Four-match U17 girls friendly football series between Guyana, Suriname: Scores level at 1-1 after Suriname’s win on Sunday

Guyana’s national women’s under-17 football team, the Junior Lady Jags, on Sunday suffered a hard-fought 1-0 defeat against their determined Suriname counterparts, which has brought the four-match international friendly series to an even 1-1 tie.
The Junior Lady Jags’ final home match of the series unfolded on November 27 at the Eve Leary Ground in Kingston, Georgetown, the same venue where Guyana had triumphed over Suriname 3-2 the day before. The Junior Lady Jags had strategised to send Suriname packing with back-to-back defeats, but the visitors bounced back onto the field revitalised, displaying a renewed burst of energy on Sunday.
Shanika Kertoidjojo found the net in the 23rd minute to give Suriname a lead which they safeguarded until the final whistle. A few close goal-scoring chances for Guyana only bolstered the Suriname defence.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, who attended the games, described the teams as evenly matched and producing exceptional football on both days.
“The teams were evenly matched,” he said. “I was very proud to see our girls stood their ground and fought with spirit and heart. I was so happy to see the girls celebrating and being in a positive state of mind now that the series is tied at one win each.”
Forde added that the national team is a genuine reflection of Guyanese talent, comprising girls from Moruca village in the North West District; Orealla village in East Berbice-Corentyne; and from villages in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region, in addition to players from abroad.
“We’re expecting them to deliver good results at the end of the international friendly series. So far, we are extremely pleased with their performance. I think this is a true representation of a Guyanese national team,”
he declared.
The team is regrouping in preparation for its final two international friendlies on December 16 and 17 in Suriname.
Junior Lady Jags Head Coach Delon Williams expressed disappointment at the loss, but commended his squad for putting up a strong challenge.
“The girls came out again today (Sunday) and the energy we give here…we can’t complain. The girls keep getting better, and as the programme is a developmental tournament…we’re getting to see new girls come into the pool…so we have a wider pool to pick from,” he disclosed.
Regarding the upcoming away games, he added, “We look forward to this challenge.”
Suriname’s Head Coach Brian Wales acknowledged Guyana’s strong performance in both games, but emphasised that his focus was on securing Sunday’s win to even out the series.
“Guyana, they played very well. The games in Suriname that we won there were very different from the games we played today and yesterday. Guyana’s team was much better, they played very good. Today, our mission was to win the game, no matter what,” he said.
GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph, Competitions Director Troy Peters and representatives from Suriname were among those present at the match.
The international friendly series marks the conclusion of the 2023 competitive season for both teams, with the last two matches set to be held in Suriname on December 16 and 17.