U-17 footballers show promising signs ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Suriname Football Association have wrapped up a series of friendly matches to prepare both nations for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s and Men’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled for February.

Under a bilateral agreement, each team competed in two matches in Suriname and two in Guyana, providing essential exposure and development for their young players.

The series culminated in a decisive 3-0 victory for Guyana’s U-17 girls against Suriname. Veronica Chatta opened the scoring just after half-time with a precise strike in the 47th minute, followed by Erin Peneux, who doubled the lead in the 81st minute.

Allia Henry capped off the performance with a well-executed finish in the 90th minute.

In contrast, Guyana’s U-17 boys fought valiantly to secure a 0-0 draw against Suriname in their final encounter.

The match highlighted their resilience and provided valuable experience as they prepare for their international campaign.

GFF President Wayne Forde expressed pride in the U-17 girls’ performance, stating, “I am extremely proud of our U-17 girls. Congratulations to the coaching staff and our support teams. These matches are vital indicators of our progress as we build towards the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and reflect the growth of women’s football domestically.”

He added, “I extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents, partners, and stakeholders invested in the women’s game. While we have more work ahead, these positive results suggest we are on the right path.”

Regarding the boys’ performance, Forde noted, “Although the match ended in a draw, their improvement was evident. It was a tough contest that showcased their determination, promising signs as we approach the 2025 qualifiers.”

This bilateral series underscored the commitment of both the GFF and the Suriname Football Association to youth football development. The four matches provided coaches with critical insights into their squads while fostering regional collaboration to advance the sport.

As both associations prepare for the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers, these friendly matches lay a crucial foundation for future growth, team cohesion, and enhanced competitiveness on the international stage. (GFF)