FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014…Golden Jaguars roar to another 2-0 win host Barbados

Oct 08, 2011 Sports

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Led by second half goals from Captain Christopher Nurse and second half substitute Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ defeated hosts Barbados 2-0 to maintain their unbeaten record as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 continued yesterday afternoon at the Barbados National Stadium.

Urged on by a large Guyanese crowd, which actually outnumbered the Bajans in their own backyard, the Jaguars absorbed some relentless pressure from the home team, kept their composure and pounced on their prey at the right time to inflict a telling defeat on the home team which has all but seen their quest to qualify come to an abrupt halt.
Also witnessing the game was Owner of Bakewell and Roti Hut (Plus) Mr. Naeem Naseer who traveled from Guyana to urge on his countrymen.
The Bajans, boosted by the inclusion of three overseas based players clearly came with a plan of taking the game to the Guyanese and that they did for a long period but the Guyanese too, were boosted with the inclusion of some overseas players and the defensive backline of Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, debutant Leon ‘Mr. Calm’ Cort, Jake Newton and Walter ‘Boyd’ Moore were airtight and thwarted the many ambitious attempts on goal by the home team.
Captain Christopher Nurse along with another debutant Ricky Shakes, Jake Newton and Kayode McKinnon, Shawn Beveney, Dwain Jacobs and Goalkeeper Ronson Williams all combined efforts to keep the lads from the Land of the Flying Fish at bay.
Following a goalless first half, the Bajans did not change their plan of attack but the ‘Golden Jaguars’ too, kept calm and waited on their time to pounce.
As the game matured, the Guyanese in the stands kept applauding their countrymen when they had possession of the ball and this added to their confidence levels. Three changes were made by the Technical staff headed by Jamaal Shabazz; Ricky Shakes made way for Anthony Abrams, Howard Newton was replaced by Alinani Mounter, while Travis Grant came in for Shawn Beveney.
The strategic changes brought the desired life into Guyana’s attack with Abrams’ nippy style of play posing problems for the Bajans defence.
Beveney too, who was a bit off, came to life and with Mounter, gave the Guyanese crowd something to shout about in the 75th minute. Mounter took the ball from around the midfield area on the right side.
Abrams was fed the ball and he in turn brought Beveney into the picture on the left side, he took it deep into the Barbados area before squaring back to Abrams who by then made his way into the box and with wonderful composure finished clinically.
It was as if a hurricane had erupted in the stadium when the fans from the Land of Many Waters started to celebrate and the Golden Arrowhead started waving; Guyana 1 Barbados 0.

It was the kind of injection that was ordered by the doctor for the Guyanese players who had absorbed a lot of pressure. The standard of refereeing also left much to be desired but the ‘Golden Jaguars’ remained focused.
As the time ticked away, Guyana started to impose themselves on the home team and many chances came their way as many opening were created. The visitors were just not satisfied with one goal and wanted to give their fans something more to shout about.
The Captain, Christopher Nurse this time wanted to be the man of the moment and on a counterattack looked up and saw just two defenders standing in his way just in the Barbados half.
Nurse took them on got past them, drew goalkeeper Jason Boxhill out of his goal and with a neat left foot shot under Boxhill scored his first goal for Guyana and the second of the game with three minutes left in regulation time; Guyana 2 Barbados 0.
This goal sent the fans into another frenzy and the players into jubilation as they sensed another hard fought win and 3 more points to their quest of winning the group.
Three minutes of injury time was added on but no more goals were scored; final score Guyana 2 Barbados 0.
Offering a comment after the game, Coach Wayne Dover said that it was tough game for his charges but the Technical staff was proud of the way the players stuck to the task and handled the pressure imposed by the home team.
“We would like to compliment the Captain and the players for a wonderful, composed display in a highly pressurized game. I think our guys were great, the defence was excellent in the game as was as the other players.”
Dover also noted that Abrams read the game well while on the bench and when he was given his opportunity to come in, did what he was supposed to do and that was to take the game to the Barbados defenders and it bore the required fruits.
The ‘Golden Jaguars’ will return to Guyana today before leaving tomorrow for the next road game against Bermuda on Tuesday. The players who were required to get visas for the trip through the USA en route to Bermuda all received those and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has expressed gratitude to the US Embassy in Guyana for facilitating the process.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago lost to home team Bermuda 2-1 last evening in the other game of Group B.  Antwan Russell (53′) and Nahki Wells (63′) scored for Bermuda, while Kevin Molino (81′) made the lone response for T&T.
Caption – Guyanese Energy!!! Part of the large Guyanese crowd at the Barbados National Stadium yesterday afternoon celebrating Guyana’s second goal against the Bajans; the Golden Arrowhead being waved with absolute pride.

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