Guyana squad reduced to 15 players for CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers
National U-20 midfielder Javier George on the attack against River's View FC in the final training match
National U-20 midfielder Javier George on the attack against River's View FC in the final training match

GUYANA has been forced to reduce its squad at the CONCACAF U-20 Men’s Qualifiers to 15 players as a result of the Nicaraguan authorities’ refusal to accept the International Yellow Card presented.

Five Under 20 players were denied entry into Nicaraguan by the immigration authorities there. Upon arrival, the immigration authorities informed the Staff that a quarantine period of 10-days was required for the Yellow fever vaccine.

 The U20 contingent did not satisfy that condition. Strangely however, 10 players with the exact vaccination date were permitted entry into the country.

The Under 20 Team Manager also complained about the hostile reception the team received from the Nicaraguan immigration authorities, who subjected the players and staff to several layers of security checks that lasted for hours.

This development has resulted in one goalkeeper, two midfielders and two defenders being refused entry into the country and thus exiting the tournament.

The GFF has since informed the parents/caregivers of the players in question about the situation and will ensure their safe return to Guyana.

The GFF will be making a formal complaint to CONCACAF once all the details are presented by the

Management team.

The CONCACAF U-20 Men’s Qualifiers will be held in Nicaragua from February 15 to 23.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Wayne Dover  had said he is pleased with the overall performance of the team during their preparatory period.

The team played four training matches; three against the Guyana-based Senior Men’s National Team and one against River Views FC from Region 7.

Dover said the objectives of the training matches were achieved as the players were exposed to some competitive fixtures.

According to Dover, the performance of the team was commendable in the matches played, given the fact that he saw the implementation of many areas worked on and also saw areas which needed more attention.

The National U-20 coach stated that “after each game, we fixed some of the problems identified. The toughest opponents were definitely the senior team. They played against us as if it were the final Gold Cup Qualifying game that they need to win. That was the kind of test needed to make a proper assessment of the team.”

Meanwhile, Development coach and National midfielder Anthony Benfield has been assigned as assistant coach following a motorcycle accident injury to Calvin Allen.

Guyana have been placed in Group A with St Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, US Virgin Islands and hosts Nicaragua.

Guyana will kick off their campaign against Montserrat on Saturday, February 15, followed by a clash with St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday, February 17. Both matches are set to start at 17:30hrs.

The Guyanese will then face US Virgin Islands on February 21, and an encounter with hosts Nicaragua on February 23 will see Dover’s men wrap things up in the Central American country.

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