Royston’s penalty heroics send Guyana’s U14s into CFU Tier II final

Goalkeeper Royston Winter produced three saves in a dramatic penalty shootout to send Guyana into the final of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Challenge Series Tier II competition in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Guyana defeated 10-man Saint Martin 3-2 on penalties after the teams battled to a 2-2 draw in Friday’s semi-final. The Guyanese youngsters twice came from behind during regulation time before Winter took centre stage in the shootout.
Saint Martin opened the scoring in the 17th minute and carried a 1-0 advantage into the halftime break. Guyana responded in the second half, with Dane Vancooten finding the equaliser in the 45th minute.
Saint Martin regained the lead in the 56th minute following an unfortunate moment for Winter. The goalkeeper fumbled the ball, and the rebound was adjudged by the assistant referee to have crossed the line.

Guyana refused to surrender and were level again six minutes later when Cavon Peters struck in the 62nd minute. Neither team could find another goal before the final whistle, sending the match directly to penalties.
Guyana’s number 10 converted the opening penalty, while Saint Martin also scored their first attempt. Substitute Wayshawn Forde then put away Guyana’s second kick before Winter saved Saint Martin’s second attempt.
Adiel Hamilton converted Guyana’s third penalty, after which Winter remained composed to stop Saint Martin’s third kick, which was struck straight down the middle.
Guyana had an opportunity to seal the victory with their fourth attempt, but Gilbert Frank’s effort was saved. Saint Martin then converted their fourth penalty, placing the ball just beyond the diving Winter to remain alive in the contest.
Fabio Kowlessar also had Guyana’s fifth attempt saved, giving Saint Martin an opportunity to level the shootout. However, Winter stood tall and stopped the final kick to secure a 3-2 victory and Guyana’s place in the final.

Guyana’s starting XI comprised Winter, Vancooten, Hamilton, Frank, Peters, Kowlessar, Dylan Kendall, Daniel Chesney, Lujon Dos Santos, Aaron Vasconcellos, and Malik Sobers.
The substitutes were Teon Francis, Andrew Brown, Isaac Taylor, Forde, Dontay Kowlessar, Nash Moe, Asher McIntyre, Wayatt Fernandes and Isaiah Pellew.
Guyana will now face Suriname in the Tier II final on Sunday, August 23, from 09:30h. in Punta Cana. Suriname booked their place in the championship match with a 3-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda in the other semi-final.