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‘Lady Jags’ lose to ‘Soca Princesses’ 4-1 as World Cup journey ends
By Franklin Wilson in Cancun, Mexico
Compliments of GT&T, Fazia’s Collection, Bakewell and Crown Mining Supplies
Guyana’s ‘Lady Jags’ ended their CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying campaign with a spirited performance against Trinidad and Tobago’s ‘Soca Princess’ whom they lost to 4-1 when Group action ended last evening at the Estadio Beta Avila in Cancun, Mexico.
Mariam el-Masri
The young Guyana team, battled well despite the loss and were all over the Twin Island Republic team in the last 15 minutes of the match.
The quick and more experienced Trinidad side got their goals, two either side of play from Kenya Cordner in the 10th minute, Rhea Belgrave in the 25th minute, Candance Edwards three minutes after the break and Dernell Mascall in the 64th minute.
Guyana responded through their most energetic and robust player of this tournament, Mariam El-Masri in the 59th minute.
Their was never no doubt for most of the match as to which of the teams was better but the ‘Lady Jags’ stood up and battled to the best of their ability and proved that with more time they can be triumphant against the very teams they faced in this historic sojourn of theirs.
Coming into this match, having lost heavily to host team Mexico (7-2) and Canada (8-0), Trinidad felt that the ‘Lady Jags’ would have been a walk over but that was not to be as they had to work hard for their goals.
The Trinis as well had two tough games against the same opposition as Guyana losing 1-0 and 2-0 respectively.
In the final 20 minutes of the match the Soca Princesses faded and the Jags were all over them but could not find the back of the nets. Guyana made one change coming into this game, bringing in Melissa Elie for Olivia Gonsalves.
The Jags, well loved and supported by the Mexican crowd lacked punch up front which the Trinis had lots of, their main threats to the Guyanese were Vice Captain Akeela Mollon and Kennya Cordner, the speed and smartness of these two caused all sorts of problems for Guyana.
From the first run down, T&T showed that they were going to be very aggressive, their first shot on goal just going wide of the left side upright.
Guyana too, showed aggressive intent from the start and while they were able to get deep into the T&T half in the first 10 minutes that situation charged as the game progressed. The Guyanese also forced the first corner.
Kennya Cordner penetrated down the right side to slip the ball under custodian Catherine Kobelka for goal number one in the 10th minute; the Guyanese defence was caught too flat and the very nippy Cordner put the ball away.
Guyana were guilty of giving up possession too easy. The Soca Princesses were able to penetrate the opposition’s defensive third all too easy. Karyn Forbes scored in the 25th minute.
T&T’s Vice Captain Mollon and Kennya Cordner continued their constant raids on Guyana’s defence.
Trinidad were on course for their 3rd goal which was eventually denied due to a brilliant save by Kibelka. Cordner was brought down in box by Kobelka in the 40th minute but the ensuing penalty which was also taken by Cordner was blocked by Kobelka – the kick on the rebound was way too aggressive by the kicker and her shot was spewed wide of the left upright.
The first half ended with the score unchanged and Guyana growing in confidence.
Trinidad increased their lead 3 minutes into the second half, Candance Edwrads on an assist from (squared ball) deep in the attacking third which spilled past the entire defence and keeper for Edwards to calmly pat home.
The Soca Princesses became a bit too complacent and over confident and missed several chances.
Guyana from an excellent build up in midfield pulled one back with Mariam El-Masri finishing in fine style in the 59th minute.
A goal mouth scramble developed 5 minutes later which resulted in the fourth goal for Trinidad scored by Dernell Mascall.
Both sides made substitutions and Guyana really turned the tables on the tiring Soca Princesses but were unable to further reduce the score line.
A better show by the ‘Lady Jags’ but their second loss to Trinidad in as many matches having lost 3-0 in the final round of CFU Qualifying.
The semifinals of the tournament is set for Friday, with host team Mexico, Canada, USA and Costa Rica battling for the championship. The two finalists will qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany with the third placed team going into a playoff.
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