Home Sports Jaguars end campaign today against El Salvador
2018 CONCACAF Under-20 Championships
Playing against Curacao, the Guyana Jaguars needed a win under their belt to boost their confidence; but, sadly, it was the same result all over again, as they lost 4-3 playing at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA.
Curacao recorded their first win of the tournament when they outplayed the Guyana Jaguars to leave Head Coach Wayne Dover in dismay. The Jaguars will now have to face the naturally aggressive El Salvador team which defeated Guatemala 2-1; the same team that sank the Jaguars 4-0.
On Thursday, Dover made many substitutions to the lineup, even replacing Portugal-based keeper Jonathan Vaughn with local boy Jermain Cumberbatch, but to no avail.
Continuing his impeccable form, Kelsey Benjamin struck early as he pierced the Curacao defense in the 6th minute. However, three minutes later, the Netherlands Antilles team equalised when Carolith Fermina scored as the competition progressed.
But in the 26th minute, Curacao’s Meghon Valpoort scored to leave the Jaguars out on a shaky limb and looking for an equaliser. Stepped on the gas, Curacao forced Guyana to gift them an own goal when Cecil Jackman tried to deflect a set piece but saw it go south. The score was now 3-1 in favour of Curacao.
However, before halftime, Guyana had managed to score a goal, as the athletically inclined Benjamin returned to make it a one-possession lead at 3-2.
The second half saw Dover substitute Nicholas McArthur and Kwai Marsh-Brown for Ryan Hackett and Job Caesar as the Jaguars attempted to take control of the game. The situation then escalated when Jaron Vicario scored in the 55th minute, but Guyana struck back in the 57th minute when Thair Britton found the back of the net.
Guyana faces El Salvador from 20:45 hrs local time.