.
“I’m incredibly proud of these boys and what they’ve accomplished,” said Coach Bonofiglio. “Going undefeated in a tournament of this magnitude and making history for Guyana is no small feat. This journey has set a new standard for Guyanese football. This is only the beginning.”
GFF President Wayne Forde lauded the players, coaching staff, and parents for their dedication, while also expressing gratitude to Racing Madrid President Steve Nijjar and Guyana’s Head of State, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for their unwavering support.
“These young men have put in tremendous effort over the past months and have truly shown us what is possible through hard work and determination,” Forde said.
