Guyana tackle Guadeloupe in Group ‘I’ opener today
… confident of victory
GUYANA’S bid to lift the most prestigious prize in Caribbean football – Digicel Cup – will begin this evening at 18.00 h (local time)at the Riviere Pilote Stadium in Martinique when they meet with Guadeloupe to kick-start Group ‘I’ of the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals which kicked-off last night at the Pierre Aliker Stadium where Group ‘H’ matches are being played.
The Guyanese arrived in Forte-de-France, yesterday, optimistic about their chances for their 3rd Caribbean Football finals appearance despite the loss of two key players prior to departure on Thursday last.
US-born John Rodrigues and Sean Cameron, both of Miami FC, sent shockwaves through the Guyana’s football fraternity when they announced their withdrawals from the national team.
Head Coach Wayne Dover told Chronicle Sport that while he acknowledges that both players will be greatly missed his job is to prepare the team to go out and produce the necessary result to keep hopes alive.
Rodrigues’ absence in the middle defence should pave the way for the recalled Kester Jacobs whose height and speed will be an asset in partnering the ageing captain Howard Lowe. Why and how the talented National U-20 captain Colin Nelson is not in Martinique is a question being asked.
It will be illogical and a recipe for disaster to persist with, perhaps the oldest player at the finals in 37-year-old Charles Pollard, in the middle of our defence at this level where the accent is on speed.
The former national captain will only make it easier for the opposing forwards. The conservative English duo of Jake Newton and Chris Bourne should hold their positions at right and left back respectively, with Ronson Williams in goal to complete the defence.
Caledonia-based Shawn Beveney should return to the starting XI with Cameron out, while the rest of the midfield is expected to include Caledonia’s Walter Moore, New Zealand-based Howard Newton and Alpha’s Dwight Peters or Dwain Jacobs. Anthony Abrams and Devon Millington should retain their positions as twin strikers. Recalled forward Nigel Codrington should serve well coming off the bench.
The coaching staff might have other choices, but whichever XI goes out this evening to start Guyana’s campaign would quickly realise that they are up against a well prepared and organised ‘Gwada Boys’ aiming to avenge their two defeats in previous meetings.
Guyana’s next game will be on Monday against Antigua and Barbuda who will open against Jamaica in the feature game tonight.
Guyana and Jamaica will clash in the final match of the group on Wednesday night, following the Guadeloupe-Antigua and Barbuda match. All of Guyana’s matches will be shown live on NCN TV, compliments of Digicel – the Bigger, Better, Network.