By Avenash Ramzan
Despite rebounding to eke out a 2-2 draw against Barbados in the CONCACAF Nations League on Thursday night, Golden Jaguars Head Coach, Michael Johnson, said the result felt like a loss.
At the post-match press conference, a visibly disappointed Johnson, in charge of his first game since taking over the role this year, said: “It’s a good point in the end, (but) it actually feels like a loss.”
Guyana took the lead in the 46th minute through a Trayon Bobb goal, before Hallam Hope first equalised in the 65th minute and then sent the Bajans in the lead eight minutes later.
It took a Neil Danns’ strike in the 78th minute to ensure both teams left Leonora with an equal share of the points.
“I think the first half we could have been three of four (goals up). Could have been gone, outside. And then we go in front, and then just for our own…I don’t know what slackness, lazy play we concede two silly goals, but fair play to the team; they found it in themselves to dig deep,” Johnson reflected.
Commenting on his debut game in charge, Johnson said there were many positives that could be built upon as they head deeper into the competition.
“I’ve learnt so, so much about this team. For me, it’s great to obviously great to get a result first and foremost, but moving forward it will be better because I’m learning about the players, where they prefer to play, the combination of certain players. For me, this has been an absolute massive positive all round; number one we get the result, we also scored goals and the learning the staff and myself will have will make us better going forward,” Johnson explained.
The Golden Jaguars next play hosts Turk and Caicos Islands on October 13, followed by a trip to French Guiana on November 20 and a home clash against Belize in March next year.
