Concacaf W Road To Gold Cup: Alfred’s goal gives Guyana victory over Suriname

Guyana’s Lady Jags defeated Suriname 1-0 in a crucial Concacaf W Road To Gold Cup match on Wednesday afternoon at the Dr. IR Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.

A first-half goal from Shanice Alfred proved the difference between the neighbouring nations. Alfred netted in the 41^st minute by connecting with a cross into the box from Jalade Trim to hand Guyana maximum points.

Both goalkeepers were asked to make timely saves early on.

Suriname’s Mayra Tjin A Koeng made one of her three critical saves in the 18th minute, as Stefanie Kouzas looked primed to score from a through ball.

On the other end, Chante Sandiford got her hands to divert a dangerous attempt in the 29th in what was one of her four saves on the night.

Suriname’s attacking front tried to turn up the heat in the second half, as Andaya Lantveld had one of her team’s best opportunities in the 55th, but Sandiford provided little room to work with and the woodwork did the rest.

Lady Jags go top

With the win, their second in three games, the Lady Jags have moved to the top of Group A of League B, ahead of Suriname on goal difference. Both countries are locked on six points.

Antigua and Barbuda (4) and Dominica (1) complete the group.

Guyana and Suriname face off again on September 29 at the Dr. IR Franklin Essed Stadium.

The Lady Jags opened their Road To Concacaf W Gold Cup campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Antigua and Barbuda on September 20. But the team bounced back in the second match dominating Dominica 5-1 to secure their first three points.

The first-place finishers from each League B group, totalling three teams, will advance to the 2024 W Gold Cup Prelims.

The Road To Concacaf W Gold Cup has 34 registered senior women’s national teams. It is the qualifying tournament for the highly anticipated 2024 W Gold Cup, the top-tier competition for senior footballers in the Concacaf region.