Guyana’s Female hockey team was held to a goalless draw by Puerto Rico on Monday as the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) qualifiers continue in Jamaica. It was the second straight draw for Puerto Rico.
Minsodia Culpepper battles with a Puerto Rican player for possession on day two of the qualifiers in Jamaica
However, the Guyanese ladies remain in strong contention for a spot at the Games in Columbia slated for next year. A finish in either first or second place at the Qualifiers is required for the team to book a spot.
The game on Monday against Puerto Rico was the first real test for the Guyanese women but they failed to make any real impact. First touches were sloppy and the Puerto Ricans to their credit defended stoutly, however their attack was almost non-existent and the game was a constant back and forth with either side failing to take the few chances that fell their way.
In their opening game of the qualifiers on Sunday, Guyana beat Panama 6-0 and will next match skills against home team Jamaica.
The Jamaican ladies won both of their games to date. As such the Guyanese will have to improve their game if they’re going to finish in one of the top two places and secure a place in Columbia.
A Guatemalan player shields the ball from the Panamanian players
Meanwhile, earlier in the day Guatemala’s male team handed Panama their second successive 6-0 defeat. Augustin Depaz netted a hat-trick for the Guatemalans and received valuable back up from teammates Adrian Medina, Jorge Ramirez and Leonidas Leiva who scored a goal apiece.
Also in the male competition, hosts Jamaica dispatched Puerto Rico 3-0 to move on to six points after two games. The scorers for the Jamaican men were Brandon Clarke, Oshane Haseley and Kemar Mitchell who scored a goal each.
In the other women’s fixture Bermuda dispatched of Guatemala with a comfortable 3-0 victory, the victors’ goals came courtesy of Jasmine Patterson, Selina Whitter and Keishae Robinson who snared a goal each.
Up to press time there was one other female game to be played; Jamaica was set to take on Panama.
The Guyanese ladies will next face Jamaica today at 13:30h while the men face Guatemala at 15:30h. (Michelangelo Jacobus)
