Guatemala triumphed over Guyana with a 2-0 victory in the decisive second leg of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification on March 25, 2025, advancing with an aggregate score of 4-3. In a thrilling match at Estadio Cementos Progreso, the team demonstrated resilience and skill, overcoming their earlier 3-2 loss to secure a spot in the group stage of the Copa Oro.
The encounter started with Guatemala claiming possession and pushing forward early on. It didn’t take long for them to establish their dominance; just ten minutes into the game, Rubio Rubín scored the first goal for Guatemala, igniting hopes of a comeback. The play unfolded when Pedro Altán, operating on the left flank, whipped in a low cross that Rubín managed to tap in, putting Guatemala ahead 1-0.
Despite the early goal, Guyana proved to be a challenging opponent. They attempted to level the match, with their best opportunity coming shortly after Guatemala's opener when Moriah-Welsh forced a crucial save from goalkeeper Fredy Pérez. Nevertheless, Guatemala kept up the pressure, creating additional scoring chances but failing to find the net again until the second half.
In the second half, head coach Luis Fernando Tena made tactical changes, including bringing on José Morales to replace the booked José Ardón. This strategic shift paid off when Erick Lemus, who had come off the bench, scored the insurance goal in the 75th minute. Lemus struck a powerful shot from inside the area, sealing the match for Guatemala.
Things took a turn for Guyana when their goalkeeper, Quillan Roberts, received a straight red card in the 84th minute, complicating the visitors' efforts to respond. This expulsion left Guyana with ten men on the field as they struggled in the dying moments of the game, ultimately unable to mount a comeback.
Following the match, Guatemala celebrated a hard-fought victory, having turned around the earlier situation where they suffered a surprising defeat in the first leg. Coach Tena expressed confidence in his team and their potential to excel in the upcoming Copa Oro. “This win was vital for us to regain our confidence,” said Tena, emphasizing the importance of performing well on home turf.
Guyana’s coach, Wayne Dover, praised his team’s efforts despite the loss, noting that their initial victory had provided them a psychological boost heading into the second leg. “It was a historic moment for us to win the first game, but we knew that coming here was difficult,” he stated.
With this win, Guatemala has earned its place in the group stage of the 2025 Copa Oro, where they will face formidable competition from other CONCACAF teams. The spirits remain high as the team looks to capitalize on this revival under Tena’s leadership.
As next steps unfold, both teams will reflect on their journey through these qualifiers. For Guatemala, there is momentum to build upon as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament, while Guyana will take solace in their initial triumph, focusing on future opportunities to grow and develop in international soccer.
