PLAYING against the United States in the host nation’s first match at the CONCACAF Gold Cup is a dream come true, according to Golden Jaguars captain Sam Cox.

Guyana’s senior men’s team will make their first appearance at the Gold Cup in June after beating Belize 2-1 at home in their final qualifier last month.

The team have been drawn in Group D against the United States, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago in a mouth-watering group that is likely to attract big television audiences, as one of the toughest set of fixtures in the opening stage of the tournament.

“I’ve been praying for and dreaming of a dream tie with the USA, I’ve been wanting it and that was exactly what we got,” 28-year-old Cox said in an interview. “We know the USA are the current holders of the Gold Cup and we know the strength that they hold within the CONCACAF region is phenomenal. To actually draw them in their opening match is not only great exposure for us as a team, but it’s also a massive platform to put Guyana on the map.”

Guyana play the United States in Minneapolis on June 18, Panama in Cleveland on June 22, and Trinidad & Tobago in Kansas City on June 26.

“Along with the other two opponents in our group – it’s a dream come true.” Cox said. “Panama have been in the FIFA World Cup and are a very strong side, and Trinidad & Tobago have been a force in the Caribbean region for many years.“

Cox revealed that he had spoken to other members of the squad and that the reaction had been overwhelmingly positive. “We know we have got one of the toughest groups but after talking to the boys last night – we are all buzzing and excited”.

“We are going to thrive on this opportunity and we are going to give the very best of ourselves so that we make the nation proud,” he concluded.