CFU Women’s World Cup Qualifier …
A CONFIDENT Guyana team will face St Vincent and the Grenadines today in the final Group `A’ fixture of the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Women’s World Cup Qualifier match at the GCC ground from 15:30 h. Still basking from their 2-0 historic win against Suriname at the same venue on Friday, the local lasses will be beaming with confidence going into today’s match against a team that four days ago lost by a 0-1 margin to the Dutch side that Guyana rolled over just two days ago.

According to a source close to the coaching staff of the Guyana `Lady Jags’, there are a few areas that the locals would have to tighten up on in today’s match, if they are to come out on top.

Among the areas of concern is the team’s defensive strategy, especially in the second half of the 90-minute game.

The source, however, did not divulge the main area of concern, but pointed out that in the game against Suriname, the Dutch side were able to make inroads into Guyana’s defence without much trouble.

It was noted that like Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a few skilful players and despite not finishing well, were able to breach the Dutch team’s defence on a number of occasions and the locals would have to be wary of this, “but the coaching staff would be working on that area today (yesterday).

After their historic victory against Suriname on Friday, Programme Director of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Women’s Development Programme, US-based Colin Baker said the victory against the Dutch team is a historic one and he is very happy for the team. He added that he was pleased with the team’s performance and is optimistic that they would go a far way in the tournament.

Team coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover said he was also happy with the outcome of last Friday’s game against the Dutch side, and is confident that the `Lady Jags’ can get past St Vincent and the Grenadines today.

Baker said the CFU tournament is an exciting time not only for women’s football, but also for sport in general in Guyana.

He added that since last December when Guyana hosted an international friendly between Suriname, Guyana and a North America-based Guyanese team, plans have been put in place for his organisation to assist with Guyana’s football development and their mission is to tap into the resources that Guyana has all over the world..

“We have in this team (Lady Jags) 15 members who are based in North America and who are playing for their respective colleges and universities, so you can see the level of players we have.

Apart from the 15 North America-based players, the local squad also includes seven locally based players.

Meanwhile, in pursuit of a second consecutive victory, the `Lady Jags’ would be looking to their captain Ashley Rodrigues to take them forward to the CONCACAF round (round two) of the competition with her attacking style of play with support from playmaker Alison Heydom along with Brittany Persaud who scored Guyana’s two goals against Suriname on Friday.

Valuable support is also expected from right over-lapping midfielder Nikkita Persaud, left wing back Colette Hope, left winger Mariam El-Masri and central defender Kayla DeSouza.

Locally based Guyanese Ronette Cort will perform duties between the uprights.

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ response will come from Riq Trimmingham, Francena Quasie, Akaria Samuel, Amalis Marshall, Kimisha Stephens, Jessica Miller, Asha Richards, Glenis Sutherland, Arima Franklyn, Coreen Yorke and custodian Sheree-Ann John.