Ethiopia friendly is ‘good test’ for Golden Jaguars-Shabazz
In what is being hailed as a ‘historic’ encounter, Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, will battle the Ethiopian National Football Team tonight in a friendly encounter.
The clash at the Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, United States of America will be the first time Guyana takes on an African opponent.
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz spoke of the historic factor embedded in tomorrow’s game.
“Of course, it will be history for us at the GFF, playing an African team. You know, we played an Indian team back in 2011; now, for the first time, we’re playing an African national team in Ethiopia, and I’m sure all the Rastafari in Guyana will be tuned into this,” the Head Coach lightly shared.
Shabazz went on to highlight that this game will be the perfect test for the Golden Jaguars and those players looking to solidify their spot in the team.
“Well, for the last two weeks, we’ve been watching them play the Africans, the past matches in the African Nations League, in the last World Cup qualifying tournament. They had decent performances against top teams like South Africa and Ghana. So, it’s a formidable opponent, very skillful, and it will be just the test the doctor ordered for this bunch of pl
A look at the Golden Jaguars training camp in Guyana ahead of today’s friendly match
ayers here,” Shabazz disclosed to Guyana Times Sport exclusively.
He added, “This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to test our skills, against not a big team in Africa, but a decent team.”
Probed about expectations for the friendly, the Head Coach guaranteed a spirited performance from the Jaguars.
“We think that Ethiopia is, as I said before, not a big team in Africa, but a good team, because we’re not a big team in CONCACAF. It’s two countries who have the opportunity to make a mark for their Confederation; Ethiopia for Africa, Guyana for CONCACAF,” Shabazz reasoned.
The Golden Jags Head Coach further stated, “So, you know, I don’t have a crystal ball for the result, but I know what we can promise is that we’ll work very hard. But it gives us the opportunity to answer some question of some of the players that we’ve selected.”
Kick-off time for the friendly game is set for 7pm this evening. (Jemima Holmes)
