Guyana Senior Women’s National Team is set for a crucial clash against the Dominican Republic on February 17, 2024, in the Concacaf W Gold Cup Preliminary Round vying for a place in the Group Stage of the prestigious regional tournament.
The Guyanese team must secure a victory in this match to advance to Group A alongside the United States, Mexico and Argentina of the Concacaf W Gold Cup.
The eagerly anticipated Prelims game, which was announced via an official draw on Monday, December 11, is slated to take place at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Greater Los Angeles, United States.
Guyana is among six national teams, which also include Haiti, Puerto Rico, El Salvador and Guatemala, competing in this round, having secured their spots through the 2023 Road to Concacaf W Gold Cup.
Lady Jags Head Coach Omar Khan said the team is eager to seize the opportunity to compete in Group A alongside several top female national teams and highlighted that the coaching staff has already started analysing the playing style of the Dominican Republic.
“This is our chance to really get in with the big countries, in the big games. I think it’s a great opportunity and we have to take that opportunity with both hands to try to get everything out of it.”
“We’ll be ready, we already started to analyse the game of the opponent, we’ve started to see which game plan we could use. Doesn’t matter what happens, it’s going to be a great experience and opportunity to play on a high level in the first Gold Cup.”
In November, the Lady Jags etched their names in history by clinching a place in the Preliminary Rounds. They achieved this feat with five wins and one loss, amassing an impressive 15 points in the Concacaf Road To Gold Cup.
Their victories were against Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname, and Dominica over the past three months.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde said he is confident that the national team will tackle this upcoming challenge with the same level of determination and heart shown during the Road to Concacaf W Gold Cup.
“The Lady Jags have consistently demonstrated their talent and dedication, proving their capability to excel at the highest levels of football. I have no doubt this round will echo that. Despite the strong challenge posed by the Dominican Republic, our team tackles each game with determination and heart.”
The first-ever Concacaf W Gold Cup is a premier regional competition hosting eight Concacaf national teams alongside four guest teams from CONMEBOL.
The group victors, runners-up, and the two most successful third-place finishers will progress to the tournament’s knockout phase and eventual final.
President Forde reiterated his call to all Guyanese, both at home and abroad, urging them to support this exceptional national team as they continue to elevate Guyana’s name on the global football stage.