Stewart strike secures opening win for Guyana U-17s in Concacaf qualifiers

Guyana’s Under-17 national football team opened their Concacaf U-17 Championship campaign in impressive fashion, securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Bermuda in Group H on Friday at the Estadio Francisco Morazán.
The encounter was keenly contested from the opening whistle, with both sides showing attacking intent and physical commitment. Guyana looked composed in possession early on, while Bermuda responded with quick transitions and pressure in midfield. Despite several promising moves from both teams, clear-cut chances were limited as defenders on either side stood firm.
The first half ended scoreless, reflecting the evenly balanced nature of the contest. Guyana’s backline remained organised under pressure, while their midfield worked tirelessly to disrupt Bermuda’s rhythm and launch counterattacks. Bermuda, meanwhile, tested Guyana’s resolve with a series of probing passes and set-piece opportunities, but the breakthrough proved elusive.
The match came to life in the second half as Guyana increased the tempo and began to assert greater control. That persistence paid off in the 66th minute when Matthew Stewart produced a moment of brilliance to decide the contest.
After receiving a perfectly weighted assist from Mark Glasgow on the left side of the penalty area, Stewart shifted the ball onto his favoured left foot and arrowed a superb shot into the top left corner, sending the Guyanese bench into celebration.
Following the goal, Guyana showed maturity beyond their years, managing the game intelligently and maintaining their defensive shape. Bermuda pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Guyana’s disciplined approach and timely interventions ensured their slim advantage remained intact until the final whistle.
The victory gives Guyana a valuable three points to begin their Concacaf U-17 journey and provides a confidence boost as the competition intensifies. Attention now turns to their next challenge – a daunting encounter against hosts Honduras on February 8 at 22:00h.
With momentum on their side, Guyana will be hoping to build on this strong opening performance as they continue their quest for success on the regional stage.

Wins for Jamaica, Canada, Cuba and El Salvador
Group F
Group F kicked off with Cuba defeating Curaçao 1-0 at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Deibi Borell scored the winner for Cuba in the 19’, striking with a powerful left-footed finish inside the box, assisted by Yankarlos Iglesias.
In another encounter, El Salvador secured a comeback in a 3-1 victory over Belize at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Belize’s Andy Pop got the opening goal in the 12’, picking up a loose ball in the centre of the box and tucking it away.
El Salvador’s Andrew Sorto then stood out as he led the comeback with a first-half hat trick. He cut in from the left flank and fired a splendid hit from outside the box in the 20’ before handing La Selecta took the lead with a finish from in the box after a short clearance in the 35’. Sorto wrapped up the result by placing the ball at the bottom-right corner from a tight angle in the 45’+1’.
Group G
In Group G Jamaica earned a 3-nil win against Aruba at the Costa Rican Football Federation Field One in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Kelvin Brown broke the deadlock to place Jamaica in the lead in the 45’+5’, sending the ball to the bottom-left corner with a first-time finish from close range. Jahmarie Nolan posted the assist on the play by cutting back a pass from the right end of the box.
Jamaica goalkeeper O’Mario White had a crucial intervention in the 78’ to preserve the lead for the Reggae Boyz, making an acrobatic save to deny a long-range attempt from Lukas Beyer headed towards the top-right corner.
Justin Hayles doubled Jamaica’s advantage in the 82’ with a long-range thunderbolt to the top-right corner. Nolan secured his second of the match to round out the result for Jamaica in the 90’+4’.
In addition, Canada opened its campaign with a 3-nil victory against the Cayman Islands in Group G at the Costa Rican Football Federation Field One in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Van Parker placed Canada in the lead in the 17’, controlling a pass from Vicente Lourenço before breaking into the box and unleashing a powerful hit to the centre of the goal.
Parker added a second in the 23’ with a right-footed finish from inside the box after taking advantage of a loose ball.
Niko Wood further extended Canada’s lead in the 59’, capping off a fantastic team play with a grounded shot from the centre of the box.