Trayon Bobb, the man who was omitted from the historic Gold Cup campaign earlier this year, scored a vital double against Antigua and Barbuda to keep the Golden Jaguars alive in the Concacaf Nations League.
Jaguars have enhanced their chances of a top-two finish in League B after hammering Antigua and Barbuda 5-1 at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, Monday evening.
Reeling from the 1-2 away loss to the said opposition on Friday, the talks from management was a more purposeful start was needed.
The calls were answered as Bobb capitalised from an unforced error in Antigua’ defence to slot it home in just the second minute.
A strategy to play the ball long, seemed to working against the short stature of the opposition’s line of defence. Daniel Kadell had a leaping shot on target, only to have pin-point precision to the keeper.
Soon after, Neil Danns failed to capitalise on a volley but despite the missed chances, there was no doubt who was in control.
Switching wings, Bobb got a wide ball and rushed the defense with his snaring pace, slipping behind the custodian for a nonchalant tap in the 28th.
The second half immediately brought a twist in the tale as D’andre Bishop squeezed one through to cut the lead in the 47th.
More teasers and half chances came for both sides, and Antigua enthused by the goal began to press the Guyanese.
An opportunity arose in the 64th and Sheldon Holder, who had a goal disallowed earlier, headed Jaguars’ third. Thirteen minutes later, Kadell scored a corner after the keeper Murphy Parker parried the ball into goal.
The night could not have gotten better for the Guyanese as Pernull Schultz came off the bench late in the second half to score from just outside the box, via a neat shot to the keeper’s left in the 90th minute.
The final whistle brought great hurrahs from the players and the sprinkling of spectators present.
Guyana will now host Aruba, a team they defeated 1-0 on November 15. They then travel to Jamaica three days later to face the host.
With a top spot finish more fanciful than probable, given the caliber of Jamaica, Guyana will want to ensure they hold unto the second place in order to play in the Gold Cup playoffs next year.
