FOLLOWING their 2-0 loss to Cuba in the opening game, head coach Jamaal Shabazz said that Guyana’s National Under-23 team will bounce back when they come up against Antigua and Barbuda today in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Olympic Qualifier. The game kicks off at 18:00hrs after the Cuba/Aruba clash which gets on the way at 15:30hrs.
While Guyana had a sour start to their campaign in the tournament, Antigua and Barbuda crushed Aruba 7-0.
“I think we will battle them with courage,” Shabazz said while speaking on today’s important encounter, given the fact that only one team will advance from the group.
“Going into the game versus Antigua we must treat them with the same respect as Cuba. They are a formidable opponent, more offensive than Cuba and in front of their home fans. Our squad are disciplined and work to the point where they will give their blood,” said Shabazz.
Reflecting on the game against Cuba where the Spanish-speaking island were led by goals from Frank Manuel Lopez (7th minute) and Darian Perez (41st minute), Shabazz is of the opinion that Guyana “put up a brave fight” against a team he believes is “more experienced and superior to us in several departments.”
“We battled well and created some chances especially in the second half, but the experience and composure of Cuba overwhelmed us. I am proud of the effort of the lads and we look forward to an equally challenging encounter against the hosts Antigua,” Shabazz opined. Against Cuba, Guyana started with Anthony Whyte between the uprights and a defensive line-up that featured Joshua Brown, Daniel Whyte, Les Charles Critchlow and William Europe.
In the midfield, head coach Jamaal Shabazz turned to English-based Kadell Daniel, Alpha United’s Daniel Wilson, GFC’s Kareem Knights and Trayon Bobb who plays in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League with Caledonia AIA.
Up front, Bobb’s team-mate at Caledonia Pernell Schultz was paired with Den Amstel FC’s forward Dellon Lanferman.
Asked if any changes will be made, Shabazz stopped short by saying “we may bring in Jamaal Harvey into the team he came on and was solid”.