By Calvin Chapman
TEENAGE Prodigy Omari Glasgow netted his 11th and most important goal for Guyana’s senior men’s side; the Golden Jaguars, last night at the National Track & Field Centre, Leonora, when he equalised in the 44th minute in the 3-2 victory against Bahamas in their second Concacaf Nations League B Group D match.

The goal; a curling corner that evaded his teammates, Bahamas’ defence and goalkeeper, to slip into the top right corner, was a lucky but deserved break for the Golden Jaguars who had dominated the match up to that point but found themselves trailing.

Guyana bombarded Bahamas’ final third with constant attacking plays during the first 38 minutes but failed to find the finishing product, and Bahamas went ahead in the 39th minute after Wood Julmis made no mistake from the spot.

Bahamas would’ve been cognisant of the attacking threat of the Guyanese that drubbed Antigua & Barbuda 5-1 in their opening Nations League game, last Saturday, and had a clear plan to stuff players behind the ball and try to counter attack.

However, that counterattacking ploy proved ineffective throughout the game because the Jaguars back line was resolute.

Ironically, both Bahamas’ goals came via penalties; the second, a consolation in the 86th minute which was also converted by Julmis, after they were already trailing 3-2.

The game was deadlocked 1-1 at halftime but the home side showed ominous signs and the 400 spectators were calm.

Glasgow pulled out all the tricks in the second half and assisted the remaining goals. The first was a beauty from Queen’s Park Rangers’ Stephen Duke-McKenna in the 54th minute who cut into the left side of the box and curled an unstoppable shot into the top right corner.

Glasgow’s second assist was tucked in nicely by Kelsey Benjamin who had to really stretch to get onto a close range pass in the 58th minute.

In this season of the Gold Cup, Benjamin now has three goals from the two matches played while Glasgow has four. But, the young men could’ve added extra goals to their tally with more than a couple fantastic chances being squandered.
Jeremy Garrett and Colin Nelson were great in defence. Besides the two penalties, there were only two recorded shots on goal.

Liam asked many questions of the Bahamas’ defence and was especially menacing in the latter stages of the match.

During the post-match interview, Jaguars’ Head Coach Jamal Shabazz, expressed disappointment with the condition of the pitch, noting that it is unacceptable for international play.

Stephen Duke-Mckenna, who put the Jaguars ahead, shared, “We have a good team. It was tough (playing on the pitch) but we as players have to adapt. And, we did so and came out on top.”
Guyana will play Puerto Rico in their next match Concacaf Nations League B Group D match at a date yet to be decided.