By Avenash Ramzan
A 90th minute strike from Lauryn Hutchinson earned Trinidad and Tobago a hard-fought draw against Guyana, a result that was enough to secure their passage to the next round of the Concacaf Women’s World Cup Qualifiers and end the Lady Jags’ campaign.
In a clash of two unbeaten teams at the Dwight Yorke Stadium on Tuesday evening, the game ended 2-2 with Trinidad and Tobago coming from behind on both occasions to level the score.
Trinidad and Tobago, with three victories prior to this contest, topped Group F with 10 points, while Guyana, with two victories and a draw in the previous games, finished second with eight points.
Coming into this final group game, Guyana needed an outright win to advance, while Trinidad and Tobago, at the very least, required a draw to stay alive in the qualifiers.
Only the top team advances to the next round of the qualifiers, which also serve as a gateway to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Defender Sydney Cummings was on target twice for Guyana, scoring in the 45th and 82nd minutes.
With the Lady Jags leading 1-0 at the half, Trinidad and Tobago levelled proceedings through a strike from Asha James in the 48th minute, before Hutchinson hit the target to nullify Cummings’ second goal in the dying stages of the game.
Summary of Guyana’s performance in Group F
Guyana defeated Dominica 4-0
Guyana defeated the Turks and Caicos Islands 7-0
Guyana drew 0-0 with Nicaragua
Guyana drew 2-2 with Trinidad and Tobago
Still they did good. Congrats to them.