GUYANA’s national U-20 footballers secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands Antilles in their final match of the Caribbean Football Union U-20 World Cup eliminators played at the Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo.
For yesterday’s encounter several changes were made to the starting line-up and ironically two of the new starters featured in the two goals to give the Guyanese their first win after losing their first two games.
Calvin DeSouza and Delory Ferdinand replaced Brandon Beresford and Bevon Moseley at midfield, while Ryan Crandon returned to displace Mortimer Ramdehol at central defense and Keoma Sullivan got the nod over Deshawn Joseph at left back. Neither side settled in the first half which could be best described as scrappy as it ended without a goal at either end. The Antilleans were denied by goalkeeper Richie Richards 2 minutes from the interval when the unmarked Yvanny Calvenhoven got into the box, but the alertness of the Guyanese custodian who was off his line in a flash averted the  clear-cut opportunity.
On the resumption, the pattern of play from the first period was extended until the nippy Elson Hooi capitalised on poor defensive coverage in the box to give the Netherlands the lead in the 64th minute. A deep cross from the left skimmed off the head of Captain Colin Nelson in an attempt to clear the ball and Hooi who was free behind had time to control and rock the nets.
Immediately the Guyanese came to life and with coach Collie Hercules making the changes the team looked different. Out went Eon Alleyne and Olvis Mitchell and in came Bevon Moseley and Telson McKinnon
In the 70th minute DeSouza in a quick burst from the middle stole the ball from Jizhar Santiroma just outside the Netherlands box and with one motion found Sheldon Holder who, though a bit hesitant, got inside his marker and in the box to cleverly put it past the keeper’s right along the ground for the equalizer.

The game suddenly intensified and both sides were attacking in search of the go-ahead goal. Ten minutes from the end Crandon pulled up with cramps in his calves and was forced to leave the field and his replacement Ramdehol apparently brought the winner with him as Guyana scored in the 81st minute.
Quick thinking by Ferdinand and positive reaction by Trayon Bobb handed Guyana the lead. A free kick was awarded to Guyana two metres from the goal line on the left and while the Antilleans were slow to react Ferdinand saw the opening in the six yards box and quickly made the perfect pass for Bobb coming from the far right to boot home despite the efforts of the defence and goalkeeper to deny him.
Two minutes from the end Guyana won a free kick at the top of the box and captain Nelson curled a left booter into the keeper’s right ‘V” only to be denied by Dominican referee Ignatius Baptiste who had blown before the ball was kicked for an elbow fired by Brian Anastacia on Bobb in the wall.
It was an instant Red for Anasticia, and did not go down well with the Antillean players as they protested and lost another player as Terrence Frans was also given marching orders.
A deserved win for a determined performance by the Guyanese who ended a poor run on a high note. The contingent is expected back home today.    
Meanwhile, Suriname beat Bermuda 2-1 in the second match to top the group.