In a crucial match for the Copa Oro 2025, Guyana faced Guatemala on March 21, 2025, at the Wildey Turf in Barbados. The match, starting at 7:00 PM Guatemala time (8:00 PM Peru time), was pivotal for both teams, as the winner would secure a place in the prestigious tournament set for June 14 to July 6, 2025.
As the game kicked off, tensions were high. Guyana, coached by Wayne Dover, presented a formidable lineup that included players like Q. Roberts, E. Bonds, J. Jones, and R. Greenidge among others. Meanwhile, Guatemala, led by Luis Fernando Tena, fielded an experienced team with the likes of Fredy Pérez and José Pinto. Despite their previous record, with Guatemala having never been defeated by Guyana, the locals were eager to break that trend.
The match was broadcasted across multiple platforms including the Concacaf YouTube channel, ESPN, Disney Plus, and Fox Soccer Plus in the U.S., allowing fans to tune in for the intense action.
In the first half, Guyana showcased impressive momentum, pressing Guatemala with swift attacks. Shortly after the kickoff, a key moment came when Morales of Guatemala took a shot that went straight into the hands of Roberts, the Guyana goalkeeper, showcasing both teams' eagerness to take control.
The pressure paid off when Guyana struck first. Jones capitalized on a defensive error, managing to evade the goalkeeper and level the score at 1-0, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The goal heightened the stakes for Guatemala, which needed to respond to maintain its qualification hopes.
Guatemala, eager to level the score, began to regroup and focus on ball possession, attempting to create opportunities while minimizing risks. The team's strategy began to shift as they attempted to dominate possession in hopes of finding an opening in the Guyanese defense.
As the match unfolded, both teams had their moments. Guatemala showcased its technical skills, but Guyana's steadfast defense held strong against the pressing attacks. Despite several attempts, including notable plays by Omari Glasgow and Osaze De Rosario for Guyana, Guatemala struggled to find the back of the net.
Guatemala's last chance to equalize came late in the second half as they pushed forward relentlessly, but every effort was thwarted by a stubborn Guyanese backline fierce with determination.
This match was particularly important for both teams. For Guatemala, not qualifying for the Copa Oro would be seen as a significant disappointment given its historical success in the tournament. They previously triumphed against Guyana, winning a preliminary match by 4-0 in July 2021, and had high hopes of continuing that successful streak.
In contrast, Guyana, which finished last in Group A of the Concacaf Nations League without any wins, was looking to make history by securing its first-ever spot in the Copa Oro tournament. Their last round victory over Barbados with a combined score of 9-4 provided a glimmer of hope for this fixture.
As the clock ticked down towards the end of the match, the urgency on the field was palpable. The outcomes of this fixture could determine on which side history would tip. Would it be the determined Guatemalans or the underdog Guyanese? The crowd could hardly contain its excitement.
Ultimately, the game finished with Guyana maintaining their lead, a first leg victory that set the stage for a crucial return match. As the teams prepared for the next leg, they knew that what lay ahead could change their footballing futures forever.
With the stakes high and aspirations strong, both teams are keenly aware of their goals. While Guyana aims to achieve a historic milestone in the Copa Oro, Guatemala seeks to uphold its reputation as a footballing powerhouse in the region. The next encounter promises to be as electrifying as this first leg, as fans eagerly await to see which team will advance.
