THE Ministry of Education Department of Sport/National Sport Commission (NSC) has extended congratulations to Guyana’s Senior National Women’ football team, the Lady Jags on advancing to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Associations of Football (CONCACAF) Olympic qualifiers recently.Sport director Christopher Jones in a statement commended theteam for its work, adding that their determination and hard work and has paid off.

Jones noted that the Guyanese people and by extension the Government stand with them as they continue their journey to the next level of competition.

The Lady Jags defeated the Jamaica 2-1 on Friday evening to book their spot in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier next year, thanks to goals from Mariam El Masri and second half substitute Brittany Persuad.

Their triumph represents the second time the Guyanese women have qualified for a major CONCACAF tournament, leaving the men’s side again in the dust

After falling to Puerto Rico 1 – 0 on Wednesday at the same venue, Guyana regrouped and rebounded to put on another mesmerising performance at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

Tashana Vincent of Jamaica gave her side the early lead just before half time (43rd minute) but the refueled and revitalized jags came back strong just three minutes after the break but a fire cracker from Mariam El Masri.

It was not going to be over there as Persaud hammered home the second to put Guyana in the driver’s seat; a position which they held until full time.

With the win, Guyana will now join USA, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, Trinidad, Puerto Rico and Guatemala to see which two countries will represent CONCACAF at the Olympic Games in Rio.