Friendly series drawn after Guyana’s 2-1 revenge

The Guyana senior men’s national team – an all-local Golden Jags squad – “pulled up their socks” on Monday evening as they romped to a sweet 2-1 victory over French Guiana in Cayenne. The result meant that the Golden Jags would level the series in the second of two international friendlies, after going down to the hosts last Friday. It was said the Jags had an improved performance, dedicating the deserved victory to Guyanese fans based in the French overseas territory.

First-half goals from Kelsey Benjamin and Jamal “Skinny” Perreira gave the Golden Jaguars a two-goal lead at half time, with French Guiana pulling one back late in the game and triggering a tense finish at the Georges Chaumet Stadium. However, Guyana’s back four, marshalled by Quincy Adams, held off the late onslaught. The final whistle sent Guyanese fans in Cayenne into a frenzy, with the Golden Jaguars securing a revenge victory.
“This victory was for our Guyanese people living here in Cayenne. May they walk proud and know that Guyana’s football loves them,” stated Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz. “These lads continue to make us proud. It’s not the win, but the effort and discipline they put into their performance.”
“They rose above so many challenges on this trip and put in a command performance,” explained Shabazz.
The win saw Guyana bounce back from the disappointment of a 2-1 loss in the first game, and the character shown by the team has excited Coach Shabazz.
“The spirit of this team and the way we learn our lessons and overcome adversity gets me emotional,” Shabazz said.
Taking a verse from Jamaican entertainer Chronixx, Shabazz stated:
“They see us smile after the victory, but they don’t know what we feel inside us.”
“They don’t know what our Federation, our teams, our players go through and still we strive forward. If only the people knew what we feel inside for our country and the way we dedicate ourselves to represent. They will laugh little and weep much. Not just cry, they will weep.
“These young men will grow into a formidable unit for Guyana. May Allah grant us the focus and plant our feet firm on this journey,” ended Shabazz.