Guyana's U17 footballers to take on Bahamas on Thursday in Concacaf Qualifiers

Guyana's U17 Jaguars in Florida (Photo: GFF)

Guyana’s National U17 footballers are just coming off adefeat against Bonaire and now turn their attention to the Bahamas for a chance at redemption.

The 2022 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship Qualifiers sees 22 teams split into four groups battling it out on the pitch for a chance to land a spot in the 2023 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship.

Guyana is competing in Group A alongside Bermuda, Bahamas, Bonaire, Saint Martin and the British Virgin Islands.

Guyana’s U17 boys’ next match is against Bahamas on Thursday September 1. Guyana’s is currently ranked fifth in the group while Bahamas is in third.

On Tuesday at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Guyana suffered a loss against Bonaire who is now ranked second in the group.

Bonaire managed to rally from a 2-1 second half deficit to top Guyana 4-2. Gerry Burnette (40’) gave Guyana a 1-0 lead, but then 11 minutes later had an own goal to make it 1-1.

The Golden Jaguars were back ahead 2-1 through Matrim Martin (52’), only for Bonaire to respond with three straight goals from Mervin Dishmey (58’), Freadyen Michiel (70’) and Rhiordan Piar (88’).

The round robin group stage is being played between August 30 - September 8, with the four group winners advancing to the 2023 Championship event to face off against the top 16 ranked nations.