Golden Jaguars go down 1-2 to Antigua and Barbuda
The Golden Jaguars suffered their fifth consecutive loss to Antigua and Barbuda, going down to the host nation 2-1 yesterday in League-B of the CONCACAF Nations League at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
It was the second consecutive defeat for Guyana in the confederation championships following their 4-0 home loss to the Jamaicans in the previous match.
Quinton Griffith and Junior Benjamin ensured the hosts walked away with the victory in what was the 10th meeting of the nations, after recording first half strikes.
The contest was effectively decided in the space of two minutes as Griffith and Benjamin scored in the 15th and 17th minute respectively.
Emery Welshman scored Guyana’s consolation goal in the 51st minute. The 176th FIFA ranked Guyanese last tasted victory against the 168th FIFA rated hosts on November 2006, 13 years to this date.
The Golden Jaguars starting XI consisted of Akel Clarke, Kevin Layne, Matthew Briggs, Sam Cox, Kadell Daniels, Clive Nobrega, Neil Danns, Trayon Bobb, Elliot Bonds, Keanu Marsh-Brown and Welshman.
The loss was the sixth for Guyana in their previous seven matches. Their only win during this period occurred against Aruba [1-0] in their Nations League opener.
Similarly the loss relegated Guyana to third position in the group standings while Antigua and Barbuda climbs to second position. Meanwhile Group leader Jamaica will oppose Aruba today in the second match of the pool. The Guyana Jaguars will begin their title hunt in the Regional Super50 competition with a clash against West Indies Emerging Players on November 7 at the Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago.
Jaguars, who lost the final to Combined Colleges and Campuses are pitted in Group B alongside Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Windward Islands Volcanoes and United States of America.
Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams stated, “With the new World Cup cycle beginning now, this tournament, among other things, presents a starting point towards the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.”
He added, “It will allow us to start identifying players who will go on to play a role in our qualification. Though some of our international players will be touring India with the West Indies during the competition, it allows more opportunities and exposure for our young players.”
Guyana will face Red Force on November 9, followed by United States (November 11), Volcanoes (November 15), Emerging Players (November 17), Volcanoes (November 19), Red Force (Novemebr 23) all at the Queen’s Park Oval before closing off their group stage against United Stated States on November 25 at Brian Lara Stadium.