CONCACAF Nations League: Golden Jaguars stick to winning ways

Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, have made it two in two for the commencement of their CONCACAF Nations League 2023/2024 campaign when they defeated the Bahamas 3-2.
While the scoreline signifies a close game, the proceedings at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) were far from it, as the Jaguars battled both the Bahamas and the conditions.
The Jags Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz opted for one change in the starting XI, as compared to last Saturday’s outing in Antigua and Barbuda. Colin Nelson came in for Jalen Jones, while the remainder of the XI read: Goal-keeper Quillian Roberts, Captain Daniel Wilson, Rashaun Ritch, Curtez Kellman, Jeremy Garrett, Liam Gordon, Elliott Bonds, Omari Glasgow, Stephen Duke McKenna and Kelsey Benjamin.
The visiting Bahamians were actually the first to find the back of the net, by way of a penalty opportunity. Wood Julmis made no mistake as he tucked the ball into the side of the net opposite a diving Quillian Roberts in the 39th minute.
The lead, however, was short-lived, as Omari Glasgow pulled off a brilliant ‘Olimpico’ goal to level the scores in the 44th. From the corner, Glasgow’s well-placed shot found its way onto the nets at the ‘back post’ for Guyana’s first goal.
With the scores locked 1-1 heading into the half, the Golden Jaguars seemed to take a liking to the other half of the pitch. In quick succession, Stephen Duke- McKenna and Kelsey Benjamin extended the lead to 3-1.
First in the 54th, Duke- McKenna, on an assist from Glasgow, slotted the ball over the head of the keeper into the nets. Glasgow was once again the architect behind an assist in the 58th minute, this time Kelsey Benjamin was the one to sneak in the cross from Guyana’s #10 for Guyana’s 3rd goal.
While the Jaguars missed out on a few more opportunities in front of the goal, Bahamas had the chance of adding to their tally via the penalty route. Julmis made no mistake, once again, in pushing the score to 3-2 in the 86th minute.
Guyana now have the perfect start to their CNL 2023/2024 campaign, and will play the next set of their games in October. (Jemima Holmes)