…Guyana among only two Caribbean teams to progress to Concacaf Women’s Champs

GUYANA’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, was among those expressing delight over the Guyana Under-20 women’s advancing to the Concacaf Championship, set to be played later this year.
In a Facebook post, President Ali offered the following: “Congratulations to our National Under-20 Women’s Football Team for securing their spot in the Concacaf Championship with an impressive 1-0 victory over Haiti.”
Guyana became one of only two Caribbean teams to progress to the Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship following a crucial 1-0 victory over Haiti in their final Group A qualifying match on Tuesday.
Myanne Fernandes’ 57th-minute strike ensured the young lady Jaguars secured the much-needed win to overtake Haiti for the coveted top spot and through to the championship round. Guyana ended on seven points, while Haiti, who missed out, ended on six points.
Guyana joined Puerto Rico, Panama, Canada, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica through to the business round, where they will meet powerhouses Mexico and the United States to battle for four spots in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
While Guyana clinched their spot with a hard-fought win over Haiti, Group A host Antigua and Barbuda ended their failed campaign on a high with a 5-3 win over Belize at the ABFA Technical Center in Saint John’s.
Gabrielle De Suza (38th, 90+4), Ajahna Martin (22nd), Iressiea Allen (24th), and a 28th-minute own goal by Riann Acal got the job done for Antigua and Barbuda, while Belize’s goals came from Khalydia Velasquez (36th, 79th) and Betsy Perez (45+1).
Over in Group C, Panama secured their qualification despite being held to a 1-1 draw by the Dominican Republic at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez in Santo Domingo. Shaday Mow put the hosts ahead in the 60th minute, but Renata Mercedes equalised for Panama in the 80th off a set piece.
Both teams ended on seven points each, but Panama had a superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Cuba cruised past Bonaire with a commanding 6-0 victory in the other group contest of academic interest. A hat-trick from Kennys Castellanos (43rd, 67th, 90+2) and one each from Lorena Leiva (45+2) and Ninel Ortega (83rd), as well as a Gabriela Illidge 89th-minute own goal, rounded out the rout.
Elsewhere in Group E, Canada delivered a statement performance as they dismantled Trinidad and Tobago 12-0 in their top-of-the-table clash at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
The Canadians were led by hat-tricks from Annabelle Chukwu (6th, 11th, 56th) and Kierra Blundell (71st, 85th, 90th), while Kaylee Hunter (8th), Léa Larocuhe (36th), Juliette Perreault (50th), Jeneva Hernandez Gray (54th), Teegan Melenhorst (74th), and Ella Kettles (90+2) completed the onslaught.
Canada ended with maximum nine points, while Trinidad and Tobago ended on six points.
In the other Group E match of academic interest, Dominica came from behind to defeat Bermuda 2-1. Kiyanna Phillip (11th) and Le-Myah Forde (17th) saw Dominica to their first win of the tournament after Avani Patton’s fourth-minute goal for Bermuda. (Sportsmax)