THE Guyana Golden Jaguars Senior Men’s National Team opened their 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League campaign with a hard- fought 1-0 victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday, September 24, at Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau, Dominica.

Competing in League B, Group A, the Golden Jaguars entered their opening fixture determined to secure a positive result against Puerto Rico, with all three points providing an important foundation for their campaign.

After a tightly contested opening half, both teams went into the break with neither side able to find the breakthrough. The second half continued in a similar fashion, with both teams battling for control and opportunities remaining at a premium.

Guyana eventually broke the deadlock in the 78th minute after being awarded a penalty. Seattle Sounders FC forward Osaze DeRosario stepped up from the spot and calmly converted, sending the ball into the back of the net to give the Golden Jaguars a crucial 1-0 lead. The goal proved decisive as Guyana maintained its advantage through the closing stages to secure all three points and begin its Nations League campaign on a winning note. The result also marked the Golden Jaguars’ first points in a Group A that includes Puerto Rico, Dominica and the Cayman Islands.

With the opening victory secured, the Golden Jaguars will return to action on Sunday, September 27, when they face the Cayman Islands at Windsor Park Stadium. Guyana will then continue its Nations League campaign with an away fixture against Dominica on October 1 and again on October 4, before completing the September-October match window.

For the Golden Jaguars, the campaign carries added significance as the Nations League serves as the qualification pathway for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, scheduled for June and July 2027. The four League B group winners will qualify directly for the Gold Cup, while the two best second-place finishers in League B will advance to the Gold Cup Preliminary Round, where they will compete for one of the remaining qualification places.

Guyana last featured at the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2019, making the current Nations League campaign an important opportunity for the Golden Jaguars to pursue a return to the region’s premier men’s national team tournament. With six group-stage matches to contest, every point will be significant as Guyana seeks to advance through the qualification pathway and secure another appearance on the Gold Cup stage.