President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, has hailed Guyana’s performance in the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Qualifiers as the best ever in the country’s history at that age group.
Speaking at an appreciation ceremony on Thursday afternoon at the GFF office in Section K, Campbellville, Forde commended the players and management team for rising above the numerous challenges they faced even before they reached Nicaragua.
Before the start of the tournament five Guyanese players were denied entry into Nicaragua, after reportedly failing to satisfy the 10-day quarantine period for the Yellow Fever vaccine.
Despite this obstacle, the Guyanese went on a three-match winning streak, defeating Montserrat 6-0, St. Vincent and the Grenadines 3-0 and US Virgin Islands 2-0, before losing to the host 1-0, playing with 10-men.
“This is undoubtedly a proud moment for our country and a fitting tribute on the occasion of our 50th Republic anniversary,” Forde told the players and management staff.
“It is therefore my honour to say congratulation and thank you to our players and staff on behalf of all of Guyana. These exemplary young men rose above the daunting challenges that began upon their arrival into Nicaragua, which persisted agonizingly throughout the campaign and only ended when the final whistle blew to bring an end to a game that can be best described as a courageous display of the temperament and character of a true Golden Jaguar.”
From his observances, Forde said the players played with confidence, passion and pride, conducted themselves in a dignified manner and were true ambassadors on and off the field.
Head Coach Wayne Dover said the performance of the players is evidence of the work done by local club coaches, the Academy Training Centres and the national Under-15 and Under-17 coaches. Dover reasoned that the input of these individuals made his job easier.
Guyana’s captain Nicholas McArthur ended the tournament as the joint highest goal scorer with five strikes.
