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Junior Jaguars lose to T&T 2-0; Suriname thrash BVI 17-0
CFU Under-17 WCQ
Guyana’s Junior Jaguars lost their final group game in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) CONCACAF World Cup Under-17 Qualifying competition to Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 when group action in this first round ended at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain on Saturday evening.
Jason Cromwell
Competing in the feature game of the night, the Guyanese played their best game of the competition but goals either side of play saw them losing their second game in three matches; going down to Suriname in their opening game on Tuesday last 3-1 before whipping the British Virgin Islands 13-0 on Thursday.
In Sunday’s opening game, the BVI’s baptism of goals continued when they faced another thrashing, this time at the hands of Suriname 17-0.
The feature match-up saw Guyana looking much more composed and confident as they matched their more experienced opponents play for play in the first 25 minutes of the match. T&T, having been together as a unit for the past two years enjoyed the better of possession as they kept a good shape and passed the ball around.
The Junior Jaguars were not intimidated by the Junior Soca Warriors and their vociferous supporters as they stuck to the task of keeping them at bay admirably until a defensive blunder in the 25th minute saw the home team taking the lead through a Josiah Trimmingham goal; the entire Guyanese defence was caught flat footed.
However, despite giving up the lead, the young Guyanese kept their focus at the back and while not being punchy up front, were still able to hold their own. While the T&T team enjoyed the better exchanges now, Guyana’s goalkeeper Jason Cromwell was enjoying an excellent game, bringing off some brilliant saves.
The score-line remained unchanged at the break and on resumption, T&T made their first change in the 46th minute. Ten minutes later, Guyana made their first change, Kelon Primo making way for Keron Solomon.
Guyana did not look as punchy in this half as the first but nonetheless were still able to keep the Trinis at bay. Goal number two was scored from a corner, a well calculated header from Brendon Creed in the 70th minute doubling the advantage for the home team which took their tally of goals in this round to a whopping 27 in three matches.
Head Coach Sampson Gilbert introduced fresh legs in Robert Christiani for Keron Solomon in the 75th minute as the Guyanese kept in the hunt for their first goal against T&T but as it turned out that was not to be.
No more goals were scored and this was due to some excellent goalkeeping again by Jason Cromwell who was at his best, parrying and punching the ball away much to the delight of his teammates and the crowd which applauded the efforts of the young player.
When the final whistle sounded, Trinidad and Tobago won the showdown 2-0 as well as topped the group with three wins from as many matches. They will now advance to the CONCACAF round of qualifying to join Haiti and Cuba; the other two teams that have qualified so far from the CFU.
Head Coach Sampson Gilbert complimented his charges for a satisfying display despite the loss, noting that with more time they could have given a better account of themselves. Nonetheless, he said he was heartened by the fight they showed.
Head Coach of Guyana’s senior team, ‘Golden Jaguars’ Jamaal Shabazz who watched the game, also complimented the team for a fine performance; he took the opportunity to have a chat with the players and management after the game.
Shabazz encouraged the players to aim high and to remain disciplined to the game which can create great opportunities for them. He challenged them to work towards maintaining their place in the team and look towards making the Under-19 team but told them that that will be dependent on how hungry and willing they are with regard to working and training hard.
The team were expected to arrive home last evening.
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