Guyana U-15s finish Azerbaijan campaign with 1 win from 5 matches

Guyana’s Under-15 boys ended their campaign at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday with one victory, one draw and three defeats, recording their only win against Brunei Darussalam before losing narrowly to Vietnam.
The young Golden Jaguars defeated Brunei Darussalam 3-0, then fell 2-1 to Vietnam to complete five matches played from October 24 to October 26 at the Hovsan Competition Complex.
Jashan Haynes opened the scoring against Brunei Darussalam in the 13th minute. Jadan Christian doubled the lead in the 35th minute, and Mark Stewart added a third four minutes later to secure Guyana’s first victory of the competition.
Christian also scored in the final match, finding the net in the 15th minute against Vietnam, but Guyana finished on the losing side.
The 14-member squad, captained by defender Nyron Barrow and coached by Trevon Lythcott, began the tournament with a 6-0 defeat to Iran on Saturday, October 24.

Two matches followed on Sunday. Christian’s 36th-minute equaliser earned Guyana a 1-1 draw with Mauritius, while Kijani Drakes scored in the 30th minute of a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde praised the players, coaching staff and support personnel for their discipline, determination, and representation of the country.
Forde said the value of the campaign extended beyond the results, with the players gaining experience against opponents with different styles and football backgrounds. He also acknowledged the staff’s professionalism, wished the delegation a safe return and expressed pride in the team’s efforts.
The GFF President said the tournament provided a clearer picture of the work needed to bring Guyana’s programme closer to more developed football nations. He linked that task to continued investment in the National Youth Ensemble Programme, coach education, and improved infrastructure.
According to the Federation, the inaugural tournament brought together 189 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, with more than 3000 players, coaches and officials participating.
The event was designed to give young footballers meaningful international competition, including those from countries with fewer opportunities to compete abroad.
Matches were played in an eight-a-side format on smaller pitches, with two 20-minute halves. Educational activities and cultural exchanges complemented the football, supporting the festival’s focus on development, enjoyment and cooperation between nations.
A girls’ edition is scheduled for 2027, with separate boys’ and girls’ competitions planned from 2028 onwards.
For Guyana, the Federation identified lessons in tactical awareness, match management, resilience and the demands of international football as key benefits of the trip. Those experiences are expected to support the players’ development as the GFF continues building opportunities for emerging talent.