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39 years ago, Guyana faced stern examination against the Guatemalans
Kaieteur Sports – Rolling back the hands of time some 39 years, as we revisit a defining chapter in Guyana’s football history, when the Guyana national football team faced the Guatemala national side in an Olympic Qualifiers showdown.
As highlighted by Statistician Charwayne Walker, It was a landmark occasion. For the first time, the local football federation fielded a senior national side against opposition from outside the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). The opportunity was monumental, signaling the nation’s ambition to test its strength beyond regional borders.
Guatemala City! 39 years ago, a historic Guyana eleven pose for photo-op ahead of the Guatemala clash. Young Deon Barnwell standing fourth from left, at his right is skipper Terrence Archer along with other members of the team.
The journey led the Guyanese contingent to Guatemala City, where they confronted a seasoned Guatemalan outfit on home soil. Led by captain Terrence Archer, the Guyana national side entered the qualifiers playing an attractive and spirited brand of football. However, facing a formidable Central American opponent proved to be a stern examination.
History records a sobering outcome. The “Land of Many Waters” suffered a 6–0 defeat in the opening encounter before falling 3–0 in the return match. While the scorelines reflected Guatemala’s dominance, the experience marked a crucial learning curve for the emerging Guyanese side.
According to statistician, Charwayne Walker, Guyana’s starting eleven for that memorable campaign were captain Terrence Archer (Pele FC), Deon Barnwell (Thomas United), Trevor “Lannie” Maxwell (Western Tigers FC, deceased), Rupert “Choppeye” Gordon (Western Tigers FC), Anthony “Brains” Bowen (Western Tigers FC, deceased), Gerald “Austin” Williams (Western Tigers FC), Adrian Forde (Police FC), Elson “Chilly kong” Hinckson (GDF FC, deceased), Broderick Murray (GDF FC), Lawrence “Coachie” Arjoon (Camptown FC) and Neil O’Choa (Camptown FC).
Deon Barnwell receiving the Medal of Appreciation from Tournament Coordinator Paul D’Andrade at the recently concluded Master’s International Football Cup.
Other squad members included Mark “Taggy” Pollard (GDF FC), Phillip “Pine” Carrington (Cougars FC), Keith London (Thomas United), Royston Hetemiah (Conquerors FC), Terrence “Junior” George (Thomas United), Godfrey Gibbons (Santos FC, deceased), Oswald Taylor (Pele FC), David Kistoo (Thomas United), Nigel “Mice” Cummings (Butafago FC) and Shawn “Putty” Williams (deceased Conquerors).
Supporting staff also played vital roles. Sharon Harper served as physiotherapist, Keith Michael Austin was the official interpreter, and the late Mark Bender acted as Team Manager. The technical bench was led by head coach Lennox Arthur and assistant coach Mervyn “Pug” Wilson (deceased).
Despite the disappointing results, the tour proved invaluable. Competing against a higher-ranked nation offered exposure, experience, and perspective. Several members of that squad went on to represent Guyana with distinction in the years that followed.
Among them was Deon “Big Merv” Barnwell, the youngest member of the team at just 18 years old. Reflecting on the matches years later, Barnwell described the Guatemala fixtures as the largest crowds he had ever faced during his international career—an overwhelming yet unforgettable experience for the young midfielder.
Barnwell also revealed that Guyana forfeited their home advantage after accepting US$45,000 from the Guatemalan Football Federation, an arrangement he noted was similarly negotiated with the Mexican Football Federation.
Nearly four decades later, Barnwell received a Medal of Appreciation from Paul D’Andrade in recognition of his yeoman service to Guyanese football. Several of his former teammates were likewise honoured at the recently concluded International Masters Football Tournament—an enduring tribute to a pioneering generation that carried Guyana’s football ambitions onto the international stage.
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- Caribbean Football Union, Charwayne Walker, Deon Barnwell, Guatemala City!, Guyana’s football history
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